One of the must-do activities when visiting
Japan is soaking in an onsen. Japan has over 3,000 hot spring areas, each with its own unique characteristics. In regions such as the outskirts of
Tokyo, Kansai, and Kyushu, there are multiple must-visit popular onsen destinations!
This year, the Japan Tourism Agency collaborated with travel and tourism professionals to select the "Top 100 Japanese Hot Springs." We rounded it down to 16 recommendations to help you easily plan your onsen in Japan journey!
📌 Before you zero in on an onsen or two, keep note of the basic Japan onsen rules like:
Shower before you soak in an onsen: soaking in an onsen is more for relaxing and healing, so the practice here is to use the showers provided and bathe as you normally do AND THEN soak in the healing waters of Japan's onsen.
Cover your tattoos, if any: Majority of onsen in Japan don't accept those with tattoos. If your ink is small enough, you can find all kinds of waterproof bandages specifically to cover them up. You can find these in convenience stores all over the country. You can also consider checking out
tattoo-friendly onsens in Japan which are just as relaxing!
Expect to go full naked: It's normal to be fully naked in an onsen, no swimsuits here. Towels are used to get to and from the changing area to the waters but you have to be naked to soak up all the benefits of the hot spring.
Now that you're equipped with the basics of how to onsen, take your pick from the many below! We've organized them by their distance to popular cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo.
♨️ In and around Tokyo
1. Manyo Toyosu Onsen (Tokyo)
You can find the utterly relaxing
Manyo Toyosu Onsen right near the famous Toyosu Market in Tokyo, so do add a relaxing stop if you're in the area! It's inside
Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai's grounds where you can also enjoy a ton of shops, eateries, and more in an Edo-period-inspired neighborhood.
It's open 24 hours and offers both an indoor and outdoor onsen with amazing views of the Tokyo skyline. If you're still on the shy side, you could opt to have a relaxing dip in the footbaths (that also come with great views)!
Address: 6-5-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo (Next to Toyosu Market)
How to get there:
Walk just four minutes from Shijo-mae Station
Tokyo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Reach Toyosu-shijo-mae / Toyosu Market, it'll be just a 3-min walk
2. Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
Kusatsu Onsen is located in Gunma Prefecture and has held the top position in the 'Top 100 Japanese Hot Springs' for 21 consecutive years. It boasts the highest natural hot spring water in Japan, characterized by strong acidity with potent bactericidal properties. It is said to be effective against various ailments such as skin diseases, nerve pain, diabetes, muscle pain, and joint pain.
At the heart of the onsen town is the unique 'Yubatake' landscape, where you can witness the traditional 'Yumomi' performance passed down since the Edo period, a distinctive method of cooling the hot spring water. Visitors can also experience the unique bathing method called 'Jikan-yu' (Time Bath) and enjoy the large 'Nishi-no-kawara open-air bath' spanning over 500 square meters.
Kusatsu Onsen Ryokan Recommendations - Highest Guest Ratings!
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 |
Address: Kusatsu, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
How to get there:
Rent a car for self-driving: Departing from Tokyo, the journey takes approximately 3 hours by car. From the Shinkansen station in Takasaki, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Find your car rental
here.
Bus: Take the JR Joshu Yumeguri bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Kusatsu
Train: Take the express train from Ueno, which takes about 2.5 hours. Get off at 'Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station' and transfer to a bus. It takes about 25 minutes to reach your destination
3. Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Hakone Onsen is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, a popular destination near Tokyo, just over an hour's drive away. From the foothills to the slopes of Mount Hakone, there are numerous hot spring streets with nearly 20 source springs.
The seven hot springs known as the "Hakone Shichito'' each have their own unique characteristics, with Hakone Yumoto Onsen being the most famous one. The others include Tounosawa Onsen, Miyanoshita Onsen, Dōjima Onsen, Sokokura Onsen, Kiga Onsen, and Ashinoyu Onsen.
Here, you can enjoy views of
Mount Fuji, visit the Hakone Shrine with its torii gate on the lake, take a pirate-themed sightseeing boat ride on Lake Ashi, ride a cable car to view the active volcano at Owakudani, and explore various museums. The rich variety of tourist attractions allows you to plan an
exciting itinerary!
Hakone Onsen Ryokan Recommendations - Highest Guest Ratings!
Address: Hakone Yumoto, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
How to get there:
Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto Station. The journey takes about 90 minutes
Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara Station, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line to reach Hakone Yumoto Station. The journey takes about 55 minutes
4. Atami Onsen (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Atami Onsen, located on the Izu Peninsula in
Shizuoka Prefecture, is only about a 50-minute drive from
Tokyo! Atami is close to the seaside, offering not only
hot springs but also the enjoyment of sunshine and beaches. You can savor fresh and delicious Japanese cuisine, making it an absolute must-visit onsen resort for a vacation!
