Opened in 2003, Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari is an iconic hot spring theme park in Tokyo. However, after 18 years of operation, the beloved attraction will be closing down on 5th September 2021. But unlike the game centres that are shutting down in Akihabara due to the pandemic, the theme park is shutting its doors for a different reason – land lease expiration.
Image credit: @12miki_photo
On 23rd June 2021, Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari posted an official notice on their website. The headline read, “閉館のお知らせ”, which means “Closure Notice”.
Image adapted from: Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari
In the announcement, the management explained that the theme park’s land lease will be expiring in December 2021.
Although they explored ways to continue operations, restrictions under the Act on Land and Building Leases meant that the theme park had to be closed down by 2023, even with lease extensions. Ultimately, the management decided not to extend the lease.
Image credit: 鞋子
As such, the hot spring theme park will be shuttering its doors on 5th September 2021. “To our customers and relevant stakeholders, we would like to express our gratitude for your support. We hope for your continued cooperation until our last operation day,” the notice concludes.
Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari is a beautiful hot spring park inspired by the Edo Period. It offers both indoor and outdoor onsen baths.
Oedo Onsen
Image credit: Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari
The indoor onsens include the Oedo Onsen – a large onsen that uses natural spring water sourced from 1,400m underground.
Sleeping Bath
Image credit: Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari
There’s also a Sleeping Bath, which is designed to allow for a comfortable napping position.
Edo Garden
Image credit: Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari
The outdoor Edo Garden onsen lets you immerse in the peace of nature. Meanwhile, the Vat Bath helps alleviate physical tension and stiffness in your body.
Vat Bath
Image credit: Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari
For the full list of onsens, click here.
Japanese-style rooms
Image credit: Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari
As for special rooms that allow overnight stays, you can choose between traditional Japanese-style rooms and their modern Western-style counterparts.
Western-style rooms
Image credit: Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari
Some rooms come equipped with bathtubs so you can enjoy the onsen experience in private. View all the room types here.
Image credit: Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari
Besides its onsens, the theme park also offers a variety of relaxation services, ranging from a 30-minute Akasuri Body Scrub (¥4,620, ~USD41.68) to a 160-minute VIP package (¥25,080, ~USD226.25), which includes aromatherapy, head spa, and facial treatment.
Image credit: 玉木聡
The hot spring theme park is also where you can experience what a traditional Japanese festival is like. It offers game booths where you can try traditional festive games such as ninja star throwing and scooping up bouncy balls. At night, traditional lanterns will light up the outdoor areas, recreating the atmosphere of traditional festivals.
Image credit: @lys_gaertner
Finally, when you get tired of walking around the theme park, you can soothe your sore feet in the petal-infused public foot bath. Take this chance to snap aesthetic photos with your friends too.
It’s a huge shame that the Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari will be closing down. If you’re in Tokyo before 5th September 2021, we highly recommend you to visit this iconic landmark.
Address: 2 Chome-6-3 Aomi, Koto City, 135-0064 Tokyo
Opening hours: 11AM-8PM, Daily (Last admission at 7PM)
Telephone: 03-5500-1126
Admission: For those over 12 years old, weekday and weekend daytime rates are ¥2,768 (~USD24.97) and ¥2,988 (~USD26.96) respectively. Weekday and weekend rates for visits after 6PM are ¥2,218 (~USD20.01) and ¥2,438 (~USD21.99) respectively. For children aged 4 to 12, admission costs ¥1,078 (~USD9.73). Admission is free for children under 4.
Website
For more places to visit in Japan, check out:
Cover image adapted from: Susanna Chan
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