Hot springs, also known as onsen, are more than just delightful steamy baths in Japan; they're a culture. Onsen culture has been thriving in Japan for centuries. With multiple active volcanoes, hot springs run aplenty all throughout the country. When going to a hot springs bathhouse or traditional inn (ryokan), you're participating in an activity that has been promoting health and wellness in Japan for ages.

Said to heal various illnesses and provide peace for any mental stress, hot springs in Japan are perfect for those of us in need of some serious TLC. Yet, it may be hard to decide which hot springs towns and resorts to choose. Here are our top ten recommended onsen towns and their best ryokans or bathhouses to melt away your stress.

10 Kusatsu Onsen

Located in Japan’s Kantō region, the town of Kusatsu is perhaps the most renowned onsen town in the country. Due to the large amounts of naturally occurring hot springs in the region, there are several resorts and inns that allow you to experience the onsen, some even for free. The nourishing hot water is rumored "to heal every disease but lovesickness."

Since the area is filled with popular hot springs, visitors can also enjoy stores and cafés. We recommend Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Sakurai for its scenic hot springs and largest public bath in Kusatsu. Remember to review proper onsen etiquette to be respectful to those around you.

9 Beppu Onsen

Head to Kyushu island, where the town of Beppu welcomes over eight million international and domestic travelers a year. It has more than 2,000 hot springs spread out between Beppu Bay and volcanic mountains. Facilities for mud, sand and nutrient-rich water bathing are plentiful. The "8 Hells of Beppu" are striking thermal pool landscapes that need to be experienced.

One of the most beautiful blue onsens of the 8 Hells is Umi Jigoku. This public onsen offers boiling hot springs and nearby cafés. A great choice for a lavish stay is Takegawara Onsen in downtown Beppu. Dating back to the Meiji period, this tattoo-friendly onsen also offers black sand baths.

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8 Kurokawa Onsen

Also located on Kyushu island, Kurokawa is renowned for its picturesque ryokans and hot springs. The town has worked diligently to keep the traditional atmosphere intact. Kurokawa has thirty onsen baths you can experience, which all are lit up at night by floating lanterns. The water at Kurokawa is said to be especially beneficial for those suffering from nerve pain.

One of the best ryokans to stay in Kurokawa is Yamamizuki, where you can spend the night peacefully along the river. This traditional inn offers both indoor and outdoor hot springs where you can lounge endlessly.

7 Ibusuki Onsen

Ibusuki's black sand spas are also located on the island of Kyushu. Not only are there 500 hot springs available in this city, but the town is known for its relaxing heated sands. The sands are said to relax muscles, detox the body, and promote healthy blood circulation.

For lodging, we recommend Ibusuki Hakusuikan, where they offer every hot spring and sand experience for their guests. This includes indoor and outdoor onsen, sand baths, and spa services.

6 Kinosaki Onsen

This onsen town is perfect for international travelers who may be intimidated by old-school ryokans with tattoo restrictions and no English signs. In Kinosaki, their onsen baths are all tattoo-friendly and provide English maps for you to stamp all the hot springs you've visited. You can also enjoy guided meditations and green tea picking with English-speaking guides.

For the best hot springs in Kinosaki, head to Morizuya Inn. This luxurious ryokan offers a premium and authentic Japanese onsen experience. Be sure to wear a yukata, the traditional onsen robe, while you stroll the streets surrounding this 2-star Michelin Green Guide Japan.

5 Dogo Onsen

The onsen area of Dogo is located in the city of Matsuyama on Shikoku island and is considered one of the oldest in Japan, with over 3,000 years of history. The Honkan onsen is the most popular accommodation in the area and is beloved for its detailed design. Honkan onsen's intricate architecture was used as inspiration for the famous Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away.

This historic ryokan is still open for travelers looking for a relaxing stay. Honkan was included in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, where it obtained the highest three stars.

4 Ginzan Onsen

Placed in Yamagata, this area is also nicknamed "Silver Mountain Hot Springs" due to its picturesque winter views. Historic wooden buildings line the Ginzan river, which flows throughout the town. Winter is considered the best time of the year to visit Ginzan. Snow falls on the scenic town while the hot springs stay heated and inviting for visitors searching for warmth.

Bathing in the hot springs with cold wind grazing your face feels like winter heaven. We recommend staying at the Fujiya ryokan, which features a dazzling interior with walls made of delicate bamboo.

Related: The 10 Best Places To See Fall Foliage In Japan

3 Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen

This onsen area is located at the base of Mount Fuji and beside Lake Kawaguchiko. The hot springs offer stunning views of the famous mountain allowing a whimsical onsen experience. Clouds often obscure the view of the mountain, so it's best to visit during the spring and autumn seasons.

Kukuna is an onsen resort right on the lake and provides three public onsens with a full view of Mount Fuji. You can also purchase private rooms with a personal hot spring just for you. Of course, all the rooms at Kukuna offer a stunning view of Mount Fuji.

2 Noboribetsu Onsen

This snowy onsen village in Hokkaido is a must-see in the wintertime. The water within the various hot springs in Noboribetsu contains sulfur and hydrogen sulfide. These elements are believed to moisturize and brighten your skin. The iron in the water is also beneficial for those suffering from fatigue and exhaustion.

For an unforgettable hot spring experience, stay at the Noboribetsu Grand Hotel. First opened in 1938, this historic hotel offers three different types of hot springs, waterfalls, and scenic garden views.

1 Hakone Onsen

This mountainous town is only two hours from Tokyo and offers a thrilling variety of hot springs. Try the wine or coffee baths at Yunessun resort which also has hot spring water slides and cave pools. Hakone village is a required day trip for anyone traveling to Tokyo. This onsen town also has family-friendly theme parks and hot springs. Both scenic and entertainment-filled, Hakone is the perfect hot springs getaway.