15 Exquisite Japanese Hot Spring Destinations

October 31, 2023 / Travel

During the autumn and winter seasons, the most opportune time to embark on a journey to Japan is when one can simultaneously immerse themselves in the tranquil embrace of hot springs, providing both physical and mental rejuvenation.

In a recent survey conducted by a prominent Japanese media outlet, encompassing 77,000 ardent travelers, a comprehensive ranking of captivating onsen resorts across Japan was compiled. Notable locales such as Arima Onsen, Shirahama Onsen, and Kusatsu Onsen were included, resulting in the selection of 15 highly favored Japanese hot spring destinations!

Table of Contents show

1st Place: Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture)

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Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture boasts a rich history spanning 3,000 years, making it Japan's most ancient hot spring destination. It stands in prestigious company alongside Arima Onsen and Shirahama Onsen as one of Japan's three most venerable hot spring retreats.


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The Dogo Onsen Main Building, a three-story wooden public bathhouse constructed in 1897, stands as a paragon of architectural beauty and elegance. It holds the distinction of being the first public bathhouse designated as an important cultural property. Not only is it a significant source of inspiration for the renowned film "Spirited Away," but it is also the archetype of the "Sumida Onsen" mentioned in Soseki Natsume's novel "Botchan," serving as an enduring symbol of the city and continues to be cherished by many to this day.

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The shopping street extending from Dogo Onsen Station, known as "Haikara Street," is adorned with specialty shops and restaurants, including the "Tsuboya Confectionery," inspired by the dumpling shop featured in "Botchan." Furthermore, the scenes of the Botchan tramcar traversing the town exude an atmosphere of Taisho-era romance.

2nd Place: Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)

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Arima Onsen, alongside Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture and Shirahama Onsen in Gifu Prefecture, proudly holds its position as one of Japan's three renowned hot spring destinations, a distinction recorded even in the "Nihon Shoki" (Chronicles of Japan). Notably, Toyotomi Hideyoshi had a particular fondness for Arima Onsen, and historical records indicate that he visited this haven on nine separate occasions.

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This vintage yet majestic hot spring town is dotted with souvenir shops, and as you stroll through the town, you'll encounter the striking "Nene Bridge," a red railing structure, and the enchanting "Taikobashi Taiko Bridge" illuminated at night, which add to the town's charm.

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Arima Onsen is most renowned for its deep orange-hued "Kinsen" (Gold Spring). While some ryokans offer access to the Kinsen, for a relaxed and cost-effective experience, we recommend visiting the public bathhouse known as "Kin no Yu." Adjacent to Kin no Yu, you'll find a foot bath area where you can enjoy the waters of Kin no Yu at no cost.

Moreover, in a quieter area a bit removed from the bustling shopping street, there's a place called "Ginsen" (Silver Spring), where you can luxuriate in Arima's carbonated spring, known as "Ginsen," offering a milder contrast to the richness of Kinsen for those who prefer it.

3rd Place: Gero Onsen（Gifu Prefecture）

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Gero Onsen stands as one of Japan's foremost hot spring destinations, nestled within a charming hot spring town. Beginning at Gero Station, the onsen district stretches along both sides of the Gero Ohashi Bridge, with numerous inns and restaurants lining the banks of the Hida River. In the past, visitors could bathe in open-air fountain pools along the riverbed, but now, it is limited to foot baths.

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While strolling through Gero Onsen Street, you mustn't miss "Yuamiya," an establishment that uniquely allows you to enjoy sweets while soaking your feet in hot spring water. Their most beloved creation is the "Onsen Tamago Soft" ice cream.

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A prominent attraction in Gero Onsen is the Gassho Village, located at the gateway to the onsen town. This museum reconstructs traditional Gassho-style houses relocated from places like Shirakawa-go, offering insight into the lives of local residents from bygone eras.

Additionally, at the entrance to the Gassho Village, an early morning market (please verify the dates) showcases local specialties. Exploring the market while engaging with locals can be a delightful experience.

4th Place: Yufuin Onsen (Oita Prefecture)

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Yufuin Onsen is nestled at the base of Mount Yufu, creating a charming onsen village. As you travel from Yufuin Station towards Kinrinko Lake, you'll encounter a variety of establishments, from traditional shops to stylish cafes, perfect for leisurely strolls.

The town also boasts several public bathhouses where you can engage with the local community.

5th Place: Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)

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Kusatsu Onsen is the quintessential representation of a Japanese-style onsen town, offering an authentic and warm interaction with the local community, while being a popular tourist destination.

The Yubatake, which gushes out 4,000 liters of hot spring water every minute, stands as the symbol of Kusatsu Onsen. Surrounding the Yubatake, you'll find a plethora of inns, souvenir shops, and atmospheric cafes, all lining the streets paved with traditional ceramic tiles.

