Top 100 ranking of Japanese hot springs (36th iteration), as voted by employees of major Japanese travel agencies. This annual ranking, now in its 36th year, garnered a total of 12,778 valid votes, including 2,862 postcards and online submissions.
The selection of these 100 hot springs is based on various dimensions:
(1) Atmosphere (2) Highlights, Leisure & Experiences (3) Water Quality (4) Local Cuisine
Below, I present the specific rankings and detailed characteristics of these hot springs. Whether you are traveling in Japan or residing here, choosing a delightful hot spring for relaxation is a significant pleasure. Feel free to choose one based on your preferences!
#1 Kusatsu Onsen / Gunma
Located in Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen has held the title of Japan's top hot spring for 19 consecutive years, boasting the country's highest natural hot spring water volume. The water in Kusatsu Onsen is strongly acidic, exhibiting powerful sterilization effects. If you seek the experience of the best, choosing Kusatsu Onsen is an unfailing option.
#2 Gero Onsen / Gifu
Gero Onsen, also known as one of Japan's three great hot springs alongside Kusatsu Onsen and Arima Onsen, is situated in the Hida River area of central Gifu Prefecture. For those who appreciate alkaline hot springs, Gero offers the experience of its smooth texture and the rich scent of sulfur. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the mountain village while exploring other charms of the region, such as Hida beef.
#3 Dogo Onsen / Ehime
One of Japan's three ancient hot springs, Dogo Onsen boasts a history of over 3,000 years. As an essential tourist destination in Ehime Prefecture, it is featured in Natsume Soseki's novel "Botchan." While the geographical location of Shikoku may be somewhat inconvenient, if you wish to experience the allure of the region, Dogo Onsen is a must-visit.
#4 Beppu's Eight Hells Hot Springs / Oita
"Beppu's Eight Hells" is the collective term for the hot springs in Beppu City. It boasts the highest number and volume of hot springs in Japan. Enveloping JR Beppu Station, the hot spring cluster is easily accessible, offering the pleasures of a day trip. Here, you can experience public baths, adding to the overall charm.
#5 Noboribetsu Onsen / Hokkaido
Hokkaido, a captivating region of Japan, features exquisite hot springs, and Noboribetsu Onsen is no exception. With nine different types of spring qualities, it is a diverse hot spring area. Additionally, you can explore the largest hot spring source, Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a truly unique Japanese landscape.
#6 Ibusuki Onsen / Kagoshima
Renowned for its "sand baths," Ibusuki is a significant hot spring town with over 1,000 spring sources. Comprising Ibusuki Onsen, Kirishima Onsen, Yajigawa Onsen, and Futaritani Onsen, it stands as one of Kagoshima Prefecture's primary tourist destinations. Abundant with sunflowers, it imparts a tropical ambiance.
#7 Arima Onsen / Hyogo
Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture, situated close to Osaka and Kobe, is a renowned hot spring destination listed among Japan's three ancient hot springs. Mentioned in historical records, it features "Kinnoyu," a reddish-brown iron-containing spring, and "Ginnoyu," a radium spring.
#8 Hakone Onsen / Kanagawa
Familiar to Chinese tourists, Hakone Onsen is a well-known Japanese hot spring. It takes only an hour and a half from Tokyo to Hakone Onsen. Renowned as one of Japan's top 17 hot springs, it offers the country's highest hot water volume. Here, you can also experience the charm of the hot spring street and Lake Ashi.
#9 Yufuin Onsen / Oita
A popular hot spring destination nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu. Yufuin Onsen offers a sophisticated hot spring resort experience for adult travelers. The surroundings are adorned with chic shops and restaurants, attracting visitors from various Asian countries.
#10 Kinosaki Onsen / Hyogo
With a history spanning over 1,400 years, Kinosaki Onsen is known for its seven public baths. Legend has it that visiting these seven baths seven times brings blessings forty-nine times, ensuring a life free from hardships.
#11 Kurokawa Onsen / Kumamoto
Located in the onsen district of Aso County, Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture exudes a tranquil atmosphere in its remote setting. The hot springs are said to have therapeutic effects on cuts and wounds.
#12 Wakura Onsen / Ishikawa
Situated on the Noto Peninsula, Wakura Onsen is a "sea hot spring" abundant in salt. Known for its healing properties, the onsen attracts over a million visitors annually. The local specialty, "Shio-ontama," is also a popular delicacy.
