Onsens in Singapore
If you’ve ever stayed at a ryokan in Japan – like I did in Kinosaki – or even just popped by an onsen for a couple of hours, you’ll know it’s one of the most enjoyable travel experiences one can have. Definitely something to try at least once in your life, even if it means going naked in front of strangers.
Good news for those who aren’t yet ready to fly to Japan’s hot springs: Singapore, too, has spas with their very own onsens for self-pampering – both the nude and non-nude sort. While we don’t have many natural hot spring sources, the water at these spas do come with minerals or at least some sort of health benefits.
For more Japan-in-Singapore experiences, check out our other articles below:
- 3D2N Japan itinerary in Singapore
- Places in Singapore that look like Japan
- Things to do in Singapore to make you feel like you’re in Japan
- Quirky items at Don Don Donki
1. Heiwa Wellness and Spa – From $138 for all-day access, massage & set meal
Image credit: Colynn Chuah, Heiwa Wellness & Spa
Heiwa Wellness and Spa is one of the newest kids on the block, having opened in Harbourfront Centre in November 2021. 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
Beyond the usual Japan-town inspired cafe with nosh like sashimi and sushi, treat yourself to a nice six-course omakase meal from $188 to truly feel like royalty.
Rates:
- $38 for 45 minutes in the onsen
- $38 for 45 minutes in the infrared sauna
- $38 for 45 minutes in the steam room
- $48 for an all-day spa pass
- $68 for an all-day spa pass and a Japanese set meal
- From $138 for all-day access to the spa facilities and a one-hour massage and a Japanese set meal
Address: HarbourFront Centre, #03-44, Singapore 099253
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6970 2640
2. Joya Onsen Cafe – $38 for one-day pass
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 11AM-11PM, this steamy haven offers full-day passes from just $38.
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 request for disposable underwear for extra coverage here as well.
Soak in a large 38°C to 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!
Rates:
- $22 for a 2-hour onsen pass on weekdays
- $38 for a full day pass in the public baths
- From $80/person for private onsen bath with complimentary public bath access
Address: 511 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638366
Opening hours: 11AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 8847 2081
3. Shiruki Studio – From $28 for foot baths
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.
Rates:
- $28/40 minutes for foot soak
- $36/40 minutes for a full-body bath
Address: 160 Changi Road, #02-08 HexaCube, Singapore 419728
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 12PM-8PM (Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays)
Telephone: 9199 0321
4. Elements Wellness at Centrepoint – From $143 for 115 mins
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:
- Ocha body massage (60 mins)
- Back Scrub (15 mins)
- Koyamaki Onsen Therapy in Private Suite with Steambath (40 mins)
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.
Image credit: @chuapsj
Couple rooms are available upon request, so do let the staff know in advance if you’re heading down with a special someone.
Rates:
- $168 (single)
- $286 (for two)
Address: 176 Orchard Road, #02-28 The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11AM-9PM | Sat & Sun 10.30AM-8PM
Telephone: 6737 8488
5. Ikeda Spa – From $60 for 30 mins
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.
Rates:
- $80 for 30 mins (single bath)
- $120 for 30 mins (bath for two)
Address: 787 Bukit Timah Road (Before 6th Ave), Singapore 269762
Opening hours: 1.30PM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 6388 8080
6. Yunomori Onsen & Spa – $38 per entry
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.
Grab a paper fan or parasol and strike a pose in front of the artificial bamboo
Image credit: @paradeofliberty
Rates:
- $38 for all-day access to baths, sauna, steam room, and lounge
*Food sold separately
Address: 1 Stadium Place, #02-17/18 Kallang Wave Mall, Singapore 397628
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6386 4126
7. Spa Nes – $68 for full day, with buffet included
The two pools come with mood lighting to help you further relax
Image credit: @theblueeeyore
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.
Vanity area with hair dryers and hair products provided so you can doll up after your session
That’s not all; foodies will be excited to tuck into a buffet spread including soup, mains like laksa and porridge as well as pastries and fruits for dessert. You might want to leave the eating for afterwards though, because it’s not the best idea to soak with a bursting tummy!
Buffet laksa
Image credit: @foodcrazesg
Soothe your tired soles with a simple Foot Massage (from $88 for 60 mins), or get those knots ironed out with a Thai Massage or Aromatherapy Massage (from $128 for 60 mins). Couple rooms are available upon request. Check out Spa Nes’ full spa menu.
Spa Nes has opulent, oriental-inspired decor.
Image credit: @caramellechaos
Rates:
- From $68 ($58 for members) for all-day access to hot and cold mineral onsen jacuzzi pools, steam room and sauna, buffet dining, and lounge area with personal entertainment system
Address: 407 Havelock Road, Level 2 Annex@Furama, Riverfront Hotel, Singapore 169634
Opening hours: 11AM – 6AM, Daily
Telephone: 6732 9888
Japanese-style onsen spas in Singapore
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.
For more relaxing things to do in Singapore:
- 25 spas in Singapore
- Affordable massage places under $70
- Affordable high tea sets
- Hotels with photogenic pools
- Cycling routes in Singapore sorted by difficulty
Or check out our mega list of 123 things to do in Singapore.
Cover image adapted from: Shiruki Studio, Yunomori Onsen
Originally published on 16th Oct 2018 by Rachel Yohannan. Updated by Josiah Neo on 20th January 2022.