10 famous Hot spring (onsen) Locations in Japan

We've made a list with the best onesen (hot springs) in Japan. Before, hot springs used to be the sacred place to be for people to heal their wounds and diseases when modern medicine did not existed yet. Nowadays hot springs have become a very popular way for the Japanese to find some relaxation and for tourists to experience a unique part of Japanese culture. Let us discover some of these place and let yourself be inspired to come yourself one day to one of these wonderful hot spring areas where you can enjoy a fantastic view, Japanese cuisine, shopping and traditional hotels.

Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen, located in the Hidagawa River valley, is one of Japan’s most famous hot springs. It has been flourishing since the Edo Era. The water is very gentle on the skin, so your skin feels smooth when you rise up from the bath. It is popular for its benefits for beautiful skin.

Shibu Onsen

All of the hot springs in the town are drawn 100% straight from the source springs. Enjoy a stroll through the town or experience the “Kyu-to Meguri” which is a tour of the 9 outdoor baths. The retro atmosphere and the rich variety of qualities of the hot springs is delightful. Nearby there is Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Monkey Park).

Hakone Hot Springs

Hakone is a town of hot springs with a long history. You can enjoy looking at Mount Fuji while bathing in the hot springs surrounded by nature. Hakone offers hot springs for relaxing, skin beauty, curative qualities, and much more. So you can also choose a bath according to your purpose. There are numerous ways of enjoying Hakone, you can make it a day trip or decide to stay overnight at an inn.

Myoko Highland

Myoko Highland is famous for its 8 unique ski resorts. Spreading out at the foot of Mount Myoko is a resort area that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. You can also enjoy soaking in the hot springs and hiking in the summertime.

Kurokawa-onsen

One famous trait of this “onsen” is the sight of people walking around in their “yukata” (summer kimono) touring the open air baths. You can use the “onsen pass" to tour multiple baths. The beautiful townscape and the first rate onsen will relax your mind and body.

Arima Onsen

Arima Onsen, located on the north side of Mount Rokko at the base of Momiji Valley, has been held in esteem by the Imperial Family and the nobility since ancient times, as one of the most famous hot springs. It is Japan’s oldest “onsen”, located in the middle of Mother Nature.

Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari

The attraction is natural hot springs that bubble up from 1400 meters underground. Along with onsen each for men and women, there are 14 types of onsen. Relaxing inside the facility while wearing a yukata is popular.

Nyuto Onsen Village

This is a group of hot springs located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. This hot springs village has a history of the Edo Era warriors soothing their wounds there. You can also tour the springs nearby.

Nikko Yumoto Onsen

This is the No. 1 onsen area as designated by the country. The quiet and relaxing onsen town is a different world next to the hustle and bustle around the station. It’s also ideal as an activity place for Oku-Nikko.

Kinosaki Onsen

The appeal of this hot springs village is being able to not only relax in one “onsen”, but also being able to tour the town by visiting the 7 public baths. You will also get your fill of delicious meals and generous hospitality at the “ryokan” (Japanese style hotel).