A wonderful setting with really warm water across two pools (for the males) and separate facilities for females. The temperature varied between the two pools. The staff were friendly. The families are basic. Unfortunately, to go to the toilet, one has to exit the baths into the car park. No clothing was worn in the bathhouse.
Wonderful Onsen, 800¥/adult, tattoo friendly, take 1 towel and a coin of 100 for the locker. Not everything translated, just be respectful and you’ll get a great experience there. No shower.
Best outdoor onsen I have ever tried. Photos not allowed. Highly acidic ph1.9 sulphuric spring water is really relaxing. This is unmatched by the onsen hotels. The only challenge is that there is no rinse and no towel provided after your acidic bath. Bring 100yen coin for locker.
The facility operates from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and until 6:00 PM on weekends and national holidays. The bath is closed from late November to mid-April due to heavy snowfall and winter conditions in the mountain valley.
Admission to Zao Onsen Dairotenburo costs 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children aged 1-11 years. This is a day-use public bath facility that operates on a pay-per-entry basis.
The baths are gender-separated with distinct facilities for men and women. Standard Japanese onsen etiquette applies, meaning bathing is done without swimwear in the designated gender-specific areas.
Visitors should bring their own towels, including a small hand towel for onsen etiquette and a larger bath towel for drying afterward. You must remove all metal jewelry and accessories before entering due to the highly acidic nature of the sulfur spring water, which can cause metal to tarnish or corrode.
Yes, Zao Onsen Dairotenburo is tattoo-friendly and welcomes guests with body art. This makes it an accessible option for international visitors and others with tattoos who may find restrictions at other traditional Japanese onsen facilities.
