Unwind in the hot springs of Japan! 🎌
One of the must-do things while you're in
Japan is to soak in a
hot spring, also known as an
onsen! There are over 3000 places across the country where you can find hot springs, and each one offers its own features. You'll find that many of these popular hot spring spots are found in top destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Kyushu and others.
If you're already planning for your next trip to Japan, why not add one of these spots onto your itinerary? Keep reading to discover the top 15 hot springs in Japan, as well as nearby resorts and ryokan recommendations, making it easy to plan a hot spring trip! ♨️
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Top 15 hot spring destinations in Japan ♨️
1. Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
Located in the Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen has been consistently included in the official list of Japan's Top 100 Hot Springs for 21 consecutive years! This onsen has the largest number of natural hot springs in Japan, with its spring quality being highly acidic and has strong bactericidal power, which is said to be effective for improving neuralgia, diabetes, muscle pain, joint pain and other health conditions.
In the town, you can catch sight of the famous "Yubatake", a hot water field that is the symbol of Kusatsu and one of the onsen's main sources of hot spring water. Many ryokan and shops are clustered around the "Yubatake", and you can also watch the "Yumaki" performance that cools down the hot springs in a unique way, a technique which has been handed down from the Edo period.
Recommended ryokan near Kusatsu Onsen – high traveller rating!
Resort | Star rating | Score* | Link |
Kusatsu Onsen Yugomorinosato Ryokufutei | ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.7 / 5 | Book here |
Kusatsu Onsen Boun | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.6 / 5 | Book here |
Kusatsu Onsen Futabaya | ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.6 / 5 | Book here |
Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya | ⭐⭐ | 4.6 / 5 | Book here |
Kusatsu Onsen Gensen Ichinoyu | ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.5 / 5 | Book here |
Kusatsu Onsen Ryokan Yoshinoya | ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.1 / 5 | Book here |
Kusatsu Onsen
📍 Address: Kusatsu, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
🚎 Transportation:
2. Gero Onsen (Gifu Prefecture)
Gero Onsen is one of the 3 famous hot springs of Japan, located in the Hida Takayama region of Gifu Prefecture. The spring water here is alkaline, smooth to the touch, and is said to have beautifying and health benefits, earning it the nickname of "Beauty Hot Spring."
When you visit, we recommend purchasing the "Yumeguri Tegata" (Hot Spring Pass), which allows you to soak in the hot springs at any 3 participating ryokans. Additionally, there are three public bathhouses with hot spring baths, the most famous being the "Fountain Bath" sourced from the "Yukawa River." You can also enjoy a hot spring foot bath here for free.
Besides soaking in the hot springs, you can taste Hida beef and experience Japanese cultural activities at the Gassho Village!
Recommended ryokan near Gero Onsen – high traveller rating!
Gero Onsen
📍 Address: Gero, Gifu Prefecture
🚎
Transportation: Take the JR Takayama Main Line Limited Express train from Nagoya Station, which takes about 90 minutes. Book your train tickets
here!
3. Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture)
Dogo Onsen is located within Matsuyama City in the Ehime Prefecture, and is one of Japan's 3 ancient hot springs with a history of 3000 years. The Dogo Onsen Main Building, located in the center of the hot spring street, is a 3-story wooden structure and has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The hot spring water here is mild and is said to regulate the autonomic nervous system and improve insomnia.
Here's a fun fact: The bathhouse design in the film "Spirited Away" was inspired by this building!
In addition to soaking in the hot springs, you can take a stroll along the hot spring street, enjoy cherry blossoms at Matsuyama Castle, or take a ride on the "Botchan Train" to explore the Matsuyama area, a steam locomotive that appeared in the novel "Botchan" by the literary master Natsume Soseki!
Recommended ryokan near Dogo Onsen – high traveller rating!
