Japan

Near Kanto bases

Spa Akishima: Closest bathhouse to Yokota Air Base. Inside the glass walls are various kinds of baths, saunas and Jacuzzi. Restaurant, massage, games and karaoke are also available. Directions: 3-8-1 Tanaka-cho, Akishima city, Tokyo. Take Route 16 from Hachioji I.C., Chuo Expressway, towards Yokota Air Base. Pass Haijima Bridge over Tama River; Spa Akishima will be on the right side of the street. Hours: 9 a.m.-8 a.m. daily. Admission: 2,040 yen ($20) for adults, 1,020 yen ($10) for children 3 years old to elementary school students. Additional 510 yen ($4.50) charged after midnight. 042-546-1126.

Gokuraku Yu: Inexpensive bathhouse. Indoors and outdoors baths, sauna, Jacuzzi, massage and restaurant available. Bring your own towel, or a rental towel costs 120 yen ($1) (large) or 60 yen (60 cents) (small). Directions: 3186 Miyadera, Iruma city, Saitama Prefecture. Take Route 16 from Yokota Air Base towards Iruma. Gokuraku yu is directly across from the Hoya Crystal Factory before getting onto the Iruma I.C., Ken-o Expressway. Hours: 9 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. Admission: 500 yen ($4.50) weekdays, 550 yen ($5) weekends and holidays for adults, 200 yen weekdays, 250 yen weekends and holidays for children (3 years old to elementary school students). 042-935-2683.

Okutama Onsen Moegi No Yu: Natural hot springs by the upper Tama River. Indoor and outdoor baths, restaurant available. Bring your own towel. Directions: 119-1 Hikawa, Okutama town, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo. Take Route 16 from Yokota Air Base toward Ome Kaido Street. Turn left at the Route 16 and Ome Kaido crossing and keep driving toward Ome and Okutama. After Hikawa Tunnel before reaching Okutama station, turn left into a narrow road. By train, it's a 10-minute walk from Okutama station, JR Ome line. Walk toward Ome from Okutama station and turn right before the tunnel. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Must enter before 8:30 p.m., closed Mondays. Admission: 700 yen for adults, 400 yen for elementary school students, for two hours; 200 yen per hour is charged for overtime. 0428-82-7770.

Tamatech Kur Garden: Kur Garden is a natural hot-spring bathhouse next to the Tamatech Amusement Park. With its hillside location, the bathhouse offers a panoramic view of the Tama area. Indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, Jacuzzi, massage and restaurant are available. There is also a swimming pool (swimwear and swim cap required) for an additional 735 yen. Directions: 5-22-1 Hodokubo, Hino city, Tokyo. A 5-minute bus ride from Tama Dobutsu Koen (Tama Zoo) station, Tama Monorail Keio line. By car, from Uchikoshi I.C., Route 16 Hachioji Bypass, take Kitano Kaido Street toward Tama Zoo. About 3 miles from Uchikoshi I.C., turn right to a steep road toward Kur Garden on the hill. Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily (must enter before 9 p.m.). Admission: 2,145 yen (2,565 yen Sundays and holidays) for adults, 1,365 yen (1,785 yen Sundays and holidays) for elementary school students, 600 yen for preschool children. 042-591-0820.

Yasuragi No Yu: Natural hot-spring bathhouse opened near Hachioji station in April 2001. Fourth and fifth floor of the building. Various baths, sauna, restaurant available. Directions: 2-1 Naka-cho, Hachioji city, Tokyo. Three-minute walk from the north exit of Hachioji station. Next to Nagasakiya department store. Hours: 10 a.m.-1 a.m. daily (must enter before midnight). Admission: 1,600 yen (2,000 yen Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) for adults, 800 yen for elementary school students, 600 yen for 3 years old to preschool children. 0426-48-5111.

Roten Garden: Natural hot-spring bathhouse opened in October 1998. Indoor and outdoor baths, herbal bath, sauna, Jacuzzi available. Bring your own towel, or a rental towel costs 200 yen. Directions: 358 Aihara-cho, Machida city, Tokyo. Take Route 16 from Hachioji toward Hashimoto. Roten Garden is on the hill on the right side of the street in Yarimizu area. From Uchikoshi I.C., Route 16 Hachioji Bypass, take Kitano Kaido Street toward Tama Zoo. Hours: 10 a.m.-midnight daily (must enter before 11:30 p.m.). Admission: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children (4 years old - elementary school students). 042-774-2681.