At Atami Station, there are also many outdoor and indoor baths, including a foot bath named 'Tokugawa Ieyasu-yu Ashiyu' in honor of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Address: Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture
How to get there: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokaido Main Line, and Ito Line to Atami Station
5. Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
Ginzan Onsen is located in Yamagata Prefecture. The hot spring street preserves nostalgic buildings from the Taisho era, making it one of Japan's most representative hot spring districts. The traditional hot spring scenery becomes even more romantic and enchanting under the winter's falling snow. The hot spring water is said to be a sodium chloride sulfate spring, believed to have therapeutic effects on cuts, burns, and chronic skin diseases.
Address: Ginzan Shinhata, Oguni-machi, Yamagata Prefecture
How to get there:
Take the Yamagata Shinkansen from JR Yamagata Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes
Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Oishida Station, which takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Then, take a bus to Ginzan Onsen, which takes approximately 35 minutes
6. Okuhida Onsen Village (Gifu Prefecture)
Located in
Gifu Prefecture in Central Japan, the popular hot spring area Okuhida Onsen Village is close to the famous attraction Kamikochi and is approximately a 1 hour's drive from Takayama. Okuhida Onsen Village boasts over 100 outdoor baths, surrounded by the famous Northern Alps with elevations of over 3,000 meters.
The scenic beauty of the four seasons can be witnessed from here, making it especially recommended to visit during the autumn foliage season and winter!
Address: 1689-3 Kamijou, Okuhida Onsen Village, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
How to get there: Take a bus from Takayama Station; the journey takes about 1 hour
♨️ In and around Osaka
7. Gero Onsen (Gifu Prefecture)
Gero Onsen is one of the 'Three Famous Springs of Japan,' located in the Hida Takayama region of Gifu Prefecture. The alkaline spring water has a smooth and slippery feel, and it is said to have beauty and health benefits, earning it the reputation of being a 'beauty bath'.
When touring, it is recommended to purchase the "Yumeguri Tegata" (湯めぐり手形), which allows you to soak in hot springs at any three participating inns. Additionally, there are three public bathhouses, with the most famous being the "Fountain Pool" sourced from the "Yoshida River."
You can also enjoy foot bath hot springs for free! Apart from soaking in hot springs, you can savor some Hida beef and experience Japanese cultural activities in the
Shirakawa-go village!
Gero Onsen Ryokan Recommendations - Highest Guest Ratings!
Address: Gero, Gifu Prefecture
How to get there: Take the JR Takayama Main Line Limited Express from Nagoya Station, and from there, it’ll take about 90 minutes before you arrive
8. Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture)
Dogo Onsen is located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, and is one of the "Three Ancient Springs of Japan" with a history of 3,000 years. The central part of the hot spring town features the "Dogo Onsen Main Building," a three-story wooden public bathhouse designated as a nationally important cultural property.
The design of the bathhouse served as inspiration for the
bathhouse in the iconic Studio Ghibli movie "Spirited Away." The spring quality is mild and is said to regulate the autonomic nervous system, improving insomnia.
Apart from enjoying the hot springs, you can take a stroll in the onsen town, admire
cherry blossoms at Matsuyama Castle, or take a ride on the "Botchan Train," a steam locomotive that appeared in the novel "Botchan" by the literary master Natsume Soseki, to explore the Matsuyama region.
Dogo Onsen Ryokan Recommendations - Highest Guest Ratings!
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 |
Address: Yumachi, Dogo, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
How to get there: Take tram number 5 from JR Matsuyama Station, and you will arrive in about 30 minutes
9. Beppu Hatto (Oita Prefecture)
Beppu Onsen is composed of eight hot spring districts, also known as "Beppu Hatto," making it the hot spring area in Japan with the largest number of source springs.
Each hot spring resort has different spring qualities and bathing cultures. The hot spring bathhouses and traditional Japanese inns are well-equipped, including Hamawaki, Beppu, Kamegawa, Yamanogawara, Kanna-ji, Horita, Shibaseki, and Myoban Onsen.
Within Beppu Hatto, there are unique attractions such as the vibrant red "Blood Pond Hell" (Chinoike Jigoku), the geyser-like "Tornado Hell" (Tatsumaki Jigoku), and the azure blue "Sea Hell" (Umi Jigoku). In addition to enjoying the hot springs, you can also witness the wonders of nature.
Beppu Onsen Ryokan Recommendations - Highest Guest Ratings!
