When most people think of hot springs and bathhouses in Japan, they picture large public onsens with rows of steaming pools of different mineral components, people quietly soaking, and even young children enjoying their time with one of their parents. For us, that’s always been a bit of a challenge because my husband has a tattoo, and as much as we’d love to spend more time at onsens, the restrictions mean we didn’t have a lot of chances of going to one regularly due to how strict most hot springs are when it comes to tattoos. This is why booking a private bath in Chiba felt like a small but very special luxury for us, something that gave us the experience of an onsen without the usual worries of covering up or being turned away.

This was actually only our second time at a bathhouse. The first was back in 2022 when we visited Mito for a short overnight trip. I remember being both fascinated and overwhelmed stepping into one for the first time. There are rules, routines, and unspoken etiquette that can feel intimidating for a newcomer. I remember not knowing that I was not allowed to let my hair down low enough where it was touching the water, and an old lady who worked at the onsen started reprimanding me. I didn’t know what to do at that time, so I felt really embarrassed, especially after she came back to hand me a ponytail and instructed me to tie my hair up. Since then, we haven’t gone much, partly because of the tattoo and hair issue, but also because life gets busy, and it was not exactly on our priority list of things to do after that. This time, however, we decided to try something different: a private onsen where the room was ours and ours alone for a limited amount of time.

Booking a Private Onsen

The bathhouse we visited is called Kinu no Yu Villa and offers several types of private baths, each with its own unique style. Some were designed in smooth, warm wood or cedar, while others were carved out of rock, giving that natural hot spring atmosphere. We were given different options based on our preferences or “moods” of relaxation. We reserved one of the rooms for two hours, which cost us about 10,000-yen total or slightly more (roughly around 5,400 yen per hour, but please check the website for more details). It’s more expensive compared to a regular public bath that usually goes for only 1,000 yen, but for the privacy and comfort, we felt it was worth it to try out.

What surprised us was how much thought went into the amenities themselves! The room wasn’t just a bath but a whole setup for unwinding, whether you are bathing or just cooling down. There were tatami-style chairs, soft bathrobes, slippers, and a huge window right beside the bath. Sitting there while looking out into the light made it feel open and airy, not boxed in. Of course, they have a tall fence that makes sure you are not visible to outsiders and other customers at the bathhouse while enjoying your relaxing time.

Since it was a Sunday, the place was quite busy, but we were lucky enough to get a room without any issue. Having that little space just for us, especially on a weekend, made it feel even more like a treat and a nice surprise since we never thought we would be accommodated due to the high number of reservations.

The Onsen Experience

The water was incredibly hot and almost shocking at first, especially since we visited in the peak of summer in August, and our last visit was about 3 years ago. It was funny because the last thing you think you’d want to do in that scorching weather was an even hotter bath with full-on steam. But after dipping in, cooling off, and then going back in again, we realized how refreshing it actually was. The cycle of heating up and cooling down somehow left us feeling lighter, and the health benefits, including improved blood circulation, were an added perk to the experience!

I also learned after a bit of research that you are supposed to drink yoghurt after a nice, relaxing dip in the bath. It’s one of those little rituals in Japan that you need to know about — after a hot bath, grabbing a bottle of chilled yogurt drink feels almost like part of the experience. They had a small shop inside where you could buy food and snacks, plus a small relaxation area where you could just sit and let your body recover from the heat. I actually liked the taste, and it was such a relief that I did not experience bloating or cramps after drinking, which usually happens when I drink probiotics.

The bathhouse also charged a little extra for towels (from about 210 yen each), but that didn’t bother us too much. We expected it and were more than happy with the fact that they had everything else ready for us, like robes, slippers, and even seating that made the room feel cozy.

Why It Was Worth It

Renting a private bath isn’t something we’ll do every week, but it felt special because we were finally able to enjoy a nice hot bath in one of the most popular onsens in Chiba on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Anyway, it felt more personal than a public onsen.

It cost more than going to a regular bathhouse, but for two hours of complete privacy, comfort, and the chance to share the onsen experience with your loved ones without stress, it was definitely worth every yen we spent on it!

Tips for Renting a Private Bath

If you’re planning to try a private bath in Japan, here are a few things I learned from our visit that might help:

• Bring your own towel if you don’t want to pay the rental fee (usually around 200 yen each).
• Pack clean clothes for after the bath in case the ones you wore going to the bathhouse get wet, or if you just want to feel refreshed and energized, a fresh set of clothes will do the trick!
• Check the website or schedule ahead of time. Sometimes the online booking closes several hours before, even if there are still rooms available. If you go directly, they may still accommodate you if it’s not fully booked.
• Bring your own bath care items like lotion, shampoo, or conditioner if you’re picky about what you use. Most places provide basic products, but it’s nice to have your own if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
• Bring snacks or food if you think you’ll get hungry afterward. Many bathhouses have small shops, but the selection can be limited and quite expensive.
• Plan your transportation. Make sure you know the train schedule or how far the place is from the station, especially if you’re visiting a suburban area like Chiba.
• Just relax and enjoy it. Private baths are meant to be stress-free, so let yourself unwind and enjoy the quiet time.

Why You Should Try the Private Onsen

For anyone who’s curious about onsen culture in Japan but feels unsure because of tattoos, privacy, or just the idea of being undressed around strangers, renting a private bath is a great option. You still get the atmosphere, the hot mineral water, and the cultural experience, but in your own little bubble.

For us, it was not just about the bath but about finally being able to enjoy it together, without compromise. And sometimes, those little escapes — the ones you plan and pay a little extra for — end up being the most memorable.

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