#13 Ikaho Onsen / Gunma
Ikaho Onsen, like Kusatsu Onsen, is renowned as a hot spring destination in Gunma Prefecture. The name "Ikaho" is said to originate from the Ainu word "squid hop," meaning hot water. Whether for a day trip or a 2-day, 1-night excursion, you can easily embark on a journey from Tokyo.
#14 Ginzan Onsen / Yamagata
Ginzan Onsen in the city of Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture, evokes a sense of romance from the Taisho era. A stroll through the hot spring street allows you to experience the feeling of time flowing backward.
#15 Tamatsukuri Onsen / Shimane
In 2016, Tamatsukuri Onsen received the highest award, the Minister of the Environment Award, in the category of skin hydration. Recognized for its outstanding ability to moisturize the skin, it is renowned for its anticipated effects on maintaining the necessary moisture and texture for beautiful skin.
#16 Nyuto Onsen Village / Akita
Comprising seven onsen inns, Nyuto Onsen Village boasts over 10 distinct hot spring sources, offering a vibrant array of spring qualities. Surrounding the onsen are tree-lined walking paths, allowing for an immersive experience in nature.
#17 Atami Onsen / Shizuoka
Famous for being the incomplete masterpiece of Kojo Osaki, "Golden Demon," Atami Onsen has a history of over 1,500 years, featuring chloride springs. The sources of chloride springs are numerous, often blending with seawater due to excessive extraction.
#18 Okuhida Onsen Village / Gifu
Nestled in the heart of the Northern Alps of Japan, Okuhida Onsen Village is said to be a secluded hot spring discovered by Takeda Shingen. Surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges, it comprises over 100 outdoor baths. Close to Nagano Prefecture's Hirayu Onsen, you can experience both by traveling from Kamikochi.
#19 Tokachigawa Onsen / Hokkaido
In Hokkaido's Tokachigawa Onsen, rich in plant-based organic compounds, it is renowned as a beauty hot spring that moisturizes and smoothens the skin. The area around Tokachigawa Onsen offers attractions such as Tokachi Farm, allowing visitors to fully indulge in the charm of Tokachi.
#20 Zao Onsen / Yamagata
Also known as Zao Takayu, Zao Onsen has been a popular high-altitude hot spring since ancient times, with a history dating back to 1900. Every winter, attractions like the Zao Frost Tree Ski Resort, frost-covered trees, and hot springs attract numerous tourists. The Zao Frost Tree, renowned as a skiing haven, is aptly nicknamed the "monster" and is nationally acclaimed.
Hot Springs Ranking from 21st to 50th
| 21 | Tsukioka Onsen (Niigata) | 22 | Ashiyu Onsen (Fukui) |
| 23 | Ureshino Onsen (Saga) | 24 | Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen (Tochigi) |
| 25 | Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama) | 26 | Unzen Onsen (Nagasaki) |
| 27 | Yunokawa Onsen (Hokkaido) | 28 | Akiu Onsen (Miyagi) |
| 29 | Manza Onsen (Gunma) | 30 | Shirahone Onsen (Nagano) |
| 31 | Yudanaka Shibu Onsen (Nagano) | 32 | Yamanaka Onsen (Ishikawa) |
| 33 | Kirishima Onsen (Kagoshima) | 34 | Hakkoda Onsen (Aomori) |
| 35 | Hida Takayama Onsen (Gifu) | 36 | Kami-Suwa Onsen (Nagano) |
| 37 | Shuzenji Onsen (Shizuoka) | 38 | Sounkyo Onsen (Hokkaido) |
| 39 | Misasa Onsen (Tottori) | 40 | Yamashiro Onsen (Ishikawa) |
| 41 | Mizusawa 18 Baths (Gunma) | 42 | Naruko Onsen (Miyagi) |
| 43 | Ikarigaseki Onsen (Aomori) | 44 | Hanamaki Onsen Town (Iwate) |
| 45 | Jozankei Onsen (Hokkaido) | 46 | Lake Toya Onsen (Hokkaido) |
| 47 | Nagaragawa Onsen (Gifu) | 48 | Shima Onsen (Gunma) |
| 49 | Unazuki Onsen (Toyama) | 50 | Nagato Yumoto (Yamaguchi) |
