The Best 10 Onsen Towns in Japan: A Journey of Healing and Relaxation

Japan is one of the world’s leading hot spring destinations. Hot spring towns with unique characteristics can be found across the country, cherished by people for centuries as traditional healing resorts (tōji-ba) and tourist spots.

In this article, we have carefully selected 10 highly recommended onsen districts from the many available locations. The content is packed with useful information for planning your trip, including the history of each town, the mineral composition of the springs, nearby sightseeing spots, and suggested activities.

Let’s embark on a supreme hot spring journey to heal both mind and body!

1. Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)

Kusatsu Onsen is famous for its atmosphere, centered around the “Yuhata” area. It is one of Japan’s representative hot springs, with a deep history that dates back to the Nara period.

Spring Quality: Acidic, Sulfur-Aluminum-Sulfate-Chloride Hot Spring (Acidic Hypotonic High Temperature Spring)
- Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, skin conditions, rheumatism, chronic digestive issues, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery, fatigue recovery, health promotion, etc.
Yuhata: The symbol of Kusatsu Onsen. Approximately 4,000 liters of hot spring water gushes out every minute, creating a breathtaking display of steam.
Nishi-no-Kawahara Park: A park featuring vast open-air baths. You can enjoy the hot springs while viewing scenery that changes with the seasons.
Atsunoyu: Where you can view and experience “Yumomi,” a traditional bathing method of Kusatsu Onsen.
Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort: In winter, you can also enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

Recommended Activities:

Stroll around the Yuhata area and enjoy local snacks like onsen manju (hot spring cakes) and hot spring eggs.
Experience various mineral compositions by visiting public bathhouses (gōdō yokujō).
Stay at a traditional inn in the hot spring town to fully enjoy the baths and delicious cuisine.
View or participate in “Yumomi.”
Visit nearby tourist spots such as Shiranezan or Kusatsu Tropical Zone.

Access:

Approx. 25 minutes by bus from JR Nagano-hara Kusatsu Station

Beppu Onsen is comprised of eight hot spring areas, known as the “Eight Hells of Beppu.” It boasts the largest number and volume of natural springs in Japan, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of mineral compositions.

Spring Quality: Diverse (Simple Spring, Chloride Spring, Bicarbonate Spring, Sulfate Spring, etc.)
- Benefits: Varies depending on the spring quality.
Beppu Jigoku Meguri: You can view various hot springs with different colors and temperatures.
The Eight Hells of Beppu: The eight distinct hot spring areas: Beppu, Hamawaki, Kanmonji, Hotta, Myoban, Dewa, Shibashi, and Kamegawa.
Takegawara Onsen: A public bathhouse with a retro atmosphere.
Sunayu: A unique hot spring that emerges onto the beach, where you relax by being buried in warm sand.

Recommended Activities:

Visit the Beppu Hells to view various natural hot spring sources.
Tour the Eight Hells of Beppu, experiencing diverse mineral compositions.
Relax in Sunayu and warm yourself from deep within.
Stay at a traditional inn in the hot spring town to enjoy the baths and delicious cuisine.
Visit nearby tourist spots such as Takasaki Mountain Zoo or Umitamago.

Access:

By bus or taxi from JR Beppu Station

A nature-rich hot spring area nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu. It is a popular destination for women, lined with stylish cafes and general goods shops.

Spring Quality: Simple Spring
- Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, skin conditions, rheumatism, chronic digestive issues, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery, fatigue recovery, health promotion, etc.
Yunotsubo Street: The main street of Yufuin, lined with stylish cafes, general goods shops, and souvenir stores.
Kinrin Lake: A mystical lake where hot spring water and fresh water emerge from the bottom.
Mount Yufu: An active volcano with an elevation of 1,584m. Hiking is also enjoyable here.
Yufuin Onsen Bath Pass: A convenient pass allowing access to multiple inns’ hot springs.

Recommended Activities:

Stroll along Yunotsubo Street, enjoying cafe hopping and souvenir hunting.
Wander around Kinrin Lake, fully immersing yourself in nature.
Stay at a traditional inn in the hot spring town to enjoy the baths and delicious cuisine.
Hike up Mount Yufu.
Visit nearby tourist spots such as the Kyushu Automobile History Museum or the Yufuin Stained Glass Museum.