Jindaiji Onsen Yukari: Natural hot spring was excavated in 1999 next to a Japanese-style restaurant "Shiroyama tei" in Chofu city. Indoor and outdoor baths and sauna are available. Directions: 2-12-2 Sendaiji Motomachi, Chofu city, Tokyo. Shuttle bus available every 30 minutes from the north exit of Chofu station, Keio line, every one hour from the south exit of Musashi-sakai station, Chuo line. By car, take Route 20 (Koshu Kaido street) from Hachioji toward Shinjuku. Turn left at the Route 20 and Musashi-sakai Kaido street crossing, turn right at the Seven Eleven convenience store, turn left at the Musashino Ichiba (market), and turn right at the next T-shaped intersection. Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed first Wednesday of the month (must enter before 9 p.m.). Admission: 1,650 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for elementary school students and under. 0424-99-7777.

Man-Yo No Yu: Various indoor and outdoor baths, sauna Jacuzzi in the traditional Japanese-inn style. Massage and restaurant available. Directions: 1685-2 Tsuruma, Machida city, Tokyo. By the Yokohama Machida I.C., Tome Expressway. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 a.m. daily. Admission: 2,400 yen junior high school students and over, 1,250 yen for elementary school students, 940 yen for 3 and older Prices include towel rental fees. 042-796-0426.

Sagami Kenko Center: Indoor and outdoor baths, herbal bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, massage and restaurant are available. Directions: 3-23-1 Higashihara, Zama city, Kanagawa Prefecture. Six-minute walk from the north exit of Sagamino station, Sotetsu line. From Atsugi Naval Air Facility, drive toward the north side of Sagamino station, Sotetsu line. Hours: Open 24 hours. Admission: 2,000 yen for adults, 1,200 yen for elementary school students, 600 yen for preschoolers, 1,300 yen additional charges after 3 a.m. for adults and 1,100 yen for elementary school students and 600 yen for preschoolers (includes towels and yukata). 046-253-4126.

Tsurumaki Onsen Kobo No Sato Yu: Bathhouse opened in October 2001 in Tsurumaki, an onsen resort in Tanzawa Mountains. Hinoki (cypress) bathtub, stone bathtub, private bath and buckwheat noodle restaurant available. Bring your own towel. Directions: One- minute walk from the north exit of Tsurumaki Onsen station, Odakyu line. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (must enter before 8:30 p.m.), closed Mondays. Admission: 800 yen for two hours, 1,000 yen for all day weekdays. 1,000 yen for two hours weekends and holidays and additional 200 yen per every one hour. Half-price for children (3 years old to junior high school students). 0463-69-2641.

Yokohama Sky Spa: On the 14th and 15th floors of the Yokohama Sky Building. Various baths, saunas, Jacuzzi and massage. Directions: 2-19-12 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama city, Kanagawa Prefecture. A 3-minute walk from the east exit of Yokohama station. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 a.m. daily. Admission: 2,300 yen for adults for five hours, 1,700 yen for junior and high school students (must show student ID) and additional 300 yen per every one hour after the five hours. 045-461-1126.

Oedo Onsen Monogatari: Onsen theme park, a recreation of Tokyo 400 years ago. Nine types of baths and other services, such as massages and food court, available for additional charges. Directions: 2-57 Ome, Taito-ward Tokyo. Two-minute walk from Telecom Center station on Yurikamome line or four-minute drive from Route 13 exit on Bay Shore Route. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 a.m. (must enter before 2 a.m.) daily. Admission: 2,827 yen for adults, 1,575 yen for elementary school students and 4 year olds. Additional 1,575-yen for staying after 2 a.m. Discount prices after 6 p.m. and after 2 a.m. Prices include towels and yukata. 03-5500-1126.

La Qua: Near Tokyo Dome. Various kinds of massages are available for extra cost. No children under elementary school ages are permitted. Directions: 1-1-1 Kasuga Bunkyo-ward, Tokyo. Two-minute walk from Kagua station on Oedo subway line, Suidobashi station on JR Chuo line or Toei Mita subway line or Korakuen-mae station on Marunouchi or Nanboku subway lines. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily. Admission: 2,565 yen for adults 18 years older and 1,785 yen for elementary school students and older. Additional 1,890-yen charge for entering between midnight and 6 a.m. Additional 315 yen charge for weekends. 03-3817-4173.