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The primary culinary delights of Kusatsu Onsen are onsen-manju (hot spring buns) and onsen tamago (hot spring eggs). There are several onsen-manju shops, making it an enjoyable experience to sample and compare.

If you're considering a day trip for hot spring bathing, the recommendation is the 18 large bathhouses and the unisex 500-square-meter "Nishi-no-Kawara Open-Air Bath." Adjacent to the hot spring area, you'll also find a delightful cypress-roofed foot bath open 24 hours a day.

6th Place: Ikaho Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)

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The stone steps flanking Ikaho Onsen are adorned with inns, souvenir shops, bun shops, an amusement park, and restaurants, all contributing to the ambiance of a quintessential hot spring town.

In 2010, these stone steps were expanded to 365 levels, symbolizing the aspiration for Ikaho Onsen to thrive every day of the year. Additionally, a plaza and a waterfall running through the hot spring water were constructed, further enhancing the town's classic hot spring atmosphere.

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On the stone-step street, you can indulge in foot baths, and nearby, you'll find Ishidan-no-Yu, a hot spring featuring stones from the original stone steps, and essential game centers like archery.

While you might come across hot spring buns in Kusatsu Onsen, the birthplace of those smooth, brown buns is none other than Ikaho Onsen.

7th Place: Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)

Kinosaki Onsen, also known as the backdrop for Naoya Shiga's novel, is an enchanting hot spring town. The serene landscape is adorned with the Ohtani River flowing through the town center, the iconic Taikobashi Bridge, willow trees swaying along the riverbanks, and rows of historic wooden ryokans. It's a place where people, dressed in yukata, can be spotted leisurely strolling around.

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Kinosaki Onsen is often considered the birthplace of the "soto-yu meguri" or "public bathhouse hopping." There are seven distinct public bathhouses, each with its unique charm. The "Station Building Onsen" exudes an exotic ambiance, "Ichino-yu" located in the heart of the town resembles a Momoyama-style kabuki theater, and the "Goshono-yu" with its open-air bath reminiscent of the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a must-visit while exploring Kinosaki Onsen.

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8th Place: Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)

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Ginzan Onsen stands serenely nestled among the mountains of Oishida City in Yamagata Prefecture. Its fame soared when it became the filming location for the NHK drama series "Oshin."

While it is a hot spring town, Ginzan Onsen is distinguished by its row of multi-story, Taisho to early Showa-era Western-style wooden ryokans lining the banks of the Ginzan River. The gas lamps, illuminated at night, create an atmosphere that is particularly nostalgic.

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In the midst of glistening white snow during the winter, Ginzan Onsen becomes especially popular, attracting many foreign visitors who come to witness the magnificent scenery. After a chilly stroll through the hot spring street, you may wish to warm up in the hot springs or ryokans with delicious hot pot dishes.

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It is said that the bathhouse that appears in the Studio Ghibli animated film "Spirited Away" is based on the ryokans in Ginzan Onsen. Scenes reminiscent of the protagonist's adventures can be found throughout this charming town.

9th Place: Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture)

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Located in the Tawarayama River basin, Kurokawa Onsen is a compact hot spring area, with a cluster of nostalgic countryside inns. You can also take leisurely walks in the surrounding area. It's recommended to use Kurokawa Onsen's unique "Nyuto Tegata," a local hot spring inn pass introduced in 1986. This pass allows you to choose three out of 28 participating hot spring inns and can serve as a cherished souvenir.

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The Kurokawa Onsen Yufuto, held annually from late December to late March, is a traditional winter event in Kurokawa Onsen. Around 300 bamboo lanterns are placed along the Tawarayama River that runs through the hot spring town, illuminating the surroundings with gentle light each evening.


10th Place: Beppu Onsen (Oita Prefecture)

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Beppu Onsen district is composed of eight hot spring areas: Beppu Onsen, Kannawa Onsen, Kankaiji Onsen, Horita Onsen, Myoban Onsen, Kannawa Onsen, Shibaseki Onsen, and Kamegawa Onsen. The city boasts over 100 public bathhouses, and the atmosphere is filled with rising steam, creating a unique ambiance of a hot spring town.

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The Takegawara Onsen, a 10-minute walk from JR Beppu Station, is a must-visit in Beppu. This public bathhouse, established in 1888, holds a history of over a century and was designated a tangible cultural property after its reconstruction in 1930.

Experience sand bathing at Takegawara Onsen. Dressed in a special yukata, which includes all undergarments, you'll be covered in warm sand heated by the hot springs as you lie down.