Access:

Walking or by bus from JR Yufuin Station

Hakone is easily accessible from the city center, making it ideal for a spontaneous hot spring getaway. It boasts magnificent natural scenery like Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji, alongside cultural facilities such as museums and art galleries.

Spring Quality: Diverse (Simple Spring, Chloride Spring, Sulfate Spring, Bicarbonate Spring, etc.)
- Benefits: Varies depending on the spring quality.
The 17 Hot Springs of Hakone: Seventeen distinct hot spring areas including Hakone Yumoto, Tōnozawa, Minamishita, Dogashima, Sōkura, Koga, Ashinoyu, Ubachi, Senrihakari, Gora, Ninohira, Komagaya, Ōshitaten, Yunohana-zaka, Takogawa, Lake Ashi, and Sōunzan.
Lake Ashi: Hakone’s representative scenic spot. You can enjoy the view from the lake on a cruise ship or pirate ship.
Owakudani: An area with rugged scenery formed by volcanic activity.
Hakone Open-Air Museum of Art: A museum that primarily displays outdoor sculptures.

Recommended Activities:

Tour the 17 hot spring areas, experiencing diverse mineral compositions.
Take a cruise or ride a pirate ship on Lake Ashi.
Experience the power of volcanic activity in Owakudani.
Visit art museums and historical exhibits.
Stay at a traditional inn in the hot spring town to enjoy the baths and delicious cuisine.
Visit nearby tourist spots such as Hakone Shrine or Hakone Checkpoint.

Access:

Approx. 85 minutes by Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station

Hakone Onsen is counted among Japan’s three most famous hot springs. The town stretches along the Hida River, featuring a charming and atmospheric ambiance.

Spring Quality: Alkaline Simple Spring
- Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, skin conditions, rheumatism, chronic digestive issues, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery, fatigue recovery, health promotion, beauty effects.
Gassho Village: An open-air museum featuring relocated traditional Gassho-style houses.
Fountain Pond: A free outdoor bath located on the Hida River bank.
Onsenji Temple: A temple associated with the founding legend of Hakone Onsen.
Hakone Onsen Fan Club: A beneficial membership system offering perks at local inns and restaurants.

Recommended Activities:

Stroll along the Hida River, enjoying the town’s charm.
Visit public bathhouses (gōdō yokujō) to experience various hot springs.
Stay at a traditional inn in the hot spring town to enjoy the baths and delicious cuisine.
Visit the Gassho Village.
Explore nearby tourist spots such as Takayama or Shirakawa-go.

Access:

Walking or by bus from JR Gero Station

Arima Onsen is said to be one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. Here, you can enjoy two types of water: Kin-sen (reddish/iron spring) and Gin-sen (colorless/transparent spring).

Spring Quality:
- Kin-sen: Iron-Sodium-Chloride Strong Hot Spring
- Gin-sen: Carbon Dioxide Spring (Bicarbonate Spring), Radon Spring (Radioactive Spring)
- Benefits:
  - Kin-sen: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, skin conditions, rheumatism, chronic digestive issues, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery, fatigue recovery, health promotion, cuts, burns, chronic skin diseases, weak children, chronic women’s illnesses, etc.
  - Gin-sen: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, skin conditions, rheumatism, chronic digestive issues, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery, fatigue recovery, health promotion, etc.
Kin no Yu: The representative public bathhouse of Arima Onsen, where you can enjoy the Kin-sen.
Gin no Yu: A public bathhouse where you can enjoy the Gin-sen.
Taiho’s Bathhouse Complex: A facility recreating the baths favored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Arima Onsen Taiho no Yu: A large hot spring complex offering three types of springs: Kin-sen, Gin-sen, and artificial bicarbonate spring.

Recommended Activities:

Experience two types of water by bathing in Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu.
Stroll through the town, visiting souvenir shops and restaurants.
Stay at a traditional inn in the hot spring town to enjoy the baths and delicious cuisine.
Visit nearby tourist spots such as Rokko Mountain or Zuhoji Park.