Near Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station

Mitsuo Onsen: Directions: 1234 Komatsubara, Chunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Go out the base's C Gate until you get to the double bridge, about a mile. At the double bridge, take a left on Route 2. Follow Route 2 for about 17 miles. At about 18½ miles, you will come to an intersection with a light, and on the left look for a sign for the Mitsuo Bath House with a black/brown squirrel on it. Turn left here and follow Prefecture Road 8 for 2½ miles. This road dead ends, then take a left and the bathhouse will be about two blocks up and on the right. Hours: 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Closed Wednesdays and every fourth Thursday. Admission: For adults 1,050 yen weekdays and 2,050 yen weekends and holidays, 530 yen for elementary school students and children over 3. 0833-91-1800.

Souzukyo Onsen Ikoino Ie: Directions: 3132 Fukagawa, Nishiki-cho, Kuga-gun, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Drive on Route 2 until it veers to Route 187, to the portion where the road suddenly becomes hilly, then turn into Route 434 and it will be about five minutes from that corner. Hours: Except second and fourth Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary school students and children older than 1. 0827-72-0236.

Arcadia Village: Directions: 2210 Hara, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Take Route 2 toward Hiroshima. Pass Miyajima, then go on the Nishi-Hiroshima Bypass (Route 2), about 5 minutes from Miyajima. Look to the hillside and you'll see an English sign saying "Arcadia Village." It's about a 10-minute drive after you turn off from Route 2. Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (must enter before 8:30 p.m.) daily. Admission: 670 yen for adults, 330 yen for elementary school students, 160 yen for preschool children. 0829-38-2221.

Near Sasebo Naval Base

Bansyoro Onsen: Directions: Drive straight out the main gate at the base until the dead end at Route 35. Turn left and take the first right before the Cosmo Gas Station and drive up the hill about 300 yards to onsen. Hours: 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Admission: For adults 800 yen before 1 p.m. and 1,100 yen thereafter, reduced prices for those 12 and under. Massages range from 3,500 yen for a 30-minute oil massage to 5,000 yen for a scrub and oil massage for 50 minutes. 0956-23-6652.

Hotel Lorelei: Directions: Drive left out the main gate at the base until you reach the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway tollgate (150 yen) and get off at the Huis Ten Bosch exit. Go straight about two miles toward JR Huis Ten Bosch Train Station. Just before the train station, which is on the right, you'll see Hotel Lorelei on the left. Hours: 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Admission: For adults 800 yen, 400 yen for ages 7 through 12, 6 and under free. Massages range from 3,300 yen. 0956-59-3939.

Beppu: Directions: Drive left out of the main gate at the base until you reach the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway tollgate (150 yen) and follow signs to Trans Kyushu Expressway entrance until it intersects with the Trans-Kyushu Highway. Take the highway straight into the middle of Beppu, at the foot of Mt. Tsurumi. There are numerous onsens in Beppu. Some are public and some private. The smartest option is to visit Beppu on an MWR Travel and Tours excursion, or call the Foreign Tourist Information Office for recommendations and costs for the dozens of onsens in Beppu. Hours vary. Admission: Varies from free to expensive. Foreign Tourist Information Office, 0977-23-1119 or MWR Travel and Tours at DSN 252-3433.

Ureshino: Directions: Drive left out the main gate at the base until you reach the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway tollgate (150 yen) and follow signs to Nagasaki Expressway traveling towards Nagasaki. Signs will direct you to Ureshino. It's about a 40-minute drive. If you make it to Nagasaki, you've gone too far. There are numerous onsens in Ureshino, much like Beppu. Some are public and some are private. The smartest option is to visit Ureshino on an MWR Travel and Tours excursion, or call the Ureshino Hot Springs Tourist Information Center for recommendations and costs for the onsens in Ureshino. Hours vary. Admission: Free to expensive. Ureshino Hot Springs Tourist Information Center, 0954-42-0336 or MWR Travel and Tours at DSN 252-3433.

Near Misawa Air Base

Komaki Onsen: Huge indoor onsen for men and women with waterfalls. Large soaking pools, and men's side has a sauna bath. Outdoor baths also are on the hotel grounds. Soap and towels supplied. Directions: 56 Furumagiyama Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture. Komaki Grand Hotel onsen, 8 minutes from Misawa Air Base, is adjacent to Misawa JR train station. Admission: 300 yen per adults, 300 yen for junior high and high school students and 100 yen for preschool children. Hours: Open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 0176-53-1232.

