Top 6 Best Hot Springs (Onsen) in Nara

If you’re visiting Nara and want to go to a hot spring while you’re there then below are the top 6 best ones to visit. Most of them are not hard to get to as they’re part of the hotel facilities. If you’re going to go there as a family, probably Yamato Onsen Nara Kenko Land is best as they have a kid-friendly playroom and video game corner.

Shigisan Hot Springs

(Credit: https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/A00721/ )

Shigisan Onsen is located high in the mountains. There is a spectacular view from both the indoor and outdoor hot springs. It is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Kongo no Yu

This is a small and secluded hot springs in Gojo. Not widely known by tourists, it is a good place to take a break off the beaten path on your way to Koya-san.

Horai Hot Springs 

A short distance from central Nara, this is a hot springs with easy access. Enjoy relaxing in the bath with qualities of relieving stress, arthritis and stiff muscles.

Yumori Hot Springs 

There is only one lodging facility at Otaki Dam, and it is known for its amazing view of the dam from the baths. Built in a contemporary Japanese style using local cedar wood, it is a good place to stop over whilst on a drive or while hiking in the area.

Yamato Onsen Nara Kenko Land

This is like a hot springs theme park with a variety of baths, swimming pools, saunas, and massage facilities. There is even a large restaurant. It is a family friendly place with a playroom, a video game corner, and karaoke facilities.