Resort | Star rating | Score* | Link |
Yamatoya Honten | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.6 / 5 | Book here |
Dogo Onsen Funaya | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.6 / 5 | Book here |
Dogo Prince Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.4 / 5 | Book here |
Dogo Onsen
📍 Address: Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture
🚎 Transportation: Take the No. 5 tram from JR Matsuyama Station, and you'll arrive in about 30 minutes.
4. Beppu Hatto (Oita Prefecture)
Beppu Onsen is home to 8 hot spring districts, collectively known as the "Beppu Hatto", making it the hot spring area with the highest number of source springs in Japan. Each hot spring resort has different water qualities and bathing cultures. Complete with hot spring baths and traditional Japanese inn facilities, the districts include Hamawaki, Beppu, Kamegawa, Kanzaki, Kannawa, Horita, Shibaseki, and Myoban Onsen.
Among the attractions in Beppu Hatto are the vivid red "Blood Pond Hell" (Chinoike Jigoku), the bubbling "Tornado Hell" (Tatsumaki Jigoku), and the azure-blue "Sea Hell" (Umi Jigoku). In addition to enjoying the hot springs, visitors can also marvel at the wonders of nature that are abundant here.
Recommended ryokan near Beppu Onsen – high traveller rating!
Resort | Star rating | Score* | Link |
Beppu Kankaiji Onsen Ryotei Matsubaya | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.6 / 5 | Book here |
Hotel Sansuikan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.2 / 5 | Book here |
Umino Hotel Hajime | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.2 / 5 | Book here |
Beppu Onsen
📍 Address: Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
🚎 Transportation: Take the express train from areas such as Hakata, Oita, Miyazaki, and Hitoyoshi to reach Beppu Station.
5. Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
Arima Onsen is a popular hot spring resort in the Kansai region that is one of Japan's 3 oldest hot springs and is also listed as one of Japan's 3 famous springs. The spring water here comes from natural hot springs that emerge from the ground and each spring has its own unique benefits. Arima Onsen is known for its rare hot springs with 7 different therapeutic properties, including the "Kin no Yu" (golden spring) rich in iron and the colourless, transparent "Gin no Yu" (silver spring) containing radium.
The main street in this hot spring area is lined with many unique restaurants and shops where you can try local specialties, like carbonated pancakes! We also recommend exploring and taking your time to enjoy performances by geisha and experience traditional Japanese culture here.
Must-have Arima Onsen package - Taiko-no-Yu + Railway Pass!
The "Taiko-no-Yu" is the largest hot spring facility in Arima Onsen, offering various baths including the "Kin no Yu" (Gold Spring), "Gin no Yu" (Silver Spring), rock baths, rock saunas, and hot spring fish therapy. With the purchase of the Arima Onsen Taiko-no-Yu package, you'll also receive unlimited rides on the Hankyu or Hanshin train lines for one day, allowing you to easily travel between Osaka and Arima Onsen!
Recommended ryokan near Arima Onsen – high traveller rating!
Resort | Star rating | Score* | Link |
Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.7 / 5 | Book here |
Hyoe Koyokaku | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.6 / 5 | Book here |
Tocen Goshoboh | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.6 / 5 | Book here |
Arima Onsen Hanano | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.5 / 5 | Book here |
Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.5 / 5 | Book here |
Arima Ryokan Hanamusubi | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.4 / 5 | Book here |
Arima Onsen Motoyu Kosenkaku | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.4 / 5 | Book here |
Arima Onsen Gekkoen Yugetsusanso | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.4 / 5 | Book here |
Arima Onsen
📍 Address: Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
🚎 Transportation: Take the train from Arimaguchi Station on the Kobe Electric Railway to Arima Onsen Station.
6. Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido Prefecture)
Located in the southwest part of Hokkaido, Noboribetsu Onsen features a volcanic crater called "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley), where steam and hot springs gush out, creating an otherworldly atmosphere akin to being in hell. There are 9 different types of hot spring waters known for their efficacy in treating conditions such as neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and chronic skin diseases.
