The top 20 hot spring resorts and recommended accommodations selected by travel agencies for the 37th annual Japan Hot Spring Resort Ranking have been revealed.
Where will you choose to visit for your next hot spring getaway? Explore the options and find the perfect destination for your relaxation and rejuvenation.
【Rank 1】Gunma Prefecture / Kusatsu Onsen（→）
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's three major hot springs, boasting the largest natural hot spring water volume in Japan.
It possesses Japan's highest natural hot spring water volume, with over 2,300 liters of hot spring water gushing out every minute, equivalent to 230,000 barrels of hot spring water per day.
It is thanks to this abundant supply of hot water that Kusatsu's inns and hot spring facilities can provide directly sourced hot spring baths.
The renowned hot water massage here is designed to lower the temperature of the hot spring without diminishing its efficacy.
【Rank 2】Gifu Prefecture / Gero Onsen（→）
Gero Onsen is a world-renowned hot spring, often referred to as one of Japan's three major hot springs, with a history dating back 1000 years.
According to legend, the location of the hot spring was revealed by an injured white egret. During the Muromachi period, the esteemed monk Manriki Nukari and the Confucian scholar Hayashi Razan designated it as one of the "Three Famous Springs," alongside Arima and Kusatsu.
Known for its smooth and delicate texture, Gero Onsen is also referred to as a "beauty bath." Footbaths are scattered throughout the hot spring town, allowing visitors to enjoy leisurely strolls around the town.
【Rank 3】Ehime Prefecture / Dogo Onsen（→）
Dogo Onsen is recorded in the "Nihon Shoki" as Japan's oldest hot spring, reputedly visited by Prince Shotoku and Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi.
The main building of Dogo Onsen, a symbol of the Dogo area featured in Soseki Natsume's novel "Botchan," is a three-story wooden structure built in 1898 and designated as a national important cultural property.
Even today, it maintains the tradition of opening its doors with the sound of drums at 6 o'clock every morning.
In addition to bathing in the hot springs, the town offers numerous sightseeing spots and walking trails!
【Rank 4】Oita Prefecture / Beppu Hatto Onsen（→）
The entire city of Beppu, shrouded in steam, is a hot spring paradise with the largest number of hot springs in the world and the highest water output in Japan!
Since ancient times, this city has been dotted with the "Beppu Hatto Onsen" hot spring group, with over 2,900 springs gushing forth 137,000 kiloliters of hot spring water day and night for medical and bathing purposes.
The hot springs here are not only widely used for domestic life but also extensively utilized in the tourism and industrial sectors.
With hundreds of hot springs available for day trips, your visit here will surely be worthwhile!
【Rank 5】Hyogo Prefecture / Arima Onsen（↑2）
Arima Onsen is conveniently located near Osaka and Kobe, making it popular not only as the heart of the Keihanshin region but also as a renowned hot spring area listed in the "Nihon Shoki" as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs.
The open-air baths, "Kin no Yu" (Golden Hot Spring) and "Gin no Yu" (Silver Hot Spring), are also highly popular and worth recommending.
【Rank 6】Hokkaido / Noboribetsu Onsen (↓1)
Noboribetsu Onsen is situated in the southern part of Hokkaido, renowned for its numerous hot springs and famously known for Jigokudani, or "Hell Valley," which is characterized by volcanic smoke.
With convenient transportation from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo, it serves as a representative hot spring destination in Hokkaido, attracting a multitude of visitors.
The area features compact hot spring streets, hidden gems, energy points, leisure facilities, and many other attractions worth exploring!
【Rank 7】Kagoshima Prefecture / Ibusuki Onsen（↓2）
Located at the southern tip of Honshu, Kagoshima Prefecture, Ibusuki Onsen is a hot spring resort famous for its sand baths.
Comprising Ibusuki Onsen, Kirishima Onsen, Makurazaki Onsen, and Nangoku Onsen, it is one of the main tourist destinations in Kagoshima Prefecture.
【Rank 8】Kanagawa Prefecture / Hakone Onsen Village（→）
Just an hour and a half from Tokyo, you can reach Hakone Yunohana Onsen.
Known as the gateway to Hakone, it is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in the Hakone hot spring village.
Its attractiveness as a day trip destination is also compelling.
