清河寺温泉 Seiganji Onsen

Elegant and spacious urban onsen

This onsen, located in Saitama City, is easy to get to by bus from Omiya Station. Don't let the suburban landscape deter you - the onsen is located on a little rise, and is beautifully landscaped with grasses, trees, and stone ornaments. The building itself is elegant "wafu", with warm wood and classic architectural details. It's thoroughly modern, however. Bath admission, restaurant concession and body care tickets are dispensed from digital vending machines, easy to navigate. The baths are sodium hot springs that are said to be good for healing skin ailments and muscle stiffness. The setting is idyllic - a big hedge of tall bamboo on the east side provides a soothing rustling sound, and the outdoor baths have lots of variety and a naturalistic rock setting. The bath temperatures range from 37 to 43 C. There are many calming spaces including a sleeping area (segregated), akasuri, massage, and a dining hall. Food selections are reasonably priced. I stayed about four hours, taking my time, and getting a head massage that put me to sleep! The onsen is open from 9 am to 1 am every day. Receive a stamp card at the front desk. I got double stamps because it was ladies' day. The onsen also has mens' and kids' double stamp days.