Take a dip in one of these traditional onsens in Japan!
No trip to Japan is complete without taking a dip in a traditional onsen. These are public baths, usually seen as part of a ryokan or a bed and breakfast, with waters that boast of healing properties thanks to the many active volcanoes in the country. You can see many of these all over Japan. While some are indoors, there are also many onsens located outdoors, where you can enjoy the scenery as you submerge yourself in its natural waters.
1. Solaniwa Onsen
Wear a traditional yukata as you take in the beautiful gardens of Solaniwa Onsen in Osaka. As one of the largest relaxation spaces in Kansai, you can choose from nine different bath types, plus a wide variety of beauty treatments. They even have seven different types of stone saunas! Don’t forget to check out their rooftop garden, too!
Source: Solinawa Onsen Facebook
Source: Solinawa Onsen Facebook
Solaniwa Onsen - Osaka
Address: Osaka Bay Tower, 1-2-3 Benten, Minato-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 11:00am - 10:00pm
2. Sports Village Suminoe Onsen
Feel the swirling waters wash your aches and pains away. Would you rather feel the water massaging your body, or just soak in calm waters? Your choice! From practical indoor pools to picturesque outdoor nooks, Suminoe’s hot spring baths will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated within minutes!
Sports Village Suminoe Onsen
Address: 1 Chome-1-82 Izumi, Suminoe-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 559-0023, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
3. Fu Fu No Yu Onsen
This onsen in Kyoto has both indoor and outdoor baths. Choose from three hot spring pools, then take a dip in their cold plunge bath after. You can also check out the sauna and steam room for a full spa experience. It’s near a train station, so going around is a breeze. This is also the perfect pit stop for those who just spent the day walking through the famous Bamboo Forest!
Fu Fu No Yu Onsen
Address: 1 Arashiyama Kamikawaracho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Contact Details: 075-863-1126
4. Dogo Onsen
Visit this castle-like onsen in Shikoku Island and be transported to ancient Japan in an instant! Dogo Onsen, the oldest hot spring at around 3,000 years old. If you’re a fan of the Studio Ghibli film “Spirited Away “, then you’re in for a treat! It has several areas, and the Honkan bathhouse is actually the inspiration for the film. Be on the lookout for some familiar elements as you tour the facility. Best to block off an entire day or more to really get a feel of the whole place!
Source: Dogo Onsen Facebook
Source: Dogo Onsen Facebook
Dogo Onsen
Address: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama 790-0842, Ehime Prefecture.
Contact Details: 089-932-1126
5. Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
Soak in the refreshing waters of Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido. This town is home to mineral-infused pools, and is considered as one of the top onsen spots in the country. Noribetsu Grand Hotel, in particular, has sulfur, salt, and iron indoor hot springs. It also has an outdoor onsen surrounded by a lush garden and a waterfall. Fun fact: It is called “The Guest House of Noboribetsu” because an emperor and empress stayed there!
Source: Noboribetsu Grand Hotel Facebook
Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
Address: Noboribetsu Onsen-cho 154, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0592
Contact Details: +81-0143-84-2101
Social: Facebook
6. Yamashiro Spa
Walk through a traditional hot spring town as it was a hundred years ago. Traditionally, towns were built around hot springs, which many visited for their healing properties. Pretend to be in old Japan as you bathe in the Kosoyu, a restored version of an indoor public bath house that traces its roots back to the Meiji era. You can also opt for the more modern Soyu. What really makes this a visit to remember are the quaint shops and museums in town.
Source: Yamashiro Spa Facebook
Source: Yamashiro Spa Facebook
Yamashiro Spa
Address: Yamashiromachi, Kaga
Contact Details: 0761-77-1144
Social: Facebook
7. Hotel Mifuji-en
What’s a trip to Japan without seeing the majestic Mt. Fuji? Take it a step further by bathing at the foot of the mountain, along Lake Kawaguchiku. Hotel Mifiuji-en is one of the many spots that you can try the Fuji Kawaguchiku onsen experience. With both indoor and open-air baths, you can take a dip in the hot springs in any weather. As if the view of Mt. Fuji isn’t dreamy enough, visit during the cherry blossom season or the autumn leaf viewing season to capture that perfect moment.
Hotel Mifuji-en
Address: 207 Azakawa, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko, Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, 401-0303
8. Kusatsu Onsen Boun
Did you know that lounging in the healing hot springs can also be good for your skin? This is just one of the many reasons why people flock to these onsen spots. Hotel Boun boasts of both indoor and outdoor baths, with water flowing from fresh natural springs. Feeling extra luxurious? Check in and have your own private, open-air onsen in a garden by your room!
Kusatsu Onsen Boun
Address: 433-1 Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma, Japan
Contact Details: (0279)-88-3251
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