Misawa Kuko (Airport) Onsen: At Misawa Airport. Soap and shampoos are sold, not free. No towel provided. Directions: 1-83-90 Higashi Okamisawa, Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture. Located at entrance to Misawa Airport, about 4 minutes from Misawa Air Base. Admission: 250 yen for adults, 120 yen for elementary school children and 50 yen for preschool and under. Hours: 6 a.m.-midnight daily. 0176-53-4167.

Yae-Kokonoe-No-Yu: Exquisite outdoor hot baths that overlook a tiered waterfall in a mountain setting. A little out of the way, but well worth the drive. Separate bathing side for women although they can also use the men's side, if desired. Those who do wear modesty towels. It's fun to sit in the pools as snow falls from above. Directions: 36 Yakeyama, Towadoko-machi City, Aomori Prefecture. Located 25 miles southwest of Misawa near the scenic Oirase Gorge. Part of the Komaki Hotel chain. Admission: 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary school students and 100 yen for preschool children. Must bring towel. Hours: 10 a.m.-9:00 p.m. daily (must enter before 8:30 p.m.). 0176-74-1141.

— Compiled by Hana Kusumoto

Okinawa

JA Bathhouse Aroma, Ginowan: Directions: Take Highway 58 south from Camp Foster's Kitamae Gate. At the next stoplight, turn right to the Ginowan Bypass. Proceed with the road and turn right at the third stoplight, behind Uni Qlo clothing store. JA Bathhouse Aroma is on the left side of the street after passing a nursery. Hours: 9 am.-10 p.m. daily. Admission: 1,500 yen (about $12) for adults, 700 yen for toddlers and children under 12 years old. Free admission for infants. 098-898-1126.

Yamada Spa, Onna: Directions: Take Highway 58 north from Kadena Air Base's Gate 1. Within a half-hour drive, Ramada Renaissance Hotel Okinawa appears on the left side of the highway. The spa room is on the second floor. Hours: 6 a.m.-midnight daily. Admission: 1,050 yen (about $8) for adults, 525 yen for children at 12 years of age and younger. children 6 years old and younger are free. 098-965-0707.

Loisir Hotel Bathhouse, Naha: Directions: Take Highway 58 south from Kadena Air Base's Gate 1 and before reaching Naha military port, turn to the right at Asahibashi intersection. Proceed until you find Loisir Hotel ahead of you, where the road makes a sharp right turn. Bathhouse is on the second floor. Hours: 6:30 a.m.-midnight daily. Admission: 3,150 yen (about $25) for adults, 1,500 yen for children 12 years and younger. Admission is free for children 4 and younger. 098-868-2222.

Rikka Rikka Yu, Naha: Directions: The bathhouse is in an annex building of the Central Hotel, in back of the Mitsukoshi Department Store on Kokusai Street. Hours: 6 a.m.-midnight daily. Admission: 1,300 yen (about $10) for adults and 750 yen for children 12 and younger, Monday through Saturday, and 1,450 Yen Sundays and holidays. Admission is free for children 2 and younger. 098-867-1126.

Terme Villa ChuLa-U: The new spa is next to the Beach Tower Hotel in Chatan's Mihama district, across Camp Lester. Directions: From Camp Lester's Gate 1, proceed with the road toward the beach. Pass Jusco shopping mall. Terme Villa ChuLa-U is across the hotel. Hours: 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Admission: Weekdays, 1,300 yen for adults, 700 yen for children under 12, 300 yen for infants between 1 and 3, and 1,000 yen for senior citizens 65 years and older and the handicapped; weekends and Japanese national holidays, 1,800 yen for adults, 900 yen for children under 12, 300 yen for infants between 1 and 3, and 1,400 yen for senior citizens 65 years and older and the handicapped. 098-926-2611.

Iriomote Onsen, Iriomote Island: Directions: Take a flight from Naha to Ishigaki. A ferry ride from Naha port is an option. About a 35-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki will take you to Iriomote Island. An outdoor Onsen in jungle surroundings is a part of the facilities of Painumaya Resort Hotel. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Admission: 1,200 yen for adults (about $9.50) and 600 yen for children between 3 and 12. Free for children 2 and younger. Fifty-percent discount for hotel guests. 098-085-5900.

