You don’t need to fly to Japan to get an authentic onsen experience – 38°C Onsen Spa is right across the Causeway, serving us a slice of Japan in JB. Not only do you get to unwind with a long soak in their onsen, you can even rent a kimono for a photoshoot to complete the whole Kyoto-at-home experience. Here’s all you need to know:
The current exchange rate is RM10 = ~S$2.98 as of 21st April 2025.
38°C Onsen Spa has 2 outlets in JB and 1 in KL. They offer a variety of different packages, all of which include the kimono experience, dessert, and refreshments.
There’s a 120-minute Onsen with Scrub package from RM328 (~S$97.88), or a 90-minute Massage Only option priced at RM298 (~S$88.93). They even have a specialised Uterus Massage from RM338 (~S$100.87) for the ladies, which is a cypress massage with a herbal tummy mask. The most popular option, however, is the RM398 (~S$118.86), 150-minute Onsen Full Package, which includes everything listed below:
Image credit: @m0nice via Lemon8
We meant it when we said this spa is a slice of Japan in the tropics. Here, a full immersion into the “I’m in Japan” experience is key to their relaxation experience, which starts with a kimono dress-up sesh you can enjoy for 20 minutes before heading to the spa.
Their Japanese traditional wear collection has options for both genders and all ages – even for kids as young as 3 – and is well-stocked with yukatas in a variety of colours and designs. Don’t worry if you’re unsure how to put on the outfits, because their staff are on hand to assist you in getting ready and making sure you look bomb.
Image credit: @carolenechl via Instagram
For the girlies, you’ll be able to complete your ‘fit’ with matching hair accessories and geta, a traditional Japanese wooden clog. Then, pick from props like hand-held fans and parasols so you can live out your kawaii dreams.
Image credit: @its.anne.with.an.e via Instagram
To carry out the illusion of being in Japan, you’ll get to pose against plenty of themed backgrounds like a faux sakura tree or inside a washitsu – a Japanese tatami room.
Image credit: @kl.now via Instagram
Then, you can unwind with a 15-minute foot soak in your yukata as you sip on a cup of warm tea. The tea is paired with a biscuit too, so you can have a little snack before heading for the rest of your spa experience
Image credit: @xccarmennx via Instagram
If you’ve been to onsen towns in Japan, you’ll know that nudity is pretty much expected. If you aren’t a fan of baring it all, know that you’ll have your own private onsen tub at 38°C Onsen Spa. Plus, the spa will provide disposable undergarments for you to wear during your tub soak if you’re sharing it with friends
The tub is big enough to fit up to 4 people, so you can enjoy a romantic soak with your plus one or have a spa date with your girlfriends too.
The 45-minute soak isn’t just a relaxing experience, it’s also greatly beneficial for your skin since the onsen waters are infused with fulvic acid. Fulvic acid opens your pores to regulate oil balance, making your skin feel silky smooth after soaking.
Image credit: @thedoubleeaters via Instagram
That’s not all, this already indulgent experience ups the ante by offering desserts to go with your relaxing soak. While there’s no fixed menu, you can expect to get sliced fruit, alongside sweet treats and hot tea.
Image credit: @kl.now via Instagram
After your muscles are relaxed from the soak in the warm onsen, indulge in an hour-long full body massage that will remove unwanted tension and muscle knots, while encouraging blood circulation.
A good consideration from the spa is that you’re asked about your preferences beforehand, like the areas you’d like the masseuse to focus on and massage pressure. That means all that’s left is for you to lie back and enjoy the massage without having to say anything at all.
Prices here range from RM298-RM338 (~S$88.75-S$100.70) for one person. Kids can go for the same spa packages here too, priced from RM218 (~S$64.93). Their most popular spa package, the Onsen Full Package, costs RM599 (~S$178.40) for 2, working out to approximately S$90 for each person. This gets you a 2.5-hour experience that includes a kimono experience, a private onsen, and a full body massage.
For a family day out, consider the Family Friendly Package, priced from RM749 – you can bring up to 3 kids with you for the experience.
If you need a break, 38°C Onsen Spa has got you covered. Make it a fun afternoon out with your partner or friends by dressing up and taking photos so you can pretend you’re in Japan without having to actually fly there. Plus, it’s so close by, you won’t even need to take any leave at all.
Do note that there are limited time slots at every outlet, so remember to book your spa appointment in advance.
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Cover image adapted from: @carolenechl, @xccarmennx & @kl.now via Instagram
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