Six spas where you can soak in an authentic Japanese experience, without having to leave the country
With the holiday season right around the corner, the more fortunate ones have finalised their year-end getaways, with many heading to the ever-popular destination of Japan. Those not travelling might be feeling just a tad left out. If you’ve found yourself in this predicament, don’t fret, there’s still a way to immerse yourself in a uniquely Japanese experience—and you can do it from right here in Singapore.
Japanese onsen has become increasingly popular on our island in recent years, with a number of spas expanding their services to offer the experience and others dedicated to providing an authentic relaxation session. These spas provide a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to escape the bustling city in the tranquil atmosphere of traditional healing waters.
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Below, we’ve rounded up the best onsen spas in Singapore that are guaranteed to transport you right to Japan.
Ikeda Spa
Touted as Singapore’s first authentic Japanese spa, this quaint retreat imports salts directly from Japan to be used in their traditional Hinoki (cypress) wood baths. The prized material releases mineral oils with soothing scents that are sure to relax and rejuvenate body and mind. It also offers signature accompanying rituals and treatments like the Geisha organic facial and a Gabanyoku (Japanese hot stone) detox massage.
Ikeda Spa
Address: 787 Bukit Timah Road, S(269762)
Yunomori Onsen & Spa
Tradition meets modernity at this unique spa centre, which combines Japanese Onsen baths with a variety of complementary massage and beauty services. For an authentic experience, opt for the Yunomori Signature Bath—full of magnesium sulphate that’s known to improve the body’s natural healing process. Those seeking a more moisturising soak can consider the Silk Bath, which sees an onsen infused with micro-bubbles containing hydrogen that promise to scrub your pores clean.
Yunomori Onsen & Spa
Address: 1 Stadium Place, #02-17/18 Wave Mall, S(397628)
G.spa Singapore
Early risers and night owls rejoice, as this sanctuary remains open 24 hours a day, ready to receive visitors hoping to unwind on their own schedule. The onsens here come equipped with water jets that pairs your soak with a relaxing foot reflexology treatment, and are accompanied with a series of hot and cold plunge pools to strip tensions of the day away.
G.spa Singapore
Address: 102 Guillemard Road, #02-02 S(399719)
Shiruki Studio
Founded by an active fitness enthusiast, this centre combines traditional onsen soaks with ultrasonic infrared hydrotherapy technology. Jets of bubbles will target sore muscles and acupressure points while you relax in a 41°C bath, improving blood circulation and facilitating body contouring. This treatment is best for active sportspeople seeking recovery while desiring a hot spring experience.
Shiruki Studio
Address: Hexacube, 160 Changi Road, #02-08 S(419728)
Joya Onsen Cafe
For a true Japanese resort experience, look no further than this spa centre that features tea onsens that brighten and smoothen the skin, and even Yukata and Jinbei rentals to complete the immersion. Step into the space lined with bamboo plants and delightful water features to feel transported straight to a genuine ryokan. There’s even a Tatami cafe offering Japanese style drinks, desserts and mains that’s perfect for resting at in between soaks. Couples hoping to spend the day unwinding together can opt for the private room onsens away from prying eyes.
Joya Onsen Cafe
Address: 511 Upper Jurong Road, S(638366)
Elements Wellness
ABOVE Peaceful tranquility with traditional Hinoki carved accessories (Photo: Facebook/Elements Wellness
Another centre prioritising authenticity is the Elements Wellness spa, which houses a handcrafted Koyamaki wood tub. The onsens here use energised ion water and are decked with traditional bath accessories carved from Hinoki wood. To boost your circulation further, try alternating between the hot onsen dip and the Crystal Cold Shower treatment option available here.
Elements Wellness
Address: 2 Orchard Turn #B1-30 Ion Orchard, S(238801)