【Rank 9】Hyogo Prefecture / Kinosaki Onsen（↑1）
Kinosaki Onsen boasts a history of 1400 years, where each outdoor bath has its own guardian deity, fostering a devout belief that the hot springs are blessings bestowed by the gods, making soaking in the baths a popular travel activity.
It is said that visiting the seven hot springs in Kinosaki Onsen seven times grants forty-nine blessings, leading to a life free from suffering and filled with sevenfold blessings.
【Rank 10】Oita Prefecture / Yufuin Onsen (↓1)
Yufuin Onsen is a popular hot spring resort nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu.
Here, you will never tire of this city filled with trendy shops and restaurants.
It's a hot spring resort where adults can truly enjoy their travels.
【Rank 11】Kumamoto Prefecture / Kurokawa Onsen（→）
Located in the Aso-Noyu hot spring area of Kumamoto Prefecture, this hot spring, known as "Kizu-yu," is said to be particularly effective for cuts and wounds. There are several traditional Japanese-style inns with a calm atmosphere in Kurokawa Onsen.
Kurokawa Onsen offers a common type of hot spring entry ticket called "Nyuto-tegata," which is made of circular cedar wood, a rarity in Japan. Among the outdoor baths of over twenty inns, three are available for selection.
Consistently ranking high in Japan's hot spring rankings, Kurokawa Onsen is a renowned tourist destination, attracting visitors year-round.
【Rank 12】Ishikawa Prefecture / Wakura Onsen（→）
Wakura Onsen, scattered across the Noto Peninsula, is a "sea hot spring" rich in salt content.
Another way to enjoy the hot springs is through "te-yu" (hand baths), which are particularly popular among female guests who wear long stockings and tight pants.
As a coveted tourist destination, Wakura Onsen consistently ranks among the top, continuing to captivate visitors.
The famous "Shio Ontama (Salt Eggs)" are also a popular product.
【Rank 13】Shizuoka Prefecture / Atami Onsen（↑4）
With a total outflow of approximately 16,564 liters per minute, Atami Onsen truly lives up to its reputation as a hot spring town.
Situated by the mountains and sea, Atami boasts rich seafood and abundant hot spring water for you to enjoy.
Throughout the year, various events such as the Atami Plum Festival and Atami Sea Fireworks Festival are held, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
【Rank 14】Yamagata Prefecture / Ginzan Onsen（→）
Ginzan Onsen in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, exudes a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Taisho era.
In addition to indulging in the hot springs used for healing since ancient times, we recommend strolling through the atmospheric hot spring town, feeling as if you've stepped back in time.
【Rank 15】Gifu Prefecture / Okuhida Onsen Village (↑3)
Located in the heart of the Northern Alps, Okuhida Onsen Village is a secret hot spring discovered by Takeda Shingen, consisting of five hot springs surrounded by nature.
The footbath near the bus terminal provides ample hot water, including the "Kami no Yu" (God's Hot Spring), said to be the source of the Hirayu Onsen (closed in winter).
【Rank 16】Gunma Prefecture / Ikaho Onsen (↓3)
A renowned hot spring since ancient times, Ikaho Onsen is situated on the slopes of Mount Haruna. The 300-meter, 360-step stone staircase built over 400 years ago is a symbol of the hot spring town.
At the top of the stone steps lies Ikaho Shrine, where during the September Ikaho Festival, one of the few festivals in the Kanto region, the portable shrines and over a dozen "taru mikoshi" (barrel portable shrines) parade to Ikaho Shrine.
【Rank 17】Yamagata Prefecture / Zao Onsen（↑3）
Famous for its "Bijin no Yu" (Beauty Hot Spring), Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is a highly acidic sulfur hot spring with a history of 1,900 years.
It is a charming hot spring resort representing the Tohoku region of Japan, filled with captivating attractions.
【Rank 18】Shimane Prefecture / Tamatsukuri Onsen（↓3）
Tamatsukuri Onsen is a hot spring located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.
Its name has appeared in the "Izumo no Kuni Fudoki" and "Makura no Soshi" (The Pillow Book). Besides its long history, it is also a popular hot spring known for its skin-beautifying properties.
【Rank 19】Gunma Prefecture / Manza Onsen（↑10）
Manza Onsen boasts one of the highest sulfur concentrations in Japan. It is said to be effective for rheumatism and skin diseases, with a rich hot spring water volume reaching 5.4 million liters per day. It is also renowned as a skin-beautifying hot spring, beloved by women.
