If you are tired from spoiling yourself with Melbourne’s great food, coffee, and art, or had a looooong day at work, maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience at Onsen Ma. This traditional Japanese bath house is located in the CBD and offers both a public and private bath setting as well as massage services.
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What is an onsen?
It is a natural hot spring bath that is common and popular in Japan. These are mostly found near volcanoes.
There are two types of onsen. One is called the rotenburo which is an outdoor onsen and the other one is called sento which is found indoors.
What to expect?
Since it is a traditional Japanese bath, bathers must be naked so leave your swimwear behind. The only exception to this rule is if you book a private bath which will set you back AUD$130 for an hour for two people. Before getting into the bath, take a shower first and make sure you are completely clean and soap-free. The recommended time to soak in the hot bath is about five to 10 minutes. You may also choose to enter the sauna right beside the bathing area.
Onsen Ma provides bath towels, body soap, shampoo, hair dryer, cotton buds, and body lotion. Booking a week or two in advance is highly recommended.
Onsen etiquette
- Be completely naked
- Take a shower
- Keep noise to a minimum
- Don’t bring food and drinks
*This is not a sponsored post. Also, thank you to Morgan for taking me here 🙂
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Just another reason to get me to Melbourne! Looks like an enjoyable place although I am not sure how comfortable I would be with the totally naked part!
This is beautiful. I’ve been to many Asian places and I’ve not been brave enough to go to an Onsen, even when I was in Korea and Japan. I would love to go… it looks like a wonderfully relaxing and beautiful experience. Thank you for your inspiring post
I am very jealous. I’ve never been brave enough to go to an onsen… but I really want to. One day, I’ve promised myself. Your post has inspired me to commit to it the next time I’m in Asia. Thank you for sharing.
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I love a bath house! I’ve only been to the one in Dallas but I would love to go to one close to a volcano. This looks amazing and so relaxing.
Heh, this traditional bathhouse looks different from what I am used to seeing. We are in Finland and saunas are really popular here 🙂
I didn’t visit an onsen while I was in Japan so maybe I can visit the one in Melbourne when I am there next year! I know it won’t be as authentic an experience as it would’ve been in Japan but I’d still want to experience it. You’ve made me want to check if there’s an onsen in Dubai, where I live!
Now this looks exactly like my kind of relaxation! I love the look of these onsen baths, and what a treat you have them there in Melbourne! I’ve sadly not made it to Australia yet, but will remember this for when I do eventually go!
Being in such a bath must be very relaxing. I would like to immerse myself in such hot water, especially now when it’s fall and it’s getting colder.
I have never tried Onsen but I really wish to one day, maybe in those natural onsens in Japan.
Woah, I didn’t know you had to be bathing suit free! This is far too adventurous for my travel style. I like my clothes on, but it sounds like an interesting experience.
My dream is to travel to Japan one day, and I’m a huge fan of these onsen baths. Though it’s in Melbourne, I’d love to give this a try. I’m big on wellness and this is right up my street!
I have been to quite a few onsen places in Thailand. There mostly males and females have different onsen rooms, I am glad that where you went you can have it in private for two, so good for couples. I would love to relax with my partner there. Sounds like a fabulous experience!
Completely naked, huh??? Lol. It all sounded lovely until then. But seriously, it looks like a lovely way to unwind and something to keep in mind when I am in Melbourne in March.
Gaah! I’m so jealous you’re going there in March! Let me know how it goes!
Oooh yes, it definitely is a great date for a couple especially since Valentines is coming up. This was Morgan’s V-day gift for me two years ago.
Wow, now I really want to visit an onsen. I’ve never been to Japan or Melbourne, but this experience seems incredible.
I have always been fascinated by Onsen , the traditional japanese bath. I read in Japan they have public baths for both sexes. So naked huh? i guess if i had to do it then , I would be the one lightning fast into the water and waiting till there are less to no one before getting out again. Im glad to read that you enjoyed your experience!
Onsen sounds so relaxing! i feel calmer already just reading this post! I never knew that they would be so popular in Melbourne. I am not sure how i feel about the naked part though… Sounds a bit brave to me haha!
Never tried an Onsen, but this appears to be a nice stress buster activity bang in the middle of Melbourne. After all who does’nt love getting pampered every now and then. The last time i was in a hot bath, was during in a hot spring bath in the mighty Himalayas.
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I can understand why a visit to Onsen Ma for a Japanese bath house experience might be a good thing after a busy day touring Melbourne. It is good that you warned people that no bathing suits are allowed unless you pay for a private pool. This might turn some people away! But a hot soak and sauna is definitely right up my alley! One for the planning board when we get Melbourne back on.
Melbourne just sounds so fun and lovely every time I heard about it. But this really would make the trip memorable. I would have to rent out my time slot though. That is one place that I would prefer not to meet new friends haha! I bet the experience is relaxing and tranquil. If given the opportunity I believe I would try this. Thank you for sharing!
I have heard of these kind of places , but I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be going naked :(. I am a bit too conservative for that! In your photos, it looks like you were the only person there? If so, that wouldn’t be too bad, I guess.
The Onsen Ma sounds like a dream right now! It has been so long since I have done anything like this and I am definitely in need! It is also a great experience after a long day of exploring as well! I think I would definitely have to do the private bath, even though it’s a bit more expensive. I just don’t think I could do the public bath. The sauna sounds great after the bath as well! You have me dreaming about when we will finally be able to do things like this again!
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Melbourne is really lovely place with its coffee and amazing vibrant culture but never knew that it has amazing Japanese spa bath house too. Good to know that you had a nice relaxing spa experience at Onsen Ma. Also its location is great which is CBD and thus making it easily accessible. It is good you mentioned some of its etiquette like completely naked, and not bringing food / drinks inside. Will keep in mind.
Another reason to visit Melbourne. The look of Onsen Ma itself is so refreshing. I am sure I would not miss this opportunity of a Japanese bath. I guess I’ll have to shell the extra amount to opt for a private one as I bet my wife would otherwise not agree.
Thanks for sharing. Onsen always feels amazing .I want to go back to japan again.
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Interesting to find a traditional Japanese bath house in the heart of Melbourne. It looks like Onsen Ma would be a great way to relax after seeing the city sights. And good to be aware in advance of the “no clothing” requirement.
I would love to try this experience! I never been to Japan or Australia but both are on my list 🙂 It looks so relaxing and I appreciate the tips on onsen etiquette. I will bookmark this if I ever get to visit this bath house or one in Japan.
I haven’t been to Australia yet – but I’ve been to Japan and enjoyed the relaxation of some private onsens. It was a wonderful routine after a long day of sight seeing. I must admit that I was a bit insecure to visit a public onsen since I was afraid to do something wrong – there are sooo many rules to follow in Japan, you quickly feel like a fool 😉
I’m moving to Melbourne soon so will definitely pay this place a visit!
I only know the Japanese onsen in Japan, but this looks pretty authentic down to the shower booths! Are tattoos also not allowed here like in many of the Japanese onsen?