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Beppu Onsen is renowned for strolling through the backstreets around Beppu Station, which still preserve vintage private residences and public bathhouses. Additionally, it's famous for touring the "Jigoku" or "Hells" around the Yufuin area. This is the standard route for sightseeing in Beppu Onsen, and you can explore Beppu Onsen by taking a regular sightseeing bus. Among the "Beppu Hells," Sea Hell, Chinoike Hell, Tatsumaki Hell, and Shiraike Hell, these four are collectively known as the "Beppu Hells" and are designated as national scenic spots.

11th Place: Nozawa Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)

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Nozawa Onsen, located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, features 13 community-managed public bathhouses, including a beautiful large communal bathhouse in the center. These hot springs are open to hotel guests and residents and, while they lack shower facilities, you can use hot water from the bathtubs to wash your body and hair.

Foot baths are available at the entrance of Oyu in front of Dosojin Shrine and at various inns in the hot spring town, providing a delightful respite for weary walkers.

Nozawa Onsen's specialty is "Ogama," a natural high-temperature hot spring. The locals use it to cook vegetables and eggs, and if you visit early enough, you might witness this magical sight. There are also souvenir shops unique to the hot spring street near Asama Shrine.

12th Place: Yamanaka Onsen (Ishikawa Prefecture)

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Yamanaka Onsen is located in Kahoku City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and it exudes the atmosphere of a charming hot spring town. The Koorogi Bridge, which spans the Tsurugisawa Valley, is a representative spot of Yamanaka Onsen. It's famous as the filming location for the Fuji Television daytime drama "Haru-chan." The view of the Tsurugisawa Valley from here is truly enchanting and has become a new attraction in Yamanaka Onsen.

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In addition, the hot spring street features facilities unique to the tourist destination, such as the Yugawa Street, where you can leisurely stroll, the public bath "Kiku-no-yu," where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Yamanaka, and the hot spring street that celebrates the seasonal changes in Yamanaka. Experience Kutani ware and Yamanaka lacquerware.

From November 1st to March 31st, they have a limited-time offering in front of Yamanaka Station called "Kani Jiru Oonabe," where you can savor a hearty crab soup.

13th Place: Hakone Yumoto Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture)

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Hakone Yumoto Onsen is one of the most convenient and popular hot spring resorts in Hakone. It's about a one-and-a-half-hour drive or train ride from Tokyo, making it a favorite destination for day-trippers, and there are many hot spring inns where you can enjoy a day soak.

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Hakone Yumoto's local specialty street is a bustling shopping street in front of Hakone Yumoto Station where you can enjoy both shopping and eating. The "Castella-yaki Hakone Manju" is a must-try local delicacy.

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The surrounding area is home to numerous museums and abundant natural scenic spots, making it a hot spring destination that offers sightseeing opportunities.

14th Place: Shibu Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)

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Shibu Onsen is located in Yamashina-cho, Shimo-takai District, Nagano Prefecture, near Niigata and Gunma. It's a nostalgic hot spring town with wooden inns lining the cobblestone streets.

After strolling through the retro shooting range, playing table tennis, and enjoying the charming hot spring town, you can also relax in foot baths.

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In addition, guests of Shibu Onsen can freely use nine open-air baths (public baths) and can take on the challenge of the "Nine Bath Tour" by visiting all nine baths. At the entrance of each open-air bath, you can collect a seal that can be affixed to a prayer towel. It is said that if you visit all nine baths and then make a wish in front of the Shibu Kobo Hall statue overlooking the hot spring town, your wish will come true.

15th Place: Shuzenji Onsen (Shizuoka Prefecture)

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Shuzenji Onsen, scattered around the town of Shuzenji, is the oldest hot spring resort on the Izu Peninsula and has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Hot Springs. Perhaps due to its high-quality hot springs and charming ambiance, it has been favored by literary figures such as Natsume Soseki, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, and Yasunari Kawabata.

The bamboo grove path, the Katsura River, and the picturesque Katsura Bridge, a vermilion-colored bridge that spans the Katsura River, create a picturesque landscape.

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The "Tokko-no-yu," which has become a symbol of Shuzenji Onsen, is the source of the hot spring. It is said to be the oldest hot spring in the Izu Peninsula. According to legend, the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi used a Buddhist ritual implement called the "Tokko-sho" to break rocks on the riverbed, causing a sacred spring to gush forth. Currently, you cannot take a bath in this spring; it is only available for foot baths.

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Near Tokko-no-yu, there is a foot bath called "Kawara-yu," where you can relax while listening to the gentle flow of the Katsura River.

More hot springs in Japan:

10 Recommended Hot Spring Hotels in Toyama! Famous, Ancient and Secret Hot Springs

20 Recommended Yufuin (Or Yunokami) Hot Spring Inns, Where You Can Enjoy Beautiful Skin Baths And Delicious Food!

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