Located at an altitude of 1,800 meters, Manza Onsen has many outdoor baths that fully utilize the spectacular scenery. Being in high-altitude areas can change your heart rate and improve your metabolism!
It is a hot spring resort where you can enjoy the lush greenery in spring, escape the heat in summer, admire the autumn foliage, and ski in winter, making it a destination for all seasons.
【Rank 20】Akita Prefecture / Nyuto Onsen Village (↓4)
Popular as one of Akita Prefecture's leading hot springs, Nyuto Onsen Village offers a wide variety of hot springs that even hot spring enthusiasts praise.
Surrounded by rich natural attractions, the area also boasts charming cuisine nurtured by beautiful clear streams.
Comprising seven hot spring inns with over ten different springs, Nyuto Onsen Village offers a diverse range of spring qualities to enjoy.
【Hot Springs Ranked from 21st to 100th】↓
- Tsukioka Onsen (Niigata Prefecture)
- Jozankei Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Kinugawa/ Kawaji Onsen (Tochigi Prefecture)
- Yunokawa Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Ureshino Onsen (Saga Prefecture)
- Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama Prefecture)
- Akiu Onsen (Miyagi Prefecture)
- Naruko Onsen (Miyagi Prefecture)
- Nagato Yumoto Onsen (Yamaguchi Prefecture)
- Sounkyo Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Awara Onsen (Fukui Prefecture)
- Shirahone Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
- Hirugami Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
- Hirugami Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
- Jozankei Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Kirishima Onsen (Kagoshima Prefecture)
- Unzen Onsen (Nagasaki Prefecture)
- Hirayu Onsen (Gifu Prefecture)
- Hanamaki Onsen (Iwate Prefecture)
- Yamanaka Onsen (Ishikawa Prefecture)
- Mizusawa Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
- Yudanaka Shibu Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
- Togura Kamiyamada Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
- Shima Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
- Toyako Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Misasa Onsen (Tottori Prefecture)
- Kamisuwa Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
- Akankohan Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Shuzenji Onsen (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Kannon Onsen (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Nyuto Onsen (Aomori Prefecture)
- Ashinomaki Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture)
- Hida Takayama Onsen (Gifu Prefecture)
- Daisetsuzan Kogen Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Nozawa Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
- Ito Onsen (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Kawa Onsen (Iwate Prefecture)
- Nasu Onsen Village (Tochigi Prefecture)
- Yumoto Onsen (Tochigi Prefecture)
- Utouryu Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Unazuki Onsen (Toyama Prefecture)
- Ai no Yu Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Yugawara Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Inatori Onsen (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Takayu Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture)
- Ishiwa Onsen (Yamanashi Prefecture)
- Tamagawa Onsen (Akita Prefecture)
- Motherbata Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture)
- Kinpira Onsen Village (Kagawa Prefecture)
- Kaike Onsen (Tottori Prefecture)
- Kawatoya Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Akayu Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
- Yufuin Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
- Hottarakashi Onsen (Yamanashi Prefecture)
- Toba Onsen (Mie Prefecture)
- Mandai Atami Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture)
- Kamimoku Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
- Kawaguchi-ko Onsen (Yamanashi Prefecture)
- Bessho Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
- Nasu Kogen Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
- Beppu Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
- Echigo Yuzawa Onsen (Niigata Prefecture)
- Sumoto Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
- Shirogane Onsen (Hokkaido)
- Nikko Yunishigawa Onsen (Tochigi Prefecture)
- Niigata Onsen (Niigata Prefecture)
- Atsumi Onsen (Akita Prefecture)
- Matsunoyama Onsen (Niigata Prefecture)
- Nanki Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama Prefecture)
- Otsu Onsen (Shiga Prefecture)
- Harataki Onsen (Fukuoka Prefecture)
- Otsu Onsen (Shiga Prefecture)
- Sawatari Onsen (Niigata Prefecture)
- Shimoda Onsen (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Kintaro Onsen (Toyama Prefecture)
- Hitoyoshi Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture)
- Wara Onsen (Aomori Prefecture)
- Tadami Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
- Iya Onsen (Tokushima Prefecture)
- Asamushi Onsen (Aomori Prefecture)
