Top 5 Best Hot Springs in Niigata

Hot Springs are plentiful in Niigata prefecture. So choosing where to go can be a difficult decision. Of course, they all have their pros and cons, but below are 5 of the most recommended hot springs. Hopefully, this will make your choice easier.

Echigo Yuzawa Hot Springs

With a history of 800 years, Echigo Yuzawa Onsen is known as the setting for the famous literary work “Yukiguni” by Yasunori Kawabata. And it has good access either by Shinkansen or by car. It is known as a winter resort area to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, but you can also enjoy trekking, the local cuisine, and locally made “sake” all year long.

Tsukioka Hot Springs

Tsukioka Onsen is famous for the high sulfur content and the beautifying effects of its hot springs. There are many other things to do in the area like visiting local breweries trying the “sake”, eating handmade rice crackers, and seeing geisha performances.

Akakura Hot Springs

Akakura Hot Springs is about 15 min. by car from Myoko-Kogen Station. It is located in the beautiful highlands close to Mount Myoko. The hot springs is well known for its rejuvenating properties, and it is called the “water of beautiful women” and a “natural skin toner”.

Iwamuro Hot Springs

This hot springs has been well known since the Edo Era along the well travelled Kitaguni Kaido Route. The waters have a high sulfur content. You can also enjoy the delicious fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan while you’re there.

Senami Hot Springs

Senami Onsen was found while drilling for oil and it has been around for 100 years. The water at the source is of an almost boiling temperature. The hot springs town is located along the coast of the Sea of Japan. The beautiful view of the sunset in summer from the open air bath is spectacular and in the winter you can enjoy the thrilling view of the rough winter waves.