The main street in the area, "Gokuraku Street", offers not only restaurants, souvenir shops, and public baths but also facilities such as hospitals and banks, making it very convenient for visitors. Near the hot springs, there is Lake Kuttara, known for having the best water quality in Japan, as well as natural landscapes of forests, lakes, the ocean, and mountains, and attractions such as the Bear Ranch theme park, offering a blend of leisure, recreation, and scenic beauty.
Recommended ryokan near Noboribetsu Onsen – Noboribetsu Tōyōkan Hotel!
The Noboribetsu Tōyōkan Hotel features hot spring baths, a sauna, restaurants, and a tea lounge, as well as guest rooms that are well-equipped with satellite TV, tatami flooring, refrigerators, safes, and private bathrooms, along with Japanese-style robes and slippers. Conveniently located, it is only a 15-minute drive from JR Noboribetsu Station.
Noboribetsu Onsen
📍 Address: Noboribetsu Onsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
🚎
Transportation: Take the express train from JR Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station, which takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours. Then, take a bus from Noboribetsu Station to the hot spring area, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Book your train tickets
here!
7. Ibusuki Onsen (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Ibusuki Onsen is located at the southernmost tip of Kagoshima and its most distinctive feature is its "sand bath hot spring" (Sunamushi Onsen). After putting on a yukata, you can bury your body in the heated sand, which contains a naturally moisturising component in its water quality, known as "metasilicic acid". It is said to promote blood circulation and increase metabolism.
In addition to the sand bath, the hot spring area also features foot baths, hand baths, and open-air baths. Situated by the coast, the hot spring area offers beautiful ocean views, making you feel like you're vacationing on a tropical island, providing a relaxing and comfortable experience.
Recommended ryokan near Ibusuki Onsen – high traveller rating!
Resort | Star rating | Score* | Link |
Kagoshima Sunamushi Onsen Ibusuki Hakusuikan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.4 / 5 | Book here |
Koran no Yu Kinkouroh | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.2 / 5 | Book here |
Ibusuki Royal Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.1 / 5 | Book here |
Ibusuki Onsen
📍 Address: Juunichou, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture
🚎 Transportation: Take a train from JR Kagoshima Chuo Station to JR Ibusuki Station, which is approximately a 1-hour journey.
8. Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone Onsen is a popular destination near Tokyo, just over an hour's drive away. From the foothills to the mountainside of Mount Hakone, there are nearly 20 hot spring towns in the area. Also known as the "Hakone Seven Hot Springs," each of the 7 hot springs in Hakone has its own unique characteristics, with Hakone Yumoto Onsen being the most famous. Other notable hot springs include Tounosawa Onsen, Miyanoshita Onsen, Dounoshima Onsen, Sokokura Onsen, Kiga Onsen, and Ashinoyu Onsen.
Here, you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji, visit the Hakone Shrine with its torii gate standing on the lake, take a pirate sightseeing boat on Lake Ashi, or ride a cable car to view the active volcano at Owakudani. There are also several art museums in the area for you to explore, offering a wide range of attractions to plan your exciting itinerary.
Recommended ryokan near Hakone Onsen – high traveller rating!
Hakone Onsen
📍 Address: Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
🚎 Transportation:
9. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
Kinosaki Onsen, located in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture, is an ancient hot spring town known for its 7 public hot spring baths scattered throughout the small town. With just one ticket, visitors can enjoy free access to all the public baths here. The quaint main street of the hot spring town is lined with rivers, small bridges, and willow trees, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll after soaking in the hot springs.
Recommended ryokan near Kinosaki Onsen – high traveller rating!
Resort | Star rating | Score* | Link |
Nishimuraya Honkan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.9 / 5 | Book here |
Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.7 / 5 | Book here |
Kinosaki Onsen
📍 Address: Kinosakicho, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture
🚎 Transportation: Take the limited express train from JR Osaka Station to JR Kinosaki Onsen Station.
