If you’ve ever stayed at a ryokan in Japan, or just popped by an onsen spa for a couple of hours, you’ll know that it’s one of the most enjoyable travel experiences one can have.
Good news for those who miss Japan’s hot springs: Singapore, too, has onsen spas – with both the nude and non-nude sort. While we don’t have many natural hot spring sources, the water at these onsen spas in Singapore do come with minerals with some sort of health benefits.
Most onsens require you to be fully unclothed, but some onsens in Singapore allow you to wear approved swimwear so check with the staff before entering.
Yes, there are onsens in Singapore that cater to couples too. Private rooms allow for groups of up to 5 people. Here’s a breakdown of the onsens available in Singapore:
| Onsen | Private/Public Baths | Price |
| Heiwa Wellness and Spa | Both | From $150.40 for all-day access, massage & set meal |
| g.spa | Both | From $150.40 for all-day access to the spa facilities |
| Joya Onsen Cafe | Public | $46 for 1-day pass |
| Shiruki Studio | Private | From $25 for foot baths, $35 for a full-body bath |
| Elements Wellness at Centrepoint | Private | From $168 for 115 mins |
| Ikeda Spa | Private | From $100 for 30 mins |
| Yunomori Onsen & Spa | Public | $45 per entry |
Image credit: Colynn Chuah & Heiwa Wellness & Spa via Google Maps
Heiwa Wellness and Spa opened its doors in November 2021, and is conveniently located in Harbourfront Centre. With infrared-powered steam baths and saunas that are said to help improve blood circulation, you can say goodbye to any inflammation, stiffness, and soreness.
The facility also flaunts a mineral-rich jacuzzi, full body massages, and foot reflexology services to unwind.
Image credit: Colynn Chuah via Google Maps
Beyond the usual Japan-town inspired cafe with nosh like sashimi and sushi, treat yourself to a nice 10-course omakase meal from $248.50 to truly feel like royalty.
Image credit: @yeeting_miya92 via Instagram
Replace your drinking sessions at late-night bars with a pamper night at g.spa. The place is open 24-hours so you have the option of going for a dip at 2am. Plus, there’s a 15% discount from 11pm-4am daily for treatments that run for 90 minutes and more.
Hot and cold pools are conveniently split by gender, and loungewear and disposable swimwear will be provided. The onsens also sport opulent elements including the marble-inspired ceilings and stone pillars. Feel free to add on a foot bath (from $25/10 mins) or scalp and neck massage (from $48/30 mins) to complete your experience here.
You’ll definitely have heard of the Westside’s Joya Onsen Cafe, where you can indulge in a day of pampering without having to glance at the clock. Open from 10.30am-10.30pm, this steamy haven offers full-day passes from just $46.
Like most other Japanese-inspired onsens, Joya has gender-separated baths. Even so, good news for all those who aren’t quite ready to rock their birthday suits in front of everyone just yet, you can request for disposable underwear for extra coverage here as well.
Soak in a large 38°C-40°C onsen pool and try out a pore-tightening cold bath before dining at the in-house cafe and calling it a day. The waters are also often infused with detoxifying ingredients such as green tea and oolong tea for health benefits. Doesn’t hurt that the water smells great too!
Image credit: Shiruki Studio
Hydrotherapy spas are Shiruki Studio’s speciality, with customised ultrasonic hydrotherapy treatments for those of us looking to soothe our tense and aching body. While their baths are inspired by Japanese onsens with air bubbles and toasty temperatures, the essential oils and complimentary blood pressure tests add a more remedial spin to it.
Image credit: Shiruki Studio
Try a foot bath to test waters or dive into a more immersive full body soak. With immune system boosting and healing properties, these are perfect for everyone from the elderly to sportsmen. Visitors get their own booth or room as well with an individual bathtub or foot soaking tub for more privacy.
Image credit: Elements Wellness
For full-out indulgence, visit Elements Wellness’ Centrepoint outlet for their Signature Koyamaki Onsen Ritual. This will include the following for all-round pampering:
Koyamaki is the wood of the sacred Japanese Umbrella Pine, and that’s what the tubs here are made of. This prized wood is said to release a lime fragrance when in contact with water, and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
While the water here isn’t from Mount Fuji, it’s got negative ions that help the body detox, as well as soothe rheumatic and arthritic pains. Couple rooms are available upon request, so do let the staff know in advance if you’re heading down with a special someone.
Hinoki Onsen Bath.
Image credit: Ikeda Spa
Ikeda Spa is home to Singapore’s first hinoki onsen, that is, an onsen made with a precious cypress wood from Japan which was once reserved only for royalty. The wood emanates a calming scent, and has antibacterial properties as well as mineral oils, which get released into the steamy waters onto your skin. These are said to be able to help combat respiratory problems.
If you’d rather not be in the same pot of “human soup” as others, you’ll be glad to know that they have single baths for more privacy.
Image credit: Yunomori Onsen
There’s no better way to bond with your mates than for all of you to jump into a pool together, fully butt-naked. But you don’t have to illegally skinny dip in a reservoir when you can do that at Yunomori Onsen & Spa, which brings the public hot spring experience to Singapore. Yup, the gender-separated pools here are 100% communal, so mentally prepare yourself, and let your inhibitions free!
There are various hot pools here, including powerful jet baths and a silk bath with tiny bubbles for deep cleansing. A steam room and sauna are also available. For contrast in temperature, take a dip in the cold bath for pore tightening. With so many facilities, it would be hard not to spend your entire day here!
When you’re all done, don your yukata and head to Yunomori Cafe* for some hearty Japanese nosh like soba, ramen, or oden. Or cool down with an ice-cold bowl of kakigori. Whatever the case, the experience here will make you forget you’re still in Singapore.
*Food sold separately
The 2 pools come with mood lighting to help you further relax.
Image credit: @theblueeeyore via Instagram
Spa Nes’ spa pass is made for head to toe pampering, where you’ll be granted unlimited usage of their cryo and thermal pools, jacuzzis, as well as the steam room and sauna. Although you don’t have to strip – robes and towels are provided – facilities are still separated by gender for better privacy. Visit on a weekday when it’s quieter, and there’s a chance you might get both pools all to yourself.
It is never a bad time to treat yourself, so let these spas and their bubbling warm onsens tide you over…until you manage to snag yourself some tickets to Japan, that is. While you’re at it, why not top up a little for a massage too? As the saying goes, go big or go home, and when it comes to spoiling ourselves, we like going all out.
Pregnant women should avoid going to an onsen, as well as those who are on their periods as it’s not sanitary. Additionally, those who have open wounds, chronic bronchitis, and difficulty in breathing should not be going to an onsen.
Do a quick rinse before entering the pools, and those with long hair should tie up your hair as well. Avoid splashing vigorously in the pools, and do not fully immerse your face or head under water.
For more relaxing things to do in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: Shiruki Studio via Facebook, Yunomori Onsen
Originally published on 16th Oct 2018 by Rachel Yohannan. Last updated by Joycelyn Yeow on 27th February 2024.
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