In this article, I’m going to introduce you to a number of traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) in onsen towns throughout Fukushima where you can experience the magic of private rotenburo outdoor baths.
WHAT ARE ROTENBURO?
'Rotenburo' translates as ‘open-air bath’.
The word refers to onsen baths that are located fully or partially outside. Depending on the location, bathers might be sheltered from the elements to some extent by roofs and bamboo walls, trees, glass windows etc. Rotenburo are very popular in Japanese onsen towns, especially during the winter months, when guests can enjoy bathing in a hot bath whilst surrounded by snowy mountains.
At ryokan hotels in Japan, it is common to bathe together with other guests of the same sex, and in some cases, together with guests regardless of sex. There are, however, many people who prefer to bathe alone, or in the company of friends, family and loved ones. This is one of the main reasons why people use private baths, or ‘kashikiri buro‘. Another reason is that Japan has a long history of tattoos being associated with gangsters known as yakuza. Of course, the majority of tattoo designs don’t resemble those traditional ones sported by yakuza, but even so, it has remained taboo to enter a public (or shared) bath if you have a tattoo. Although many ryokan turn a blind eye to this rule, it’s still the official policy of many ryokan and hotel in Japan to turn away guests with tattoos from using baths shared with other guests. In order to avoid any drama, and any potential stares, many tourists from overseas choose to use private baths when they stay at ryokan hotels. Private baths can usually be booked at the front desk of the ryokan hotel, and guests are usually asked to choose a specific time to bathe. There are around 130 hot springs in Fukushima Prefecture and hundreds of ryokan hotels. In order to make a list of suggestions, I’ve had to cut this number down quite a lot. I’ve decided to highlight the ryokan hotels in Fukushima Prefecture where guests can book private rotenburo, giving priority to those with English websites or associated websites which make it easy to book even if you don’t speak Japanese. There are so many amazing ryokan in Fukushima Prefecture, and this list is by no means extensive. (Higashiyama Onsen, Aizu) (Higashiyama Onsen, Aizu) (Bandaisan Roku Onsen, Inawashiro) (Computer translation) (Ashinomaki Onsen, Aizu) (Iizaka Onsen, Fukushima City) (Iizaka Onsen, Fukushima City) (Tsuchiyu Onsen, Fukushima City) (Tsuchiyu Onsen, Fukushima City) (Tsuchiyu Onsen, Fukushima City) (Yumoto Onsen, Iwaki) (Computer translation) Aizu is known for its very snowy winters and long history. Ryokan hotel in the central region of Fukushima Prefecture. Iwaki has much milder winters than the western and central part of Fukushima Prefecture, so visit Iwaki if you want to avoid the snow as much as possible!
WHY USE PRIVATE BATHS?
WHICH RYOKAN IN FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE HAVE PRIVATE OPEN-AIR BATHS?
Ryokan Hotel
Private Rotenburo (Overnight Guests)
Private Rotenburo (Day Guests)
English Website
Price
1) Harataki
2000 yen (50 min)
2) Takinoyu
No extra cost for overnight guests
3) Seifutei
No extra cost for overnight guests
4) Okawaso
3240 yen (45 min)
5) Yoshikawaya
2160 yen (45 min) + 1000 yen per person for day visit
6) Kikuya Ryokan
(
) Computer translation30 min for free
7) New Ougiya
No extra cost for overnight guests
8) Sansuiso
1080 yen (60 min)
9) Yumori Onsen Hostel
(
) Responds in English to Facebook messages2000~4000 yen per bath for overnight guests.
10) Furutakiya
1000 yen (45 min) + 800 yen per person
AIZU AREA
1) Harataki
2) Takinoyu
3) Seifutei
4) Ookawaso
NAKADORI AREA
5) Yoshikawaya
6) Kikuya Ryokan
7) New Ougiya
8) Sansuiso
9) Yumori Onsen Hostel
IWAKI AREA
10) Furutakiya
