Taking a dip in a tranquil hot spring is a must-do when visiting Japan, whether it's embarking on a romantic road trip or checking out the Land of the Rising Sun during cherry blossom season. Also known as onsens, Japanese hot springs are a unique activity, complete with its setting and etiquette rules for a fun experience. Travelers looking for some peace and quiet can easily retreat to these soothing hot springs, perfect for soaking away the stress!
10 Noboribetsu Onsen
Situated in Hokkaido, the Noboribetsu Hot Spring is a famous hot spring resort town in Japan. Travelers from all stretches of the world gather at Noboribetsu to enjoy the waters at Noboribetsu Jigokudani, also known as "Hell Valley," at the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Besides dipping in the warm waters, the park is a great place to hike and enjoy the dramatic landscape. There are also a collection of ryokans (traditional, Japanese-style hotels) in the area for comfort and convenience!
9 Takegawara Onsen
Located in Beppu, Ōita, the Takegawara Onsen actually consists of eight hot springs known as Beppu Hatto. Set inside a historic building from the Meiji Era (est. 1879), guests will immediately take note of the beautiful tile roof made of bamboo. Otherwise, the Takegawara Onsen is famous for its sand baths. Essentially, while wearing a yukata, visitors are buried (to their neck!) in sands heated by the nearby thermal springs. These sand baths hardly involve getting wet but are said to relieve joint and muscle pain!
8 Uta No Yu Hot Spring Spa
Found in Sugito, Japan, the Uta Hot Spring offers both indoor and outdoor baths with varying temperatures (even colder varieties). Dip into the warm waters and take the stress off, or book a massage for a more pampering experience. This gorgeous onsen is a peaceful retreat after a long day of traveling, complete with a hot stone sauna area (for female guests only). Afterward, don't forget to explore Sugito, the historic town of Saitama Prefecture.
7 Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu No Uta
This elegant resort spa can be found by Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido. This spa provides hydrogen carbonate springs using waters from the lake, which are said to be beneficial for one's skin. The Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu No Uta offers separate onsens for men and women, alongside full body treatments with essential oils and other spa-related services.
6 Tamagawa Hot Spring
Situated in Japan's northern city of Semboku, this popular hot spring sits in the Therapeutic Spring Lake Tazawako Akita Prefecture at the base of Mount Yakeyama. A popular onsen among visitors and locals alike, the Tamagawa Hot Springs receives about 9,000 L of water per minute from a single source!
Besides dipping in the hot waters, guests can soothe their toes and take a footbath or enjoy bedrock bathing, also known as ganban-yoku.
5 Sekizenkan Kashoutei
The Sekizenkan Kashoutei is a ryokan in the Gunma Prefecture, sitting across the Arayu River. This beautiful ryokan sits inside a series of historic buildings, with its oldest building constructed in the late 15th century. While soaking away stress, guests can enjoy a peaceful stay at Sekizenkan Kashoutei, which is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, tatami floors, futons, and complimentary parking.
4 Hoshi Onsen Chōjukan
Situated along the Hoshi River in Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park, the Hoshi Onsen Chōjukan will set travelers back in time. Standing after 140 years, this stunning ryokan occupies several historic buildings from the 19th century while nestled in the lush thicket of trees of the local, national park. Enjoying the property's mixed bathing area (or separate baths) while enjoying a delicate meal at Hoshi Onsen, which may include fare featuring seasonal flavors and local ingredients.
3 Tenzan Onsen
Only a few minutes from the Hakone-Yumoto Station, the Tenzen Onsen is a hidden oasis among the Hakone mountains. This accessible onsen comes with a range of baths, a restaurant, a cafe, and a gift shop. Guests can soothe their aching bones in the onsen before enjoying a multi-course meal at their on-site restaurant, equipped with traditional flare and flavors. Adorned with traditional architecture, this onsen is quieter than others, perhaps due to its location in the small city of Hakone.
2 Goshonoyu Onsen
This stunning onsen can be found in Toyooka, with architecture inspired by the Kyoto Imperial Palace, from its beautiful paintings to its beams made of Japanese cypress. The Goshonoyu Onsen not only boasts a beautiful property but an open-air bath (known as the taki no rotenburo) with three rushing waterfalls. Moreover, this stunning onsen features an interior bath (known as tenko furo) with a glass roof.
1 Zao Onsen Ski Resort
After shredding some hills and learning the art of skiing in Yamagata Prefecture, soak away the sore muscles at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort. Also known as the "springs of beauty," the onsen gets their waters from sulfur springs. Hence the sulfur aroma guests will smell throughout the town! Featuring three public hot springs, a day spa, and three-foot baths, this ski resort is often filled with travelers from all walks of life. Besides enjoying the sulfur-rich waters, this ski resort is known to house "snow monsters" on its hills. Fortunately, these icy monsters are nothing more than trees covered in heavy snow, creating a scenic snowy land while skiing!