benderbabe

Hi all.

This is going to be our second time spending the holidays in Tokyo. We will be there from 28-Dec to 4-Jan, and will be in Osaka and Kyoto just prior.

I'm curious to find out a little more about Oedo Onsen Monogatari and LaQua Spa. We tried to go to LaQua last time we were there but the wait was overwhelming. Of course, it was a rainy day and also right in the middle of that 29-Dec to 2-Jan window when things like that are crowded.

Just wondering for anyone who has been to these what they think. Also if there are recommendations for or against either one, and what time of day might be best to go. I'm thinking somewhere around the 8pm mark sounds like it might be the best bet.

Also, the kimonos they give you to wear... do they come in REALLY large sizes? My husband is a big guy (think nearly sumo size but less round and taller), and he's worried we'll get all the way there just to find out they have nothing to fit him.

Past experience and advice welcomed, but please don't bother saying, "You should go to [insert smaller onsen name here], because it will be a hard time of year to do so, and we're going for the spectacle of these large amusement style onsen mainly, so we're not interested in smaller ones.

emd

I don't think you need to worry about being directed to other large amusement park type onsen, because the only ones I know of are the ones you mention, and in addition Yunessen in Hakone (which you would probably really enjoy).

I'd love to hear about Odeo Onsen Monogatari if you go there. I have looked into it as well. Unlike the other amusement park-type spas (for lack of a better term), it requires that clothes be shed in all bathing areas - no bathing suits in any bathing areas.

mrwunrfl

Your concern about getting yukata that are large enough certainly is a valid one. Their website doesn't have an English page (that I can find):
http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/
leads me to expect that they won't have big size yukata or slippers.

If the place is for nude use then it is probably gender segregated also. You won't really need to use the yukata or slippers, I would expect, because they are used after the bath (and to get to the bath). You would put on your undies, yukata, slippers (or geta) and bath towel and go to the bath area. Leave the clothing in a basket or locker.

After the scrubbing and soaking you would put your stuff back on and go out and about. Out and about to the gift shop, a cold drink, maybe a massage ... Or maybe you would need to put the stuff on to go between different baths.

I haven't been to the place, but that is about what I would expect.

mrwunrfl

In other words you probably won't find a yukata that is big enough but you don't really have to wear one. Just wear street clothes to and from the bath and out and about.

benderbabe

Thanks for the comments guys.

The baths are nude, but the public areas, of which there are many, require a kimono.

So back to square one!

mrwunrfl

require a kimono, how?

Florence

Bonjour everybody,

I've been to Oedo Onsen, only to watch the buildings and check on the facilities for a next time (was with my mom who doesn't stand very hot water). We went there with the "water bus" from Hinode Pier, a pleasant mini-cruise under the Rainbow Bridge, then 5 minutes on foot in a park along the waterfront, very easy to find. In addition, there's some kind of spa/training center for dogs next door, rather funny ...

From what I've seen and the pamphlets in English I gathered, there are several areas, inside and outside (foot bath, sand bath, massage, restaurants, walks, shops), where you must be clothed in a yukata. This site explains some of it:

http://www.hiraganatimes.com/hp/trav...ot/oedo-e.html

I've seen a few Westerners in the main hall, some quite tall, and they obviously had large size yukata for that eventuality.

There's a review in Tripadvisor saying they won't allow people with tatoo ...
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...kyo_Kanto.html

mrwunrfl

Thanks for that Florence, it will be fun to read what it is like. The photo on the top right looks like Dogo Onsen.

W9London

Yukata size can be adjusted with the belt, so it's quite accomodating. OK, if you're really tall, you'll just have your knees sticking out but it's not really a serious offense.

If you're really really concerned, you can bring a thin bathrobe.

W9London

or actually shops along Nakamise in Asakusa sells different size yukatas, including XL. Would recommend cotton over polyester, esp if you're wearing in onsen.

braziliantraveller

Benderbabe

Would you mind sharing your itinerary with me? My husband and I are going to do Tokyo and Kyoto too. So, I would like to have an idea on how you're investing your time there. I don't have too much time to plan. So any advice would be greatly appreciated.

so I would also be interested on how you're going from on place to another? Thank you very much.

cashflowjunkie

My family and I are touring Japan and China for a month and I will be going to the Oedo Onsen in a few weeks. I will post my opinion in a couple of weeks. They do have an English web site. http://www.ooedo-global.jp/english/index.html
Until then.
Dana