It was my birthday in April and as a treat I wanted to go to a day spa with my hubby. (And since then, I’ve visited more than 3 other times!!! It was THAT good!)
I have now visited this day spa in April, July & August.
I found it after scouring the internet and social media, and I came across the day spa at The Oiso Prince Hotel – and it was better than I ever hoped it would be!
This spa is not for children.
Patrons with tattoos are also not allowed.
We book the Lunch and Spa plan ( you can choose from lunch at the hotel’s Chinese restaurant or Western restaurant – we went with the latter.)
There are other plans – including if you decide to actually stay at the hotel. All of the Oiso Stay and Spa plans are listed here (in Japanese so you may need to ask a Japanese friend for some help if you want to do something different to what we did. )
Reservations are required and must be made at least 2 days in advance. This lunch plan isn’t available on Sundays – they have a plan called the Sunday Brunch plan, if you’re interested.
The thing to keep in mind, is that if you are booking the lunch package, once you exit the spa you cannot re-enter again.
For that reason, we have also booked the latest lunch spot (which is 2:30pm) and arrived really really early to make the most of the day. (I’m talking REALLY early – we left Tokyo at 5;30am because the spa is available from 6am. )
One time when I took a girlfriend for her birthday, it got close to lunch time and we decided just to skip lunch (they actually refunded some of our money when we told them a few hours in advance that we would prefer to keep sunbathing/reading instead of lunch. )
Another friend of mine booked her lunch for 11am and then used the spa until late into the evening instead — the only risky thing with this option is …. the loungers are snapped up quickly when busy and you may not get to sit outside. Also, if you drive there, the traffic gets crazy from 9am onwards.
When we arrived, we checked in at spa reception, we paid our 6000 yen each (that price included our lunch) and we were each given a transparent beach bag with a robe, a towel and a locker key.
We then went to our female and male (segregated , of course) change rooms.
Connected to the change rooms are female and male onsens. One indoors and one out. As you can imagine, the onsens are only for bathing in when naked. It is assumed that you will have an onsen at the end of your day spa experience and that is what the towel in the bag is for ( the pool has their own towels provided.)
We then were to change into our swimsuits with the robes on and we went straight for the infinity pool.
On the same floor is also a hot stone spa, a sauna, a Turkish bath room and an ice room too. There are also jacuzzis on the deck.
We love the hot stone spa and I love that I could see Fuji from the sauna too.
My most pleasant surprise was…. we were able to see Mount Fuji!!! How special is that??!!! (On other visits I couldn’t spot Fuji – Summer is the hardest time to catch a glimpse.)
We were also relieved that the pool was heated so beautifully – as the first time we visited – it was only 24 degrees outside!
They also sell snacks like sandwiches and cookies.
There is also a little reading section at the spa and a fireplace – operating only on cooler days.
The whole pool and spa floor was available to us from 6am-5pm ( longer if you’re a guest staying at the hotel and longer depending on the package you choose so be sure to ask). You’re not allowed to leave the premises and come back to have another spa though – once you’ve ‘ checked out’ you’re done.
It is possible to book in for additional Oiso massages and other treatments etc.
Lunch was simple but yummy – and the whole package was such good value we didn’t expect much at all! But it was very yummy ( the menu changes with the seasons.)
**Something worth noting: Unfortunately, guests with tattoos aren’t allowed to use the spa.
They are very strict about this rule. I’d hate for you to go all the way here and be turned away so wanted to tell you ahead of time****
When you make a booking, it’s possible to do it in English, but you’ll be asked a few questions about times for lunch and told about the facilities so I think its best to ask a Japanese friend or concierge to do it on your behalf – if that’s an option for you.
Don’t forget to pack : Your own swimwear, sunglasses, something to read by the pool, sunscreen (we got ROASTED last time.)
THE OISO PRINCE HOTEL
神奈川県中郡大磯町国府本郷546
SPA RESERVATION PHONE NUMBER :0463-61-1111
OISO PRINCE HOTEL SPA
Oiso is about 70 minutes drive from the centre of Tokyo. Traffic is TERRIBLE on the weekends so leave LOTS of time or go extra early( we leave at 5:30am to make the most of our time at the spa) , ok? Learn from our mistakes!
It is possible to get to the hotel by train too. There is a direct train (65 mins) from Tokyo Station to Oiso Station ( and then a 7 minute cab ride).
It is possible to stay at the hotel and use the spa facilities at a reduced rate (last time I checked it was around 2000 yen per person.)
The hotel gets very busy, especially in the hot months, so I recognize booking as far in advance as you can manage.
I haven’t stayed there – but a few friends said that the facilities were very simple but comfortable.
Also, in the summer months there is a water park called ‘Oiso Long Beach‘ (note carefully: it is NOT a beach – unlike the name suggests – it’s a water park) that is part of the hotel. This is fantastic for children – so I’m told as I, personally, haven’t been there with children. It is sooo big and very busy on the weekends.
There is a giant wave pool, a fountain pool, a giant lazy river, a giant, rectangular baby pool and a diving pool. There is a giant waterslide too.
Please note that there is limited shade here so pack lots of sunscreen , hats etc.
They welcome swimmers with giant floaties so feel free to bring along giant blow up swans and pineapples etc.
This water park has lots and lots of lifeguards.
The pool is an additional charge and seating/shady ‘cabanas’ or loungers also cost extra.
They sell food and drink by the pool too.
Be aware ( and this is a very Japanese thing but) every few hours everyone is asked to leave all the pools for 20 minutes at a time. This is to encourage toilet and stretching breaks. It’s a bit funny but … meghh… that’s their rules, right?
Oiso Swimming Pool details.
There is a great roadside stop near here if you are driving. It even has a Mt Fuji view!
