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:
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:
Address: HarbourFront Centre, #03-44, Singapore 099253
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6970 2640
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:
Address: 511 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638366
Opening hours: 11AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 8847 2081
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:
Address: 160 Changi Road, #02-08 HexaCube, Singapore 419728
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 12PM-8PM (Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays)
Telephone: 9199 0321
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.
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:
Address: 176 Orchard Road, #02-28 The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11AM-9PM | Sat & Sun 10.30AM-8PM
Telephone: 6737 8488
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:
Address: 787 Bukit Timah Road (Before 6th Ave), Singapore 269762
Opening hours: 1.30PM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 6388 8080
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:
*Food sold separately
Address: 1 Stadium Place, #02-17/18 Kallang Wave Mall, Singapore 397628
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6386 4126
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:
Address: 407 Havelock Road, Level 2 Annex@Furama, Riverfront Hotel, Singapore 169634
Opening hours: 11AM – 6AM, Daily
Telephone: 6732 9888
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:
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.
From a monochromatic-themed cafe to romantic vibes with fairy lights, here are 8 cafes in…
So it's been 2 years since you last stepped foot into Bangkok. Well, here are…
Whether your mum likes chocolate, cookies & creme or durian flavours, here are seven bakeries with Mother’s Day…
Finally, ramadan bazaars and pasar malams are back in SG - and we've got you…
From beautiful hikes to diving with dolphins, Melbourne is surrounded by plenty of dreamy attractions.…
Besides conquering Mount Kinabalu, try out these 8 unreal things to do in the countryside…