If you have just arrived or are heading to Haneda International Airport then there is a further destination to seek out close by. Heiwajima Onsen is only a short bus ride away from the airport and provides a haven for relaxation.
This is one of the finest natural hot springs that Tokyo has to offer and is an ideal place to unwind. Its extensive opening hours also mean that you should ensure you have enough time to fully indulge yourself in their facilities.
In this article, we will provide you with an extensive travel guide to Heiwajima Onsen.
Why You Should Seek Out Heiwajima Onsen?
There are over 3,000 onsens dotted throughout Japan but one of the finest is in Ota City, Tokyo. Heiwajima Onsen, also known as Natural Hot Springs Heiwajima, is one of Tokyo’s best natural hot springs.
The facility is also a modern take on an onsen with a sauna equipped with a large-screen TV, massage services, recliner chairs with their own TVs, and foot reflexology.
You could even watch some sports on a large-screen TV while soaking in their highly-carbonated hot spring water. It is the baths that you will be going there for and you can choose between several.
Their range includes indoor baths as well as outdoor baths (known as roten-buro) which are all fed by the naturally-occurring thermal waters.
The Löyly sauna and hot stone spa slab beds may set the facility apart as they come with seven individual natural stone varieties. The combination of these natural stones is designed to be ideal for therapeutic benefits.
The onsen is one of the largest natural hot springs in Tokyo (for more onsen near Tokyo, read here). That goes without saying with 150 tons of hot spring water that bubbles up from a full 2,000 meters underground.
Aside from the exquisite facilities, the sodium-chloride-rich spring water will form a thin layer that sits over your skin. While you relax, you can be assured that the layer will prevent evaporation to keep your skin moist.
The high-temperature sauna is open from 11am to 6am the following morning which is ideal for those with an early morning flight. However, the stone sauna has more limited opening hours, from 11am to 10pm.
If you need a place to relax and unwind, whether you have a flight to catch or not, seek out Heiwajima Onsen.
The Ideal Place To Relax Before A Flight
Located a mere 15 minutes drive away from Haneda Airport, Heiwajima Onsen is likely the ideal place to relax before a flight. The extensive opening times mean that this could be for an early morning flight or one late at night.
Heiwajima Onsen is open every day of the week, including holidays, from 11am to 10am the following morning. The last entry is at 9am, an hour before closing with the end to bathing being at 9:30am.
Following your bath, you can choose to relax even more in one of their lounge rooms. For a small fee, you can also try some acupuncture or a massage. There are also several on-site restaurants to choose from if you get hungry after all that unwinding.
Those restaurants also have extensive opening hours, from 11am to 10pm with the last orders being at 9pm. There is truly something for everyone at Heiwajima Onsen.
If you do not desire a soak or a sauna, for whatever reason, you could enjoy some fresh air on their 4th-floor sundeck. Maybe go find a comfortable chair and pick from over 10,000 manga books.
Their Relax Lounge also includes reclining chairs with TVs, perfect to relax in after a bath, while there is also a women-only corner. For a different type of relaxation, try a Shiatsu Massage from one of their highly experienced, skilled shiatsu practitioners.
Each one is a nationally qualified graduate from an accredited Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare vocational school. Should you feel tired after, or before, a flight, then comfortable pressure applied to your body should help.
Even a traditional Thai massage or foot massage could relieve some of your body’s tension.
Visiting Heiwajima
Aside from Heiwajima Onsen, there are several other attractions in Heiwajima. The location translates to ‘Peace Island’ and is a man-made island situated in Tokyo Bay.
Heiwajima is rather a recent addition to Tokyo having only been completed in 1967 on reclaimed land. The island is well-known for its wide roads and range of facilities.
Heiwajima Onsen may be top of the list for relaxation yet you can bet on some speed boat racing at Boat Race Heiwajima. For further relaxation, head to Heiwajima Park or indulge in some bargain hunting.
Heiwajima Antiques Fair is one of the oldest and most renowned antiques fairs in Japan with around 280 dealers. This is more than just an antiques fair as you can find many of the similar items you would find at a regular flea market in Tokyo.
How To Get To Heiwajima Onsen?
Heiwajima Onsen is a short distance away from Haneda airport and it is easily accessible using Tokyo’s public transport. Simply use the Keikyu line and head to Keikyu Heiwajima Station then take a bus for a final five-minute journey or simply walk the 900 m.
You could also use the Keikyu Main Line and head to Omori-kaigan station which is 600m or to Ryutsu Center Station on the Tokyo Monorail and walk the remaining 800 m.
Final Thoughts
Many people head straight to the airport and have hours to kill before their flight and that time can drag on. If you like to relax before a flight then give yourself a few more hours and head to Heiwajima Onsen.
Whether you want to indulge in their natural hot water springs, sauna, or hot stone spa, their facilities are exemplary. As the onsen is so close to the Haneda International Airport, you need not worry too much about missing your flight either.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enjoying An Onsen Known To Be Good For An Individual With High Blood Pressure?
While an onsen is designed to help people relax, those who have serious heart concerns should be careful. In fact, anyone with unstable chest pain, known as angina, major heart issues, or poorly controlled high blood pressure should avoid an onsen.
However, those with stable heart disease or simply mild heart failure should find a hot bath and sauna safe and really enjoyable. If you are concerned about your health, contact the onsen directly and disclose your conditions before you visit.
Should I Shower Following Soaking In An Onsen?
While you may be used to showering following some time in a swimming pool, the rules are different for an onsen. It is not recommended to shower after bathing in one as the rinsing will remove that layer of minerals.
One of the primary reasons for bathing in an onsen is to enjoy the natural healing effects of the hot spring’s mineral-rich content. You may prefer a rapid cold shower or another bath for the separate health benefits.
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