10. Yufuin Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
Yufuin Onsen, located in Yufu City of Oita Prefecture, boasts the second largest amount of hot spring water production and number of sources in Japan! The hot springs are primarily alkaline, gentle, and non-irritating. They are also said to have moisturising effects, helping to relieve fatigue, promote beautiful skin, and alleviate neuralgia, muscle pain, and arthritis.
The main hot spring street here maintains a nostalgic atmosphere, featuring art galleries and trendy shops. Most accommodation facilities offer large communal baths and outdoor baths. Surrounded by mountains, Yufuin experiences "morning mist" in winter mornings, creating a charming, fairy-tale-like scenery. Additionally, the nearby scenic spot "Kinrinko Lake" reflects a golden glow resembling fish scales under the sunset, creating a dreamy and captivating ambiance!
Recommended ryokan near Yufuin Onsen – high traveller rating!
Resort | Star rating | Score* | Link |
Yufuin Bettei Itsuki | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.8 / 5 | Book here |
Yufuin Onsen Hotel Poppoan | ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.6 / 5 | Book here |
Yufuin Onsen Toshoan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.6 / 5 | Book here |
Yufuin Ryoan Wazanhou | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.5 / 5 | Book here |
Yufuin Onsen Ryokan Mebaeso | ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.3 / 5 | Book here |
Yufuin Kotobuki Hananosho | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.2 / 5 | Book here |
Yufuin Onsen
📍 Address: Yufuincho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
🚎 Transportation:
From Oita Station: Take the JR Kyudai Main Line to Yufuin Station, which will take approximately 1 hour.
From Beppu Station: Take the JR Nippo Main Line to Oita Station, then transfer to the Kyudai Main Line to Yufuin Station, which will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
By car: It takes about 40 minutes from Beppu to Yufuin.
By bus: It takes about 50 minutes from Beppu to Yufuin.
11. Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture)
Kurokawa Onsen is located north of Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture and boasts over 20 different hot springs, including cave baths, waterfall-side baths, and riverside baths. With the purchase of a single "Yunohana-gift" hot spring pass, visitors can choose to bathe in 3 different hot spring facilities. Nestled in a valley shrouded in clouds and mist, Kurokawa Onsen offers mystifying mountain views, with the nighttime scenery being particularly enchanting.
Recommended ryokan near Kurokawa Onsen – high traveller rating!
Resort | Star rating | Score* | Link |
Kurokawa Onsen Gosyo Gekkoujyu | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.9 / 5 | Book here |
Kurokawa Onsen Yamabiko Ryokan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.7 / 5 | Book here |
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Ichinoi | ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.5 / 5 | Book here |
Kurokawa Onsen
📍 Address: Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
🚎 Transportation:
Take a highway bus directly from Fukuoka City to Kurokawa Onsen.
From Kumamoto Station, transfer to a taxi or bus at Aso Station.
12. Wakura Onsen (Ishikawa Prefecture)
Wakura Onsen, located on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, has a history of 1,200 years and is a rare "submarine spring." The spring water is rich in salt and is said to have antibacterial, moisturizing, and skin-beautifying effects. It is said to be able to heal wounds and skin diseases, as well as improve health conditions like gout, gastrointestinal issues, or anemia.
On the streets of Wakura Onsen, you can find many foot baths and hand baths. At the Yukemuri Plaza, hot spring water gushes out to allow you to make onsen tamago (hot spring eggs); you don't even have to add salt as the springs already provide a subtle salty flavour. Additionally, you can savour the unique local delicacies from both the mountain and ocean regions, while enjoying the tranquil scenery of the glittering Nanao Bay.
Recommended ryokan near Wakura Onsen – Tenku no Yado Daikanso!
Introducing
Tenku No Yado Daikanso, located just 2 kilometres away from JR Wakura Onsen Station. The guest rooms are equipped with amenities such as a safe, electric kettle, air conditioning, TV, and hairdryer. The hotel also features a massage room and a café, allowing you to fully enjoy your Wakura Onsen experience!
