Do I need to bring my own towels and bathing supplies?

Towels are available for rent at approximately ¥200-300 per towel. The facility provides shampoo, conditioner, and body soap in the washing areas. You can also purchase towels and bathing products at the on-site shop if preferred.

Are tattoos allowed in the hot spring?

No, visible tattoos are generally prohibited in the bathing areas, following standard Japanese onsen policy. Contact the facility directly before visiting if you have tattoos to inquire about possible accommodations or alternative options.

Can I visit the onsen as a day trip from Tokyo?

Yes, the 78-minute train journey from Ikebukuro Station makes day trips feasible. The facility's location directly at the station exit allows easy integration with other Chichibu sightseeing before returning to Tokyo the same day.

What should I do with my belongings while bathing?

Use the coin-operated lockers in the changing rooms for clothes and valuables. Larger luggage can be stored in separate lockers near the entrance or reception area. You'll receive a key or wristband to access your locker.

Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu Hot Spring

Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu is a modern hot spring facility located directly in front of Seibu-Chichibu Station in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. Opened in 2017, this relatively new onsen complex was designed to provide convenient access to natural hot spring bathing for visitors exploring the Chichibu region, particularly those arriving by the Seibu Railway line from Tokyo. The facility draws its mineral-rich waters from approximately 1,500 meters below ground, offering authentic onsen experiences in an urban-accessible setting.

The name "Matsurinoyu" translates to "Festival Hot Spring," reflecting Chichibu's renowned festival culture, particularly the Chichibu Night Festival, designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. The facility's architecture and interior design incorporate elements celebrating this heritage, with decorative motifs and displays that educate visitors about local traditions. The hot spring water is classified as an alkaline simple spring, known for its smooth texture and skin-softening properties, making it popular among both therapeutic bathers and casual visitors.

Visitors can experience multiple bathing areas including indoor and outdoor baths with views of the surrounding mountains, a rotenburo (open-air bath), and separate male and female facilities equipped with saunas and cold plunge pools. The complex also houses a restaurant serving local Chichibu cuisine, a relaxation lounge, and a shop selling regional products and souvenirs. The facility serves as both a destination and a convenient stop for travelers beginning or ending their exploration of Chichibu's natural and cultural attractions, including nearby Mount Buko and the historic Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage temples.

Access is exceptionally straightforward, as the facility is located less than one minute on foot from Seibu-Chichibu Station, the terminus of the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. Direct limited express trains from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo reach Seibu-Chichibu in approximately 78 minutes, making day trips feasible for Tokyo-based travelers. Standard admission for adults costs around ¥900 on weekdays and ¥1,000 on weekends and holidays.

What other travelers are saying about Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu Hot Spring

A great hot springs located inside the Seibu Line Chichibu Station. I love coming here after a long day of hike. Large interior with different waters and a sauna inside. Make sure to purchase the express train ticket before coming here if you are using this train.

Yoshi Mirai

Sep 26, 2022

The noisiest spa ever. I came here expecting to relax, but the staff didn’t even bother to manage the situation. Maybe it was the wrong timing, but there were far too many kids running around and shouting. The so-called “relaxation area” is in the hallway leading to the hot springs, so you can hear all the noise clearly—impossible to unwind. Staff should be more attentive to the atmosphere, especially in a place that advertises relaxation. Even inside the men’s area, tissues and cotton swabs were overflowing and not maintained. Will never come back.

Mark Sy

Aug 14, 2025

They have it in many websites as tattoo friendly but it actually is not (I have a very tiny shoulder tattoo) I understand if you have rules, but you can at least be polite. The receptionist did not speak any English and was very rude and dismissive.

Hiba Mj

Nov 10, 2025

I chose this onsen partly because of the nice-looking restaurants, food stalls, and souvenir shops I saw in photos. Unfortunately, once you enter the facility, you're not allowed to go back outside and return without paying the entrance fee again. This was disappointing, as I was hoping to explore the nearby food options before fully using the onsen. The restaurant inside the onsen is smaller than expected and offers limited variety compared to other public baths I've visited, which often have a wider range of food and international dishes. It felt a bit underwhelming considering the impression I got from the promotional images. As for the baths themselves, there is a decent variety, with water temperatures up to around 42°C. The open-air bath was particularly nice. Overall, the onsen is fine, but I was disappointed by the lack of flexibility to enjoy nearby food and amenities without being locked into the facility. It would be great if re-entry or access to surrounding businesses was part of the experience..

Really nice onsen, especially after a morning of travel & enjoying the cherry blossoms 🌸 in nearby hitsujiyama park! Has a good foodcourt area which you can use easily even mid-thru use of the onsen (can temporarily exit onsen to use the foodcourt for up to 2HRS) Went during the day on a Monday, and wasn’t too crowded (introducing a friend to hot springs for their first time). Good temperatures in the silk bath, as well as the outdoor baths. Sauna & cold-water bath is a great combo too. The relaxation area (with recliner lounges) was fantastic. And I think they offer a massage service too (unfortunately couldn’t try this as less time this time/ would love to come back again though, very repeatable!)

Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu Hot Spring

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What other travelers are saying about Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu Hot Spring

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