Can a trip to Japan ever be completed without submerging your body into Japanese hot springs? Onsen is a place where you visit to unwind yourself from your busy schedules, it is a part of Japanese culture that has been treasured for decades. We’ve compiled a list of 11 of the best onsen towns in Japan. No matter what region you’re traveling to, you’ll be able to unwind and relax your mind.

Japan is full of hot spring towns and famous hot springs, these places are recommended for anyone including couples, families, girls' trip, or friends’ trip. Additionally, you can enjoy sightseeing spots and gourmet food! Get your pen and paper ready so you can add these places into your bucket list!

 

 

 

1. Atami Onsen

 

 

Photo: travel.rakuten

 

Atami Onsen is the type of onsen that will make you feel like you are floating in the ocean. You can travel to this place from Tokyo by Shinkansen in a minimum of 35 minutes. Not only famous for the hot springs, but you can also visit other popular places around the area including “Kinomiya Shrine” and “Izusan Shrine”.

If you’re itching for a quick getaway from the hustle of Tokyo, this place is just perfect for you. The onsen town of Atami is located in the Izu peninsula, surrounded by mountain and Pacific Ocean. You can relax your body and ease your mind while admiring the peaceful nature of Japan.

 

 

Photo: jalan

 

 Photo: travel.rakuten

 

 

 

2. Beppu Onsen

 

 

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The Beppu Onsen claimed to have the highest number of nature springs source in Japan. Beppu is also considered to be one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. The city is blessed by eight different springs, named Beppu Onsen, Kannawa Onsen, Myoban Onsen, Kankaiji Onsen, Hamawaki Onsen, Kamegawa Onsen, Horita Onsen and Shibaseki Onsen, each featuring public baths and ryokan with bathing facilities.

 

Additionally, a popular tourist spot that you can't miss is the "Hell Tour," which takes you to the seven wonderful sources of natural springs. There are variety of attractive sightseeing spots such as the "Yukemuri Observatory" where you can see the fantastic illumination of the Yukemuri, and the "Beppu Ropeway" where you can enjoy the nature in four seasons such as fresh greenery and autumn leaves. If you want to enjoy outdoor adventures, you can also camp and barbecue in the National Park.  There are also several amusement parks and golf court for you to enjoy.

 

Photo: 4travel

 

 

 

3. Kusatsu Onsen

 

 

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Kusatsu Onsen is another one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, it is blessed with large volumes of high-quality hot water that claim to cure illness and lovesickness. Immerse yourself in centuries-old bathing tradition that is rare to find. There are plenty of hot spring such as "Yubatake", with an output of 5000 liters per minute, the yubatake ranks among Japan's single most productive hot spring sources. There are also many souvenir shops around the Yubatake area, and you can enjoy a leisurely break at the footbath spot between walks.

 

Also, don't miss the "Sainokawara Rotenburo", a 500-squae meter open-air bath surrounded by forest views. Each season offers a different view, from the white snow in winter to cherry blossoms in spring. Nothing beats the rare beauty of this place.

 

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4. Nasu Onsen

 

 

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Nasu Onsen is a historic hot spring which has been open for more than 1300 years. A group of hot springs that spring up on the hillside of the active volcano "Chausu-dake" that produces white smoke. It is a popular area as a highland resort, and it is also a great place to enjoy a variety of leisure activities.

The centre of the resort is the hot spring town of Yumoto, halfway up the mountain. Mount Nasudake is also a popular hiking destination that attracts tourists due to its beautiful scenery. A ropeway leads you onto a 45-minute hike to the beautiful nature. There are also a variety of hiking trails in the forests further down the mountain and a pedestrian suspension bridge that offers nice views over the trees.

 

 

 

5. Hakone Yumoto Onsen

 

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Located at the entrance of Hakone, Hakone Yumoto has been opened since the Nara period, it is the oldest hot spring resort in Hakone's 17 hot springs. There are many variations in spring quality, such as simple hot springs, alkaline simple hot springs, and sodium and calcium chloride springs. You can enjoy different hot springs depending on the different baths.

