Top 5 Hot Springs in Japan

1. Hakone: A Scenic Hot Spring Retreat Near Tokyo

📍 Kanagawa Prefecture

Why Visit?

Hakone is one of the most accessible onsen destinations from Tokyo, known for its diverse hot springs, incredible views of Mount Fuji, and cultural attractions. It has long been a favorite getaway for both locals and visitors.

Hidden Gems & Local Tips

• Tenzan Onsen (天山湯治郷): A serene outdoor onsen surrounded by lush forest, with natural rock pools.

• Kappa Tengoku (かっぱ天国): A hidden onsen just a few minutes’ walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station, offering an old-school, no-frills bath experience.

• Owakudani’s Black Eggs (黒たまご): A local specialty! Eating one of these sulfur-boiled eggs is said to add seven years to your life.

Top Experiences

• Rooftop onsen with a Mount Fuji view

• Hakone Open-Air Museum – A mix of hot springs and outdoor art exhibits

• Scenic Hakone Ropeway ride over an active volcanic landscape

Best Tour Featuring Hakone

Experience Japan’s cultural and historical highlights, including a relaxing stay in Hakone’s famous onsens.

2. Kusatsu: Japan’s Most Powerful Healing Hot Spring

📍 Gunma Prefecture

Why Visit?

Kusatsu is famous for its strongly acidic hot spring waters, which are believed to have powerful medicinal benefits. With one of the highest natural water outputs in Japan, this onsen town is a must-visit for those looking for a true onsen healing experience.

Hidden Gems & Local Tips

• Shirane Shrine Footbath (白根神社足湯): A hidden free footbath tucked behind the local shrine.

• Sai no Kawara Park (西の河原公園): A vast open-air onsen, allowing visitors to bathe under the sky.

• Jikan-yu (時間湯): A traditional bathing method, where hot water is poured over your body in rhythmic intervals—locals swear by its health benefits!

Top Experiences

• Yubatake (Hot Water Field): The town’s iconic steaming hot spring source

• Yumomi Show: Watch locals cool the hot spring water using wooden paddles in a centuries-old tradition

• Nighttime Stroll: Experience the charming, lantern-lit onsen streets

3. Beppu: The Hot Spring Capital of Japan

📍 Oita Prefecture (Kyushu Island)

Why Visit?

Beppu is home to over 2,000 hot springs, featuring every type of bath imaginable—from mud baths and steam baths to milky white sulfur springs. This onsen city is a paradise for hot spring lovers.

Hidden Gems & Local Tips

• Hyotan Onsen (ひょうたん温泉): A local favorite, offering sand baths, steam baths, and even a waterfall onsen massage.

• Myoban Onsen (明礬温泉): Famous for its milky-blue sulfur baths, housed in traditional thatched-roof bathhouses.

• Jigoku Mushi (地獄蒸し): A unique cooking method using natural onsen steam—try steamed eggs, vegetables, and seafood.

Top Experiences

• "Hells of Beppu" (Jigoku Meguri): Tour a series of steaming, colorful hot spring pools

• Sand Baths: Get buried in naturally heated volcanic sand for detoxification

• Milky Blue Onsen: Myoban Onsen’s skin-rejuvenating bath

Best Tour Featuring Beppu

Explore Kyushu’s stunning volcanic landscapes and relax in Beppu’s famous hot springs.

4. Ginzan Onsen: A Romantic Taisho-Era Onsen Town

📍 Yamagata Prefecture

Why Visit?

Ginzan Onsen is one of Japan’s most charming onsen towns, known for its wooden ryokan, gas lantern-lit streets, and nostalgic atmosphere. This is a perfect destination for those seeking a romantic or peaceful getaway.

Hidden Gems & Local Tips

• Shirogane-yu (白銀の湯): A small, quiet bathhouse for those who want to avoid the crowds.

• Winter Wonderland: Ginzan Onsen is especially stunning in winter, when its snow-covered ryokan glow beautifully at night.

Top Experiences

• Stay in a historic ryokan along the river

• Soak in an outdoor bath under the stars

• Enjoy a nostalgic evening stroll through the beautifully lit streets

5. Numajiri Onsen: Japan’s Best Wild Onsen Experience

📍 Fukushima Prefecture

Why Visit?

Numajiri Onsen is Japan’s highest-volume wild hot spring, deep in the mountains of Fukushima. This is the perfect destination for those seeking an untamed, nature-immersed hot spring experience.

Top Experiences

• Hike to a natural open-air onsen deep in the volcanic mountains

• Bathe in a wild, steaming hot spring surrounded by nature

• Experience an extreme onsen adventure with a local backcountry guide

Extra: Ibusuki’s Hot Sand Baths – A Unique Onsen Experience

📍 Kagoshima Prefecture

Why Visit?

Ibusuki Onsen offers Japan’s famous hot sand baths, where visitors are buried in naturally heated black sand. This detoxing therapy is a one-of-a-kind relaxation experience.

Top Experiences

• Sunamushi Kaikan Saraku (砂楽): Enjoy a beachfront sand bath

• Soak in an onsen after your sand bath for full relaxation

• Try local Kagoshima cuisine, such as Kurobuta pork and shochu

Best Tour Featuring Ibusuki’s Hot Sand Baths

Enjoy hiking on Yakushima Island and relax in Beppu’s famous hot springs and Ibusuki's Hot Sand Baths.

Onsen Etiquette: What to Know Before You Go

While Japan’s onsens offer relaxation and cultural immersion, they also follow a set of traditional rules and customs. Here’s what you need to know before stepping into the soothing waters:

1. Wash Your Body Before Entering

• Unlike Western-style baths, onsen water is not for cleaning but for soaking.

• Always rinse off thoroughly at the washing stations before getting into the bath.

• Most facilities provide stools, buckets, shampoo, and soap—use them properly.

2. No Swimsuits Allowed

• Onsen bathing is done nude—swimsuits are not permitted.

• A small towel can be brought for modesty but should not touch the water.

3. No Tattoos? Maybe.

• Many traditional onsens prohibit tattoos due to cultural associations with the yakuza (Japanese mafia).

• However, some onsen are tattoo-friendly or provide cover-up stickers for small tattoos.

• Best options for tattooed visitors:

  • Tattoos OK onsens (such as Tenzan Onsen in Hakone)

  • Private baths (kashikiri-buro/貸切風呂) available in many ryokan

4. Keep Your Towel Out of the Water

• A small hand towel can be used for drying sweat or covering yourself outside the water.

• Do not put your towel into the onsen—place it on the edge of the bath or on your head like the locals do!

5. Keep Quiet & Be Considerate

• Onsens are places for relaxation, so keep conversations low and peaceful.

• Splashing, swimming, or submerging your head is considered impolite.

• Respect others’ personal space—don’t spread out too much.

6. Hydrate & Rest After Soaking

• Soaking for too long in hot water can cause dizziness—take breaks if needed.

• Drink water before and after bathing to prevent dehydration.

• Many onsens offer cold milk or beer post-bath—a favorite local tradition!

Plan Your Ultimate Onsen Getaway

Japan’s onsen culture is diverse and unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for luxury, nostalgia, adventure, or unique experiences, there’s an onsen for everyone.

Need Help Planning Your Japan Adventure?

Have questions about our tours or need a custom itinerary? Our travel experts are here to help! Contact us today and let’s create your perfect journey to Japan.