— Compiled by Chiyomi Sumida

South Korea

Tongduchon/Area I

Hanwha Sanjunghosu, Phochon: Directions: Direct buses run from Tongduchon to Sanjunghosu at Hanwha building, Ulsiro (takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes) Admission: 5,000 won (approx $4). Spa features English-speaking guides and is decorated to look like a lake in the middle of the forest. It's located next to Sanjung Lake, near Pochun City and the Sanjunghosu resort area. The area is near various golf clubs and Jiktang Falls. The spa is located inside a full service resort, which includes 209 condominiums, parking lots and various additional amenities. 031-531- 3862; www.hanwharesort.net. Ildong Yongam youwhang (sulfur) onsen, Pochon (near Tonduchon) Directions: Direct buses to Ildong run from Tongduchon or from the East Seoul express bus terminal. Admission: 5,000 won (about $4). You can experience a variety of spas at this resort, including the traditional herb, jasmine, waterfalls, a regular swimming pool, an "infrared- rays sauna," and more. It can accommodate 3,000 customers at a time. The water comes from a natural sulfur spring 1,400 meters below the resort. 031-536-4600.

Ildong Jeil youwhang (sulfur) onsen: Pochon (near Tonduchon). Directions: Take a direct bus to Ildong at Seoul bus terminal. Get off the Gangbyun subway station, green line. Admission: 4000 won (about $3.50). Hours: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. This hot spring boasts of a "powerful flow and boil" from the spring below, with a powerful sulfurous smell. Their claim to fame is the high quality of their natural hot springs. 031-536-6000, 0481.

Seoul/Area II

Hwangum Onsen, Kangnam: Seoul. Directions: Kangnam subway station, exit 3. Admission: 12,000 won (about $11) Open 24 hours daily. This is the only large-scale hot spring spa in the middle of Seoul. Hwangum touts its authentic germanium pools and their health benefits. 02-581-4888, fax: 02-521-8022; www.knwater.com.

Pyongtaek/Area III

Weolmoon onsen: Hwasung (near Pyongtaek). Directions: Take a bus to Balan, Joam at Suwon express bus terminal. Admission: 6,000 won (about $5) Hours: weekdays 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Weekends from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. This spa is designed to provide the most convenient and pleasant hot-spring experience for customers, according to its advertisements. It offers a number of bathing options. ). Directions: Take an express bus or train to Onyang Onse Station, or about 30 minutes by car from Pyongtaek. Admission: 15,000 won (about $12). Hours: summer, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. winter, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. English-speaking guides are available at this resort, one of the best in the area. This famous spring caters to foreign customers and offers a "weak alkali hot spring" with 20 minerals in the water. 041-539-2000; www.spavis.co.kr.

Dogo Hot Spring: in Asan, Chung Nam province (near Pyongtaek). Directions: By train, go to Onyangoncheon station; buses also run to the Onyang bus terminal. Admission: 10,000 won (about $9). English-speaking guides are available at this hotel, condominium, inns; hot-springs area includes facilities such as swimming pool and golf course. The owners say their waters are good for treating hardening of the arteries, neuralgia, skin disease, bronchitis, constipation, injury aftermath, rheumatism and skin problems. 042-931-3774; www.asan.chungnam.kr.

Taegu/Pusan/Area IV

Spa Valley, Taegu: Directions: Take bus numbers 424, 439 or 704 from Taegu's main bus terminal. Admission: 12,000-25,000 won (about $10 to $20). English-speaking staff is available at Spa Valley, one of the only resorts inside the city of Taegu. It offers a family environment, with an open-air bath and a big bath, which uses mineral waters, including the element germanium. It also offers a sports massage room and a skin care room. 053-608-5000; www.spavalley.co.kr.

Palgongsan Hot Spring: Taegu. Directions: Take bus 105 or 131. Admission: 5,000 won (about $4). Hours: 6 a.m. to midnight. This spa offers alkaline and sodium carbonate hot springs. The hotel on premises is equipped with the largest open-air hot spring in South Korea, and other facilities for relieving fatigue. 053-985-8080; www.palgongspa.com.

Yaksan Hot spring Hotel: Taegu. Directions: Take bus 601 to Sebu Station. Admission: 5,000 won (about $4). Hours: Weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., weekends 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The mineral waters at this source are said to cleanse and beautify the skin. They also ease and soothe tired or aching muscles and joints by deep heating the muscles prior to your treatment. 053-616-1100.

Heosimcheong: Pusan. Directions: Subway from the Onchonjang Station on Line 1; by bus: nos. 110, 110-1, 210, 80, 100, 51, 301. Admission: 8,000 won (around $7) Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. This is another large-scale facility with a wide variety of spas, hot springs and swimming pools. Located in the center of Pusan city. 051-555-1121; www.heosimcheong.com.

— Compiled by Hwang Hae-rym

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