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 |
Address: Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
How to get there: Take the limited express train from areas such as Hakata, Oita, Miyazaki, and Hitoyoshi to reach Beppu Station
10. Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
Arima Onsen is one of the "Three Ancient Springs of Japan" and is also included in the "Three Famous Springs of Japan." It is a popular onsen destination in the
Kansai region.
The spring water comes from natural hot springs that emerge from the ground, and it is a rare hot spring with seven therapeutic components, including the iron-rich "Kinnoyu" (Golden Spring) and the colorless and transparent radium-containing hot spring "Ginny" (Silver Spring), each with different effects.
The hot spring town features numerous distinctive restaurants and small shops. You can try the local specialty, carbonated senbei (rice crackers), and enjoy traditional Japanese culture by watching the performance of geisha banquets.
Taiko-no-yu is the largest hot spring facility in Arima Onsen, featuring baths such as the "Golden Bath," "Silver Bath," rock baths, stone sauna, and a hot spring fish therapy.
Purchase the
Arima Onsen Taiko-no-yu package now, which includes a ticket for unlimited rides on either Hankyu or Hanshin Railway, allowing you to travel effortlessly between Osaka and Arima Onsen throughout the day!
Arima Onsen Ryokan Recommendations - Highest Guest Ratings!
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 |
Address: Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
How to get there: Take the train from Kobe Electric Railway Arima-guchi Station to Kobe Electric Railway Arima Onsen Station
11. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
Kinosaki Onsen is an ancient hot spring town in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture, featuring seven public bathhouses scattered throughout the small town. With the purchase of a single ticket, you can freely access all public bathhouses. The nostalgic hot spring street is adorned with rivers, small bridges, and willow trees. Taking a leisurely stroll here after enjoying the hot springs adds to the overall relaxed and picturesque atmosphere!
Kinosaki Onsen Ryokan Recommendations - Highest Guest Ratings!
Resort | Star rating | Score* | Link |
Nishimuraya Honkan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.9 / 5 | Book here |
Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.7 / 5 | Book here |
Address: Kinosaki, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
How to get there: Take the limited express train from JR Osaka Station to JR Kinosaki Onsen Station
12. Wakura Onsen (Ishikawa Prefecture)
Wakura Onsen is located on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is a rare 'submarine spring' where hot springs well up from the sea. The spring water is rich in salt and is said to have sterilizing, moisturizing, and beautifying effects, promoting the healing of wounds and skin diseases, as well as improving gout, gastrointestinal symptoms, or anemia.
In
Wakura Onsen Street, there are also many foot baths and hand baths. At the Yunomoto Square, hot spring water gushes out, allowing you to make onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) by placing eggs in the water without adding salt — they will naturally have a subtle salty taste. Additionally, you can savor local delicacies while enjoying the tranquil scenery of Nanao Bay.
Tenku No Yado Daikanso
Tenku No Yado Daikanso is only 2 kilometers away from JR Wakura Onsen Station. The rooms are equipped with amenities such as a safe, electric kettle, air conditioning, television, and hairdryer. The hotel also features a massage room and a coffee shop, allowing you to enjoy your Wakura Onsen journey!
Address: Wajimacho, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture
How to get there:
Take the JR Thunderbird train from Osaka to Wajima Onsen Station. The journey takes about 3.5 hours
Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa Station, then transfer to the JR Limited Express train to Wajima Onsen Station. The journey takes about 3.5 hours
Take the JR Limited Express train from Kanazawa Station; the journey takes about 1 hour. Alternatively, take the Shoryudo Highway Bus; the journey takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes
♨️ In and around Sapporo
13. Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido)
Noboribetsu Onsen is located in the southwest part of Hokkaido and is home to a volcanic crater remnant known as "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley), where steam and hot springs emerge, creating an otherworldly atmosphere resembling hell. There are nine different types of spring qualities here, believed to be effective for conditions such as nerve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, and chronic skin diseases.
The hot spring street, known as "Gokuraku Street," not only features restaurants, souvenir shops, and public bathhouses but also includes facilities such as hospitals and banks, making it fully equipped and very convenient. Near the hot springs, there is Lake Kuttara, known for having arguably the best water quality in Japan.
Additionally, there are natural landscapes like forests, lakes, the ocean, and mountains, as well as attractions such as the "Bear Ranch" theme park, combining entertainment, leisure, and beautiful scenery in one place.
Noboribetsu Yumoto Hotel
Noboribetsu Yumoto Onsen Hotel features hot spring baths, restaurants, and a tea room. The rooms are equipped with satellite TV and tatami flooring, and come with amenities such as a refrigerator, safe, and private bathroom. Japanese-style robes (yukata) and slippers are also provided.
The hotel has a restaurant, bar, outdoor hot spring baths, and a sauna. It is also only a 15-minute drive from JR Noboribetsu Station.