Access:

Walking from Kobe Electric Railway Arima Onsen Station

Dogo Onsen, said to be one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. The “Dogo Onsen Main Building” is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Spring Quality: Alkaline Simple Spring
- Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, skin conditions, rheumatism, chronic digestive issues, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery, fatigue recovery, health promotion, beauty effects.
Dogo Onsen Main Building: A public bathhouse with a retro atmosphere built during the Meiji era.
Dogo Onsen Annex Ashikano Yusen: A newer hot spring facility distinct from the main building.
Dogo Hikara Street: A lively street lined with souvenir shops and restaurants.
Bōchan Clock: An elaborate clock located in front of Dogo Onsen Station.

Recommended Activities:

Experience history by bathing in the Dogo Onsen Main Building.
Stroll along Dogo Hikara Street, enjoying souvenir hunting and street food.
Stay at a traditional inn in the hot spring town to enjoy the baths and delicious cuisine.
Visit nearby tourist spots such as Matsuyama Castle or Ishite-ji Temple.

Access:

Walking from Iyo Railway Dogo Onsen Station

A nature-rich hot spring area located north of Mount Aso. About 30 inns here each feature unique open-air baths.

Spring Quality: Diverse (Simple Spring, Chloride Spring, Sulfate Spring, Bicarbonate Spring, etc.)
- Benefits: Varies depending on the spring quality.
Bathing Pass: A convenient pass allowing access to open-air baths in three different locations.
Kurokawa Onsen Yukagari: A magical lantern lighting event held during winter.

Recommended Activities:

Use the bathing pass to tour open-air baths at various inns.
Stroll through the town, enjoying nature.
Stay at a traditional inn in the hot spring town to enjoy the baths and delicious cuisine.
Visit nearby tourist spots such as Mount Aso or Kusasenrigahama.

Access:

Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes by bus from JR Kumamoto Station

Iijuku Onsen is famous for its sand baths. The hot spring water that emerges onto the coast makes the sand bath—where you relax buried in warm sand—a unique experience found only here.

Spring Quality: Chloride Spring
- Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, skin conditions, rheumatism, chronic digestive issues, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery, fatigue recovery, health promotion, cuts, burns, chronic skin diseases, etc.
Sunamushi Kaikan Sunara: The representative sand bath facility of Iijuku Onsen.
Healthy Land Tamatebako Hot Spring: Offers spectacular views from the open-air baths.

Recommended Activities:

Relax in a sand bath and warm yourself from deep within.
Stay at a traditional inn in the hot spring town to enjoy the baths and delicious cuisine.
Visit nearby tourist spots such as Cape Kamizawa or Nagasaki Cape.

Access:

By bus or taxi from JR Iijuku Station

Kinosaki Onsen is famous for its tradition of touring seven different public bathhouses. The signature style here is strolling through the town in a yukata and clacking geta sandals.

Spring Quality: Sodium-Calcium-Chloride High Hot Spring
- Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, skin conditions, rheumatism, chronic digestive issues, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery, fatigue recovery, health promotion.
The Seven Public Baths: Sano no Yu, Jizō-yu, Yanagi-yu, Ichino-yu, Misho-no-Yu, Mandara-yu, and Kono-yu.
Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway: Offers panoramic views of the hot spring town and the Japan Sea from the Daisanzan summit.
Kinosaki Literature Museum: Exhibits materials related to famous literary figures associated with Kinosaki Onsen.

Recommended Activities:

Tour the seven public baths while wearing a yukata and clacking geta sandals.
Stroll through the town, visiting souvenir shops and restaurants.
Stay at a traditional inn in the hot spring town to enjoy the baths and delicious cuisine (especially crab dishes).
Visit nearby tourist spots such as Genbu Cave or Izushi.

Access:

Walking from JR Kinosaki Onsen Station

We have introduced 10 representative hot spring towns in Japan. Each destination possesses unique charms that soothe and delight every visitor.

Please use this guide to find the perfect onsen town for you, and embark on a journey to refresh your mind and body.

Tips for Planning Your Hot Spring Trip:

Season: While hot springs can be enjoyed year-round, each season offers different charms.
Budget: Plan your budget by considering accommodation costs, transportation fees, and meals.
Access: Some locations are easily reached by public transport, while others may require a car. Check this beforehand.
Reservations: Popular hot spring destinations require booking well in advance.
What to Bring: Prepare necessary items such as towels, toiletries, and yukata (though some inns provide them).
Manners: Respect the etiquette of the onsen baths to ensure comfort for all users.