ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU Review: Tokyo Onsen & Tatami Hotel with Rooftop Open-Air Bath

For travelers seeking an urban onsen ryokan experience in Shinjuku, ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU delivers precisely on that expectation. This is not a hotel with a simple bath; it features a genuine open-air rooftop onsen filled with alkaline simple hot spring water sourced directly from Hakone’s Lake Ashinoko (芦ノ湖). Soaking in the thermal waters while gazing at the Shinjuku skyline is an experience rarely found elsewhere in Tokyo. Furthermore, its policy of allowing guests with tattoos access to the large communal bath is particularly welcome news for travelers who have often been denied entry at other onsen facilities.

The hotel’s name, ‘YUEN (由縁),’ means ‘origin’ or ‘connection’ in Japanese, reflecting its intent to modernize the traditional ryokan philosophy. From the minimalist, clutter-free spaces and the yukata, tabi socks, and green tea set provided in every room to the bamboo-made amenities from the sustainable Japanese brand MiYO Organic, the consistent sentiment in guest reviews is that “returning to the hotel feels like entering a spa.” Its location on a quiet street just off the bustling main areas of Shinjuku makes this feeling even more pronounced after a long day of walking around Tokyo.

This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission.

📍 Basic Information

Hotel Name	ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU (ONSEN RYOKAN 由縁 新宿)
Address	1F, 5 Chome-3-18 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Postal Code	〒160-0022
Phone Number	+81 3-5361-8355
Email	info-shinjuku@ryokan-yuen.jp
Check-in	15:00 ~ 02:00 (next day)
Check-out	11:00
Wi-Fi	Free
Accommodation Tax	Tokyo accommodation tax is charged separately (varies by room rate).

Now that you have the hotel’s location and transportation details, let’s look at how to get there.

🚃 How to Get to ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU

By Train

• Tokyo Station → Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line → Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station (Exit 3), 7-minute walk
• Shinjuku Station → Toei Shinjuku Line → Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit C7), 8-minute walk
• Shibuya Station → JR Yamanote Line → Shinjuku Station → Toei Shinjuku Line → Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit C7), 8-minute walk
• Shinagawa Station → JR Yamanote Line → Shinjuku Station → Toei Shinjuku Line → Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit C7), 8-minute walk

From the Airport

• Haneda Airport → Keikyu Line → Shinagawa Station → JR Yamanote Line → Shinjuku Station → Toei Shinjuku Line → Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit C7), 8-minute walk
• Narita Airport → Narita Express (N’EX) → Shinjuku Station → Toei Shinjuku Line → Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit C7), 8-minute walk

By Bus

• Busta Shinjuku (Bus Terminal) → Approx. 10-minute walk to Shinjuku Station → Toei Shinjuku Line → Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Exit C7), 8-minute walk

If you’d like to compare this hotel with others in the Shinjuku area, you can also check out Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku or JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku for a useful comparison. Now that you know the transportation, let’s take a detailed look at the rooms and amenities.

🛏️ ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU Rooms & Amenities Guide

YUEN SHINJUKU has a total of 193 rooms, ranging from 12 sqm Semi-Double rooms to 51 sqm Suites. Every room comes standard with a yukata, tabi socks (split-toe socks), and a green tea set, allowing you to experience the unique welcome ritual of a ryokan. Higher-category rooms (Double, Premium Double, Suite) are additionally equipped with amenity sets made from bamboo by the sustainable Japanese brand MiYO Organic.

Semi-Double Room (Max 2 guests)

This compact 12 sqm room is located on floors 2-15 and features one 1400mm wide bed, a shower booth, and a separate toilet. While the space is small, the layout is efficient, so it doesn’t feel too cramped once your luggage is organized. It’s a great fit for solo travelers who primarily want to enjoy the large communal onsen baths or for those seeking good value for money in Shinjuku.

Double Room (Max 3 guests)

This 25 sqm room has one 1800mm wide double bed and is located on floors 3-17, offering different city views depending on the floor. The bathroom features a separate bath and toilet, providing a more spacious environment than the lower-tier rooms which only have a shower booth. For three guests, an extra futon is provided, making it suitable for small group travel.

YUEN Suite Room (Max 4 guests)

At 51 sqm, this is the largest room type in the hotel. Located on the 16th and 17th floors, it offers the best panoramic views of the Shinjuku skyline. It is furnished with two 1400mm wide beds, and extra futons are provided for groups of 3 or more, making family stays possible. A recurring highlight mentioned by past guests is the experience of soaking in the onsen and then retiring to a high-floor room with exclusive night views of Shinjuku. It is especially recommended for couples or small groups.

• Premium Double Room (33 sqm, Max 4 guests) — Located on floors 16-17, 1800mm double bed, separate bath and toilet, includes MiYO Organic amenities.
• Comfort Twin Room (20 sqm, Max 2 guests) — Located on floors 3-15, two 900mm single beds, separate shower booth and toilet.
• Twin Room (15 sqm, Max 2 guests) — Located on floors 2-16, two 900mm single beds, separate shower booth and toilet.
• Universal Room (20 sqm, Max 2 guests) — Located on the 2nd floor, 1400mm bed, unit bath, not available for online booking (requires a phone call).