Visitors can enjoy a hot spring bath in public bath houses or ryokan. There are restaurants and souvenir shops, and you can also enjoy specialty gourmet food such as dishes made with seafood from Suruga Bay and Sagami Bay, soba noodles made with delicious Hakone water, and delicatessen bread. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shopping street that is full of charm.

 

 

Photo: Hakoneyumoto

 

 

 

6. Gero Onsen

 

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Gero Onsen is a hot spring resort in the basin of the Hida River, one of the three famous hot springs in Japan. It is situated in a peaceful location surrounded by nature. Enjoy the pure transparent hot springs that are soft to the touch. It is famous for the hot springs that flow directly from the source of the riverbed.

In addition, there are many hot spring spots such as communal baths where you can enjoy day trips, drop-in hot springs at accommodation facilities, and free footbaths. There are also plenty of famous treats that you must try such as the "Gero Pudding”.

 

 

 

7. Dogo Onsen

 

Photo: Matsuyama-sightseeing

 

Dogo Onsen has a history over 3,000 years and is it claimed to have been visited by Okuninushi no Mikoto and Prince Shotoku. It is a hot spring resort that is easy to access, only 40 minutes by limousine bus from Matsuyama Airport. The spring quality is a mild alkaline spring that is great for increasing blood circulation.

The symbolic communal bath "Dogo Onsen Honkan" is one of the important cultural properties of the country, a wooden public bathhouse, dating back to 1894. The interior of the Honkan is a maze of stairways, passages and rooms. It is said to have served as inspiration for Miyazaki's popular animated film "Spirited Away".

 

 

Photo: dogo

 

 

8. Yugawara Onsen

 

 

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The Yugawara Onsen is about 60 minutes by train from Yokohama. It is a hot spring resort loved by Japanese writers and painters such as Soseki Natsume and Ryunosuke Akutagawa. Packed with plenty of hiking spots, a spectacular view that will take your breath away. Visit Makuyama Park, where about 4,000 plums bloom in early spring, and Hoshigayama Park, where 50,000 azaleas bloom in early summer. The beautiful scenery that can’t be seen elsewhere. Enjoy pure spring water that drips down from the riverbed, a relaxing time that is worth a visit.

 

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9. Kinosaki Onsen

 

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Kinosaki Onsen maintains the appearance of an old Japanese hot spring town. The beautiful scenery of the stone bridge over the Otani River will take you back in time. There are seven outdoor hot springs, such as "Satonoyu" and "Ichinoyu," all having different benefits. The town’s wonderfully preserved architecture and authentic hot spring ambience will make you want to go back over and over again.

 

In addition, there are shops where you can eat while taking a stroll downtown, fashionable cafes, souvenir shops, etc., and there are also spots where you can enjoy footbaths. To experience the full ambience, we recommend renting yukata and geta for an authentic Japanese experience.

 

 

Photo: kinosaki-spa

 

 

 

10. Kinugawa Onsen

 

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Discovered in the Edo period, the venerable Kinugawa Onsen was only allowed to bathe by monks and daimyo during that time. The spring quality is a simple alkaline hot spring that is gentle on the skin and is said to be effective in relieving fatigue and tiredness.

The town is centred around large hotel ryokans lining the riverbank, there are also several amusement themes parks for kids to enjoy. In addition, there are several spots where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the mountain, such as the Kinutateiwa Otsuribashi, and the theme park Tobu World Square.

 

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11. Kawaguchiko Onsen

 

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Kawaguchiko Onsen has a beautiful view overlooking Mt. Fuji. The resort is conveniently located where a highway bus terminal station is situated. There are buses departure and arrive from the Fujikyuko Line, making it easy to visit the resort.

 

      If you love Mt. Fuji, this place cannot be missed. There are many scenic spots such as "Arakurayama Sengen Park" where you can see Mt. Fuji from the front and "Lake Kawaguchi Fuji Panorama Ropeway" where you can see a large panorama of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. It doesn’t get much better from here!

 

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