Can I use this hotel’s onsen facilities?

I want to use the onsen facilities in a hotel without being a guest of the hotel. I want to walk in and ask if I can pay a fee to use their baths for an hour or so. Is it common for people in Japan to do this? Would they think it's weird for me to ask? I checked their website but it's a bit vague as to whether it's open to the public: http://yoshinoyairokuen.jp/

I want to walk in and ask if I can pay a fee to use their baths for an hour or so.

Yes, it costs 500 yen, however I am unable to figure out the hours during which it is open to non-staying guests.

Is it common for people in Japan to do this?

Yes, it is very common, but it depends on the ryokan whether it is possible or not. Not all ryokan do it. The particular one does. It is called "higaeri"-use of the baths.


Would they think it's weird for me to ask? I checked their website but it's a bit vague as to whether it's open to the public: http://yoshinoyairokuen.jp/

It is not vague. It clearly states that daytime visits by non-staying guests are possible and cost 500 yen per person. It also states that the baths are cleaned between 11:00 and noon (until 14:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), but I cannot find details about the hours non-staying guests are able to visit.