• Bath Amenities: MiYO Organic bamboo amenity set (upper-category rooms), toothbrush, hairbrush, cotton swabs, towel set / In the large bath: lotion, emulsion, facial cleanser, hair ties (women’s bath only).
• Bedroom & Convenience: Yukata, tabi socks, split-toe socks, safe.
• Beverage & Dining: Electric kettle, green tea & hojicha tea bags, snacks.
• Entertainment & Internet: LCD TV, free Wi-Fi.
• Other (Rental Items): Humidifier/air purifier, reading lamp, iron set, hair dryer, hair iron, trouser press.

After relaxing in your room, it’s time to explore the hotel’s key facilities.

🏊 ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU Facilities

Large Communal Onsen Bath (Rooftop Open-Air Bath)

Operating Hours: 15:00~02:00 (next day) / 06:00~10:00

This is the hotel’s most special space. It is an alkaline simple hot spring filled with source water directly transported from Hakone Ashinoko Onsen (箱根 芦ノ湖温泉 つつじの湯·小田急 山のホテル). There is one indoor bath and one open-air bath for men and women each, with 7 washing stations (karan) per gender. Being able to soak in the onsen while overlooking the Shinjuku cityscape is a unique experience, often described in guest reviews as “the first time seeing an onsen with this view in Tokyo.” The free ice pops provided during the 15:00~02:00 hours are also very popular, especially the moment of enjoying them in the lounge area while gazing at the Shinjuku night skyline. The hotel’s policy of allowing access to guests with tattoos is a rare and valuable option in Tokyo. Please note that the indoor bath is a regular bath, not an onsen.

Coin Laundry & Water Station

Coin laundry facilities and water refill stations are available on several floors, making it practical for long-term travelers. A convenience frequently mentioned by guests is the natural flow of doing laundry, changing into a yukata, and heading straight to the onsen.

After enjoying the facilities, don’t miss out on the in-house dining experience.

🍳 ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU Breakfast & Dining

Restaurant 夏下冬上 (KAKATOJO)

• Hours: Breakfast 07:00~11:00 (L.O. 10:30) / Lunch 12:00~14:00 (L.O. 13:30, closed Mon & Thu) / Dinner 17:30~22:30 (Food L.O. 21:00, Drink L.O. 22:00)
• The restaurant’s name, ‘Kakatojo,’ comes from a temperature control method meaning ‘below in summer, above in winter.’ Inside, with views of a small Japanese garden (tsuboniwa), it offers seasonal ingredients from across Japan in two styles: teppanyaki and tempura.

Breakfast

• Menu: Gozen-style set meal, 2,500 yen per person (tax not included).
• Centered around a traditional Japanese set meal plate with warm grilled fish and miso soup, it also includes a self-serve bar with organic vegetable salad, fermented foods, yogurt, cereal, fruit, coffee, and tea.
• Breakfast is exclusively for overnight guests. A common piece of advice from past travelers is that reservations fill up quickly. It is highly recommended to book upon check-in or immediately upon arrival.
• Gluten-free options are not available.

Lunch & Dinner

• Lunch: Tendon, wagyu set meal, seafood chirashi, etc., from 1,500 to 5,000 yen. (Closed Mon & Thu).
• Dinner: Fresh fish direct from the port, artisan-prepared sashimi, select wagyu steak, etc.; choose from course menus or a la carte.
• Pairings with house-made sake, wine, and Japanese sake selected by a certified sommelier are available. Dinner reservations can also be made by phone (03-5361-8354).

💡 Pro Tips for ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU

1. Breakfast is exclusively for guests and is very popular, often selling out early. It’s best to book directly at the front desk on the day of check-in or inquire by email before your arrival.
2. The large communal onsen operates in two sessions: evening (15:00~02:00) and morning (06:00~10:00). A signature routine of this hotel is to take a bath in the evening, grab a free ice pop, and enjoy the Shinjuku night view from the rooftop lounge. Be sure to experience this.
3. The MiYO Organic bamboo amenities are not single-use; if you stay multiple nights, you will use the set provided on your first day until check-out. Be careful not to lose them.
4. The staff can assist with sending your luggage via courier (e.g., Yamato Transport) to your next hotel. If you are moving on to Kyoto, Kanazawa, etc., inquire at the front desk by the day before your checkout to get a tracking number, making your travel much smoother.
5. The hotel is within walking distance of Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingu Outer Garden, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai. However, it is a 10-15 minute walk to Shinjuku Station, so for late-night returns, it’s convenient to check on taxis or the nearby Toei Shinjuku Line/Marunouchi Line in advance.

🎯 Recommended For

✅ Travelers wanting a genuine onsen experience in Tokyo. — This is perfect for those for whom onsen is a key part of their trip, offering an alkaline simple hot spring with source water from Hakone Ashinoko and a view of the Shinjuku skyline.

✅ Couples who want ryokan atmosphere without sacrificing access to Shinjuku. — Located just an 8-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, you can enjoy the full ryokan vibe with yukata, tabi socks, and a welcome green tea set. Compared to other Shinjuku hotels with large baths, its open-air onsen view is uniquely differentiated.

✅ Travelers with tattoos who have difficulty using regular onsen. — The policy of allowing guests with tattoos into the large communal bath is very rare for onsen facilities in Tokyo.

❌ Travelers for whom spacious rooms are the top priority. — Standard room types (Semi-Double, Twin) are 12-15 sqm, which is on the smaller side even by Tokyo standards. If you have a lot of luggage or value space, consider upgrading to a 33-51 sqm room or look into alternatives like The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku with larger room sizes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)