Address: Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido
How to get there: Take the limited express train from JR Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station, with a journey time of approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours. From Noboribetsu Station, take a bus to the hot spring area, with a journey time of about 15-20 minutes
♨️ In and around Fukuoka
14. Ibusuki Onsen (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Ibusuki Onsen is located at the southernmost tip of Kagoshima, and its most distinctive feature is the "Sunamushi Onsen" (Sand Bath). After putting on a yukata, you can bury your body in the heated sand. With the natural moisturizing element "silicic acid" in the spring, it is said to promote blood circulation and boost metabolism.
Within the hot spring area, there are foot baths, hand baths, and outdoor baths. Being situated next to the coast, the onsen area offers beautiful seaside views, providing a leisurely and comfortable atmosphere similar to a tropical island getaway.
Ibusuki Onsen Ryokan Recommendations - Highest Guest Ratings!
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 |
Address: Ibusuki, Kagoshima
How to get there: From Hakata Station, take the Kyushu Shinkansen then the local train via the Ibusukimakurazaki Line to get to Ibusuki Station. The trip will take almost 3 hours.
15. Yufuin Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
Yufuin Onsen is located in Yufu City, Oita Prefecture. It has the second-highest amount of spring water and source springs in the country! The hot springs are primarily alkaline — gentle and non-irritating. It is said to have moisturizing and hydrating effects, providing benefits such as fatigue recovery and beautiful skin, as well as relief for nerve pain, muscle pain, and arthritis.
The hot spring town preserves a nostalgic atmosphere with art museums and trendy shops. Most accommodation facilities have large communal baths and open-air baths. As Yufuin is surrounded by mountains, it often experiences "morning mist" in the winter mornings, creating a charming, fairy-tale-like scene. Additionally, there is a nearby scenic spot called "Kinrinko" where, under the sunset, the lake reflects a golden shimmer resembling fish scales, creating a dreamy and enchanting ambiance!
Yufuin Onsen Ryokan Recommendations - Highest Guest Ratings!
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 |
Rakuten STAY HOUSE x WILL STYLE Yufuin Kawakami | ⭐⭐⭐ | 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 |
Address: Yufuincho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
How to get there:
Take the JR Kyudai Main Line from Oita Station to Yufuin Station. The journey takes about 1 hour
Take the JR Nippo Main Line from Beppu Station to Oita Station, then transfer to the JR Kyudai Main Line to Yufuin Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes
By car, it takes about 40 minutes to travel from Beppu to Yufuin. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes about 50 minutes
16. Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture)
Kurokawa Onsen is located north of Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, featuring over 20 hot springs, including cave baths, waterfall-side baths, and riverside baths. With the purchase of the "Nyuto Tegata" hot spring pass, you can choose to enjoy baths in three different facilities. Nestled in a mist-shrouded valley, Kurokawa Onsen offers breathtaking mountain views, and its nighttime scenery is particularly enchanting.
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Recommendations - Highest Guest Ratings!
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 |
Address: Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
How to get there:
Take a highway bus directly from Fukuoka City to Kurokawa Onsen
Depart from Kumamoto Station, transfer at Aso Station, and then take a taxi or bus
*The above ratings are taken from January 2024 and are subject to the product page for accuracy
More Hot Springs + Ryokans 😌
1. Ito Onsen Yokikan
Ito Onsen Yokikan is only 900 meters away from JR Ito Station, and the guest rooms are fully equipped with essentials like toiletries, a hairdryer, a safety box, and a fridge. In addition to the hot springs, the hotel also features a massage room, spa, and a gift gallery. Nearby attractions include Chokoji Temple and Otonashi Shrine, making it very convenient!
2. Yunomoto Onsen Ryokan in Hokkaido
Yunomoto Onsen Ryokan is located near the prefectural natural park and offers free rest areas, indoor baths, outdoor baths, and saunas. The high-quality natural hot springs gush from the mountains, allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of soaking in hot springs amidst nature. The cold mineral spring is said to be effective for neuralgia and rheumatism. There are recreational facilities nearby such as Katsurazawa Lake, Katsurazawa Kokusetsu Ski Resort, and campsites. After all the fun, feel free to come and soak in the hot springs for relaxation and comfort!
3. Waraku Onsen Nihon no Yado Notoraku
Waraku Onsen Nihon no Yado Notoraku is located in Nanao, within walking distance to the Noto Peninsula. The hotel offers indoor traditional Japanese mineral hot springs and facilities such as a coffee shop, bar, massage, and spa. The guest rooms are also fully equipped with essentials and a heater, ensuring you a comfortable holiday!
Don't forget your Japan travel essentials 🍜
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