Christmas Day at Furusato no-yu
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Furusato No Yu

4.3
·638 reviews·Nozawaonsen, Japan

Relax and rejuvenate at Furusato No Yu, a welcoming onsen in Nozawa Onsen known for its tattoo-friendly policy and diverse baths.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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Christmas Day at Furusato no-yu

Furusato No Yu

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Relax and rejuvenate at Furusato No Yu, a welcoming onsen in Nozawa Onsen known for its tattoo-friendly policy and diverse baths.

4.3
(638 reviews)

"A lovely onsen experience, especially for those with tattoos, offering varied temperatures and a unique koi pond."

Vertical photo
TIP

Tattoo Friendly :heart:

Good news for inked travelers! This onsen welcomes tattoos, unlike many others in Japan.

Arrive Early to Avoid Queues :stopwatch:

It gets packed after ski slopes close. Aim for earlier in the day for a more peaceful soak.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outdoor Onsen

Outdoor Onsen

Outdoor bath area

Relax in the open air, with some sections featuring koi ponds for a unique, tranquil experience.

Varied Temperature Baths

Varied Temperature Baths

Indoor bath areas

Choose your perfect soak with indoor baths offering temperatures ranging from 41°C to 45°C.

Tattoo-Friendly Policy

Tattoo-Friendly Policy

All bathing areas

Enjoy a traditional onsen experience without worry, as this facility welcomes guests with tattoos.

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Planning Your Visit

Tattoo Policy & Etiquette

While some onsens in Japan have strict tattoo policies, Furusato No Yu is known to be tattoo-friendly, a welcome relief for many travelers. Remember to still be mindful of onsen etiquette, like showering before entering the baths.

Beat the Crowds

This popular onsen can get very busy, especially after ski slopes close. Arriving earlier in the day or during off-peak hours can significantly improve your experience, allowing for a more relaxed soak.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon (before 4 PM)
Why
Avoids post-ski rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Anybody that boarded in Nozawa Onsen in Japan, can you tell me how far I am from the slopes and where I should rent from?

Tattoo Friendly :heart:

Good news for inked travelers! This onsen welcomes tattoos, unlike many others in Japan. Reddit

Arrive Early to Avoid Queues :stopwatch:

It gets packed after ski slopes close. Aim for earlier in the day for a more peaceful soak. Reddit

reddit.com

Nozawa onsen tattoos

Bring Your Own Towel : towel:

While you can rent towels, bringing your own is recommended. Soap and shampoo are provided. Reddit

Locker Storage Available :key:

Secure your valuables in the available lockers before heading to the baths. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Tattoo Friendly :heart:

Good news for inked travelers! This onsen welcomes tattoos, unlike many others in Japan. Reddit

Arrive Early to Avoid Queues :stopwatch:

It gets packed after ski slopes close. Aim for earlier in the day for a more peaceful soak. Reddit

Bring Your Own Towel : towel:

While you can rent towels, bringing your own is recommended. Soap and shampoo are provided. Reddit

Locker Storage Available :key:

Secure your valuables in the available lockers before heading to the baths. Reddit

Lukewarm Outdoor Bath :snowflake:

The outdoor bath might be cooler than expected, especially for those seeking intense heat. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(638 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Furusato No Yu is a popular and generally well-regarded onsen in Nozawa Onsen, praised for its tattoo-friendly policy and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the varied temperature baths and the unique koi pond. However, it can get extremely crowded, especially after ski hours, leading to small changing rooms and potential queues.

"Nice onsen but very busy after the slopes close, and the changing room was too small to accommodate the crowd. Be prepared to queue to get in.

There’s an outdoor bath for ladies but the temperature was lukewarm. There were 2 indoor baths, one was 41-42 Celsius. The other was 43-45 Celsius."

Jane N

"Wow what a lovely onsen! Outdoor bath and tattoo friendly. Also, the towels you rent you get to keep. There are koi fish in the pond next to the outdoor onsen on the women's side."

Victoria Aadnesgaard

"Extremely bad experience with this Onsen.
We came the first day and it was ok.
We came the second day and 2 family members were not convenient to enjoy Onsen while the rest group entered the Onsen. The very impolite man at reception asked the 2 family members to leave as he did not allow them to wait at the lobby . It was ridiculous rude and unfriendly service."

Cammy Chan

What People Like

Tattoo friendly policy
Varied bath temperatures
Outdoor onsen experience

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded
Small changing rooms
Lukewarm outdoor bath

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Furusato No Yu is located in Nozawa Onsen. It's easily accessible on foot from the village center, often a short walk from many accommodations. If you're arriving by train, you'll likely take a bus from the nearest station to Nozawa Onsen village. Reddit

While specific parking details for Furusato No Yu itself might be limited, there are public parking areas available within Nozawa Onsen village. It's best to check with your accommodation for the most convenient parking options. Reddit

Furusato No Yu typically opens in the afternoon and stays open into the evening. It's advisable to check the most current opening hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

Yes, Furusato No Yu is conveniently located within Nozawa Onsen village, making it a walkable destination from many parts of the ski resort area. It's a great way to relax after a day on the slopes. Reddit

