Japan, an island country situated in East Asia, is home to numerous things to see, touch, and indulge in. For cherishable memories, visit places of interest like Mt. Fuji, Kiyomizu-Dera, Osaka Castle, Odaiba, and Dotonbori. Interestingly, these attraction sites are appealing to tourists and locals of all ages. Being a lively and charming nation, you’re at liberty to engage in leisure activities such as shopping, food and wine tours, hiking, and dancing to kill time and create amazing recollections. However, as the trip to Japan would be incomplete without soaking in the numerous hot springs (onsens) scattered all around the region, here are the most unique & popular onsen towns in Japan that you should check out.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Hakone, Kanagawa (from USD 233)
A visit to Hakone, Kanagawa will usher you to its numerous onsens, views of Mt. Fuji, welcoming people, and beautiful landscapes. Soak in the region’s hot springs boasting a variety of spring waters. Apart from the onsens, you can cruise on pirate-themed boats around Lake Ashinoko to see the marine ecosystem and enjoy the cool breeze. You can also tour Ōwakudani, a volcanic valley formed around 3,000 years ago.
Hakone Suimeisou
Address: Yumoto 702
179.57 km (111.6 mi) from Gero Onsen Gassho Village
2. Zao, Yamagata (from USD 73)
This tourist destination is endowed with remarkable attractions like swamps, forests, and hot springs, thus becoming a favorite destination to many tourists. Onsens in the area are believed to heal anemia, cuts, skin disorders, and burns due to their high mineral concentrations. In addition, these springs are ideal for everyone, from little children to grown adults. Visit the Zao Cheese Cabin to sample tasty cheese made from locally produced ingredients. Other recreational activities to immerse yourself in include skiing and sightseeing.
Zao Shiki no Hotel
Address: Zao Onsen 1272
382.52 km (237.7 mi) from Gero Onsen Gassho Village
3. Gero, Gifu (from USD 183)
Gero is well-known for its hot springs and classic ryokan inns nested across the region. Some popular attraction sites in the area include Onsenji, Frog Shrine, Mt. Ontake, and Onsen Museum where you can engage in fun leisure activities. There are also numerous accommodation facilities with public and private hot springs. For a flashback to the past, visit the Gero Onsen Museum that’s endowed with artifacts, publications, and photographs about Japanese hot springs.
Mutsumikan
Address: 1167-1 Koden, Gero, Gifu-ken, JPN, 509-2206
900 meters (0.6 ft) from Gero Onsen Gassho Village
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4. Beppu, Oita (from USD 261)
With over 2,000 onsens in Beppu, Oita, you’ll have a wide variety of bathing and relaxing spots to choose from. Most of the hot springs are in good locations where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surroundings, even if you’re not soaking in them. One amazing trait you’ll notice about the locals is their generosity. On noticing that you’re a tourist, they’ll strive to make your visit worthwhile. Enjoy tasty foods like eggs, dumplings, and pork, well prepared and made from organically grown components while here.
Beppu Kankaiji Onsen Ryotei Matsubaya
Address: Kankaiji 3
598.66 km (372.0 mi) from Gero Onsen Gassho Village
5. Yunomine, Wakayama (from USD 69)
Yunomine, Wakayama is among Japan’s most ancient onsen towns. It has an array of both public and private baths spread across the region. Interestingly, waters in hot springs around the area change color about seven times in a day. Apart from bathing in the hot springs, you can also cook eggs in different parts of the onsen. Yunomine is also a great spot for hiking as there are well maintained and charming trails, an excellent way to explore the surrounding areas.
J-Hoppers Kumano Yunomine Guesthouse
Address: Hongu-cho Yunomine 161
258.73 km (160.8 mi) from Gero Onsen Gassho Village
6. Arima, Hyogo (from USD 371)
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and visit Arima, a quiet and tranquil onsen town with charming natural surroundings. Its cute narrow streets are endowed with shrines, temples, and shops that you can stop by and explore. You can easily access the town via private and public means of transport, including an express train and bus from Osaka. On the way, you’ll see the region’s beautiful landscape and physical features. Apart from bathing and relaxing in the hot springs, you can also indulge in hiking as the area is endowed with well-kept footpaths. Try out local delicacies, too, in restaurants across the township.
Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama Ryokan
Address: 1364-1 Arimacho, Kitaku, Arimacho, Kobe, Japan, 651-1401
213.41 km (132.7 mi) from Gero Onsen Gassho Village
7. Dogo, Ehime (from USD 98)
For a timeless experience in Japan, visit Dogo; a town with hot springs as old as 3,000 years. Popular landmarks and recreational centers in the region include Matsuyama Castle and Ishiteji Temple. The architectural design of buildings in this area is also something to marvel at. Besides the wide variety of onsens to choose from, you’ll also be spoilt for choice in shopping destinations. There are numerous boutiques and gift shops that are conveniently located where you can buy presents and souvenirs. A must-try is the green tea that’s locally produced that will soothe your nerves and help relax your mind.
DogoYaya
Address: Dogo Takocho 6-1
461.87 km (287.0 mi) from Gero Onsen Gassho Village
8. Kusatsu, Gunma (from USD 52)
Kusatsu prides itself on being endowed with contemporary and affordable establishments. It’s also home to huge free public baths. Water in these onsens is believed to have health benefits, hence a bath at least once a year is recommended. During summer, the low season kicks in, but it’s the perfect time to indulge in skiing. The town is also peaceful and quiet then. You can check out major tourist destinations in the area like Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort, Yubatake, and Hotel Sakurai that offer recreational activities such as ziplining, and playing golf.
Kusatsu onsen Futabaya
Address: Kusatsu 142-1
151.01 km (93.9 mi) from Gero Onsen Gassho Village
9. Ibusuki, Kagoshima (from USD 247)
For a great combination of onsens, breathtaking landscape views, and seaside resorts in Japan, visit Ibusuki. You can easily get to this town as there are trains and buses plying the area. As the township is blessed to have numerous tourist spots, you’re at liberty to visit popular destinations like Lake Ikeda, Cape Nagasakibana, and Hirasaki Shrine. You have to try the invigorating sand baths, too. And for a taste of local delicacies like sushi, tofu, and ramen, visit food joints nested in different parts of this little town.
Fufurotenburonoyado Ginsyou
Address: Yunohama 5-26-29
795.48 km (494.3 mi) from Gero Onsen Gassho Village
10. Noboribetsu, Hokkaido (from USD 120)
Expensive but worth the visit, with smooth check-in and check-out process.
Superb onsen with diverse pools, spacious hotel, 24-hour onsen access, and helpful staff.
Great location near Jigokudani Valley, walking distance to attractions and town.
Delicious Kaiseki dinner, extensive buffet with fresh seafood, and good breakfast options.
There’s a lot to indulge and take in, at Noboribetsu, Hokkaido as it’s home to attractions like valleys, lakes, hot springs, and shrines. These places of interest are also spots to engage in leisure activities like hiking, canoeing, and swimming, to pass time and enjoy yourself. You can also easily access this town via train and bus. Sample local delicacies like ramen as you explore the area and get to know about the indigenous way of life.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan
Address: Noboribetsu Onsen-cho 55
815.59 km (506.8 mi) from Gero Onsen Gassho Village
The captivating comfort and hospitality of Japan
It’s an understatement to say that Japan is charming. With its endowments that include onsens, you’ll be in for a treat of a lifetime. Visit these onsen towns and see for yourself.
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