Wakura Onsen
📍 Address: Wakura-cho, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture
🚎 Transportation:
From Osaka: Take the JR Thunderbird train to Wakura Onsen Station, which takes about 3.5 hours.
From Tokyo: Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station, then transfer to the JR limited express train to Wakura Onsen Station, which takes about 3.5 hours. Book your train tickets
here!
From Kanazawa Station: Take the JR limited express train, which takes about 1 hour, or the Shoryudo Highway Bus, which takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
13. Atami Onsen (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Atami Onsen, located on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, is just about a 50-minute drive from Tokyo! Atami Station boasts numerous outdoor and indoor baths, including a foot bath named after Tokugawa Ieyasu: Ieyasu no Yu Foot Bath.
Situated close to the sea, Atami offers not only hot springs but also opportunities to bask in the sunlight and enjoy the beach. You can also indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine, making it an absolute must-visit hot spring resort for a vacation!
Atami Onsen
📍 Address: Atami-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture
🚎 Transportation: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen or the Tokaido and Ito Line to Atami Station. Book your train tickets
here!
14. Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
Ginzan Onsen is located in the Yamagata Prefecture and the main street of this hot spring town preserves the nostalgic buildings from the Taisho era, making it one of Japan's most archetypal hot spring streets. Especially in the winter time, the traditional hot spring street scenery becomes even more romantic under the snowfall. As for the water quality here, the springs contain is sodium chloride sulfate, which is said to be effective for cuts, burns, and chronic skin diseases.
Ginzan Onsen
📍 Address: Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture
🚎 Transportation:
Take the Yamagata Shinkansen from JR Yamagata Station, which takes approximately 100 minutes. Book your train tickets
here!
From Tokyo: Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station, about 3 hours and 20 minutes, then take a bus to Ginzan Onsen, which takes approximately 35 minutes.
15. Okuhida Onsen Village (Gifu Prefecture)
Located in the central part of Japan's Gifu Prefecture, the popular hot spring area, Okuhida Onsen Village, is adjacent to the famous spot of Takayama and just about a one-hour drive from it. The onsen village boasts over 100 open-air baths, surrounded by the famous Northern Alps with peaks rising over 3,000 meters above sea level. The picturesque scenery of the four seasons makes it a spot that is particularly recommended to visit during the autumn and winter seasons!
Okuhida Onsen Village
📍 Address: 1689-3 Murakami, Okuhida Onsen Village, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
🚎 Transportation: Take a bus from Takayama Station, which takes approximately 1 hour.
—
*The above customer ratings are as of November 2022 and are subject to change. Do refer to the respective hotel boking pages for the latest information.
More recommendations for hot spring ryokans & experiences
1. Ito Onsen Yokikan
Ito Onsen Yokikan is only 900 meters away from JR Ito Station, and the guest rooms are fully equipped. In addition to the hot springs, the hotel also features a massage room, spa, and a gift shop. It is also conveniently located earby attractions include Asakoji Temple and Otonashi Shrine!
2. Yunomoto Ryokan Onsen
Yunomoto Onsen is located near the Hokkaido Natural Park and offers free rest areas, indoor baths, outdoor baths, and saunas. High-quality natural hot springs gush from the surrounding mountains, allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of soaking in hot springs surrounded by nature.
The simple sulfur cold mineral springs here are said to be effective for neuralgia and rheumatism. Nearby attractions include Katsurazawa Lake, Katsurazawa Kokusetsu Ski Resort, and camping facilities, offering plenty of recreational options. After a day of fun outdoors, why not drop by to unwind and relax in the hot springs?
3. Waraku Onsen Nihon no Yado Notoraku Hotel
Noto Rakunihon no Yado Wakura Onsen Hotel is located in Nanao, within walking distance of the Noto Peninsula. The hotel offers indoor Japanese mineral hot springs and amenities such as a coffee shop, bar, massage, or spa facilities. The guest rooms are also fully equipped, ensuring you enjoy a comfortable retreat while you're here!
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