The closest public transport hub is the Nozawa Onsen bus terminal, which connects to various train stations. From the bus terminal, Furusato No Yu is a short walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, but recent reports suggest around 700 JPY for adults and 300 JPY for children. It's always a good idea to confirm the current pricing upon arrival or check their official information if available. Reddit

Generally, advance booking is not required for Furusato No Yu. You can usually purchase tickets at the reception upon arrival. However, during peak seasons, it might be wise to arrive early. Reddit

Yes, Furusato No Yu is known to be tattoo-friendly, which is a significant advantage compared to many other onsens in Japan. This allows more visitors to enjoy the experience without concern. Reddit

You are welcome to bring your own towel to Furusato No Yu. While towels can be rented, having your own ensures comfort and saves on rental fees. Reddit

While specific age restrictions aren't heavily detailed, onsens are generally suitable for all ages. Children are welcome, and there's a child's price for entry. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

Furusato No Yu offers changing rooms, showering areas with soap and shampoo, indoor baths at varying temperatures, and an outdoor bath. There's also a small koi pond next to the women's outdoor bath. Reddit

The indoor baths typically range from 41-42°C and 43-45°C. The outdoor bath's temperature can be more variable and may feel lukewarm at times. Reddit

The outdoor bath at Furusato No Yu is typically separated by gender, with a distinct area for men and women. Reddit

As with most onsens, it's generally prohibited to bring electronic devices like phones or cameras into the actual bathing areas to respect privacy and prevent damage. Lockers are available for your belongings. Reddit

The changing room is described as nice and big, with lockers available for valuables. However, it can become crowded, especially during peak times. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Furusato No Yu primarily focuses on the onsen experience and doesn't typically offer extensive food services. However, there are numerous restaurants and eateries in the surrounding Nozawa Onsen village. Reddit

Absolutely! The village of Nozawa Onsen is filled with dining options, from casual noodle shops to more traditional Japanese restaurants, offering a variety of local specialties. Reddit

Nozawa Onsen is famous for its 'Nozawana' pickles. You can also find delicious soba noodles, local sake, and other regional dishes in the village's restaurants. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally not permitted inside the bathing areas for privacy reasons. However, you might be able to capture some exterior shots or the koi pond area if it's accessible without entering restricted zones. Reddit

The village of Nozawa Onsen itself offers many picturesque spots, especially with its traditional architecture and mountain backdrop. The area around the onsen can also be charming. Reddit

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for photography in Nozawa Onsen. The village also has a unique charm in the early morning mist or dusted with snow. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Furusato No Yu can be a fun experience for families, with a child-friendly admission price. The presence of the koi pond next to the women's outdoor bath adds an element of visual interest for younger visitors. While the hotter indoor baths might be too intense for very young children, the outdoor bath's potentially cooler temperature could be more suitable. Ensure children are supervised and understand basic onsen etiquette, such as showering before entering the baths. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

With an admission fee generally around 700 JPY for adults, Furusato No Yu offers an affordable way to experience a traditional Japanese onsen. Bringing your own towel can save on rental costs. Considering it's a popular spot, it provides good value for money compared to more exclusive or private onsen experiences. The village of Nozawa Onsen also has budget-friendly dining options nearby. Reddit

✨ Tattooed Travelers

This is fantastic news for travelers with tattoos! Furusato No Yu is explicitly mentioned as being tattoo-friendly, which is a significant relief given the strict policies at many other Japanese onsens. You can relax and enjoy the therapeutic waters without the worry of being turned away. This makes it a must-visit for those who might otherwise miss out on the onsen experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Onsen Culture & Etiquette

Visiting an onsen is a quintessential Japanese experience, and Furusato No Yu offers a welcoming entry point. Before you dip in, remember the golden rules: always shower thoroughly before entering the baths to maintain cleanliness. This means scrubbing yourself from head to toe at the provided washing stations. You'll typically find stools and handheld showerheads for this purpose. It's considered very impolite to wash in the onsen bath itself.

When you enter the communal baths, do so slowly and respectfully. Keep your small modesty towel (if you have one) out of the water – some people place it on their head or on the side of the bath. Avoid splashing or making excessive noise. The goal is relaxation and quiet contemplation. Remember that Furusato No Yu is known for being tattoo-friendly, which is a significant plus, but always be aware of the general atmosphere and respect other bathers' peace. Reddit

Navigating Crowds and Peak Times

Furusato No Yu is a popular spot, and as reviews indicate, it can get quite crowded, particularly after the ski slopes close for the day. This means you might face queues to enter and a bustling atmosphere inside the changing rooms and baths. To maximize your enjoyment and relaxation, strategize your visit. Weekday mornings are often the quietest, offering a more serene experience. If you're visiting during ski season, aiming for a soak before 4 PM can help you avoid the main rush of skiers looking to unwind.

The changing room size has been noted as a potential bottleneck during peak hours. Be prepared for a bit of a squeeze if you arrive when it's busiest. Having your valuables secured in a locker promptly can help you move through the changing area more efficiently. While the crowds can be a downside, the onsen's amenities, like the varied temperature baths and the unique koi pond, are still worth experiencing. Reddit

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