136 spots found
Owakudani
Kanagawa · Kanto
Owakudani, meaning 'Great Boiling Valley,' is an active volcanic valley in Hakone renowned for its dramatic landscape of sulfurous fumes, bubbling hot springs, and striking lunar-like terrain. Visitors can witness the raw power of nature up close while walking along designated trails, and must try the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) boiled in the volcanic springs, which are said to add seven years to your life. On clear days, the valley offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji rising majestically in the distance, making it one of Hakone's most iconic and memorable attractions.
Owakudani Information Center
Kanagawa · Kanto
Owakudani Information Center serves as the gateway to exploring the volcanic valley of Owakudani in Hakone, one of Japan's most dramatic natural attractions. Located in the heart of the active geothermal area, the center provides essential information about the volcanic activity, hiking trails, and the famous black eggs boiled in sulfurous hot springs. Visitors can learn about the region's geology, check current volcanic alerts, and pick up maps before venturing into this otherworldly landscape of steam vents and sulfur deposits.
Dogo Onsen Main Building
Ehime · Shikoku
Japan's oldest continuously operating hot spring bathhouse, this iconic wooden structure has welcomed guests since 1894. The vermillion-roofed building features traditional architecture and three distinct bathhouses, including the exclusive Daimyo bath once reserved for nobility. Visitors experience authentic Japanese bathing culture while soaking in naturally heated waters believed to have therapeutic properties.
Dogo Onsen Main Building
Ehime · Kinki / Kansai
Dogo Onsen Main Building is a stunning three-story wooden bathhouse in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, and one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs with over 3,000 years of history. This architectural masterpiece, said to have inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's 'Spirited Away,' features traditional communal baths where visitors can experience authentic Japanese bathing culture. The building's elegant Meiji-era design, complete with ornate towers and intricate woodwork, offers a magical glimpse into Japan's storied onsen tradition.
Kamado Jigoku
Oita · Kyushu
This striking hellish landscape features a massive volcanic crater with vibrant mineral-rich waters ranging from deep blue to rusty red. Named after the legendary Buddhist hell, it's one of Beppu's most dramatic "hells" where visitors can observe geothermal activity, colorful hot springs, and volcanic steam rising dramatically. The otherworldly scenery and unique geological phenomena make it essential for understanding Beppu's geothermal significance.
Tsurunoyu Onsen
Akita · Tohoku
Tsurunoyu Onsen is a historic 400-year-old hot spring ryokan nestled deep in the forests of Akita Prefecture, offering an authentic step back in time. Famous for its milky-white mineral waters and rustic wooden buildings, this legendary onsen features both gender-separated and mixed bathing options in stunning open-air settings. With no mobile reception and traditional multi-course meals, it provides a rare opportunity to completely disconnect and experience Japan's onsen culture in its most authentic form.
Saraku Sand Bath Hall
Kagoshima · Kyushu
Saraku Sand Bath Hall offers a unique Japanese wellness experience where visitors are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand along the scenic coastline. The therapeutic sand bath is believed to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension, while the sound of nearby waves creates a deeply relaxing atmosphere. After your sand bath, you can rinse off and enjoy the facility's hot spring baths with ocean views.
Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu
Ehime · Kinki / Kansai
Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu is a modern complement to the historic Dōgo Onsen Honkan, offering a luxurious bathing experience in Matsuyama's famous hot spring district. This elegant facility features spacious indoor and outdoor baths with the same therapeutic alkaline waters that have been cherished for over 3,000 years. The building's contemporary design incorporates traditional motifs inspired by the Asuka period, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for experiencing authentic Japanese onsen culture.
Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu
Ehime · Shikoku
Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu offers a modern yet traditional hot spring experience as the companion facility to the historic main Dōgo Onsen building. This spacious and less crowded alternative features both indoor and outdoor baths, a sauna, and the option to book private rooms with tatami resting areas. The beautifully designed facility includes a stunning large resting hall with projection videos on traditional bath murals, providing an authentic yet comfortable onsen experience.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto · Hokkaido
The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1869 when the capital moved to Tokyo. Set within spacious park grounds, the palace showcases stunning traditional Japanese architecture with elegant wooden buildings, pristine gravel courtyards, and meticulously maintained gardens. Visitors can explore the ceremonial halls and witness the refined aesthetic that defined imperial life during the Heian period and beyond.
Gero Onsen Gassho-mura
Gifu · Chubu
Gero Onsen Gassho-mura is an open-air museum village showcasing traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses relocated from the famous Shirakawa-go region. Visitors can explore these UNESCO-style thatched-roof buildings, experience traditional crafts like pottery and weaving, and enjoy foot baths while learning about rural Japanese culture. The village offers a perfect blend of history and hands-on activities, making it an ideal complement to a relaxing onsen experience in Gero.
Gero Onsen Gassho-mura
Gifu · Kinki / Kansai
Gero Onsen Gassho-mura is an open-air museum village featuring traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses relocated from the Shirakawa-go region, set in the famous hot spring town of Gero. Visitors can explore these UNESCO World Heritage-style thatched-roof buildings, experience traditional crafts like pottery and weaving, and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of old Japan. The village offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and relaxation, with footbaths available and stunning mountain scenery surrounding the historic structures.
Sapporo's Secret Onsen Sanctuary Marukoma Onsen Ryokan
Hokkaido · Kinki / Kansai
Nestled on the shores of Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido, Marukoma Onsen Ryokan offers a truly unique bathing experience with natural hot spring baths carved directly into the lakeside rocks. The outdoor rotenburo sits right at water's edge, allowing you to soak in mineral-rich waters while gazing out at the pristine caldera lake surrounded by volcanic mountains. This historic ryokan, accessible only by boat or a scenic hiking trail, provides an authentic escape into nature with its rustic charm and therapeutic waters fed by geothermal springs.
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Miyagi · Kinki / Kansai
Zao Onsen Ski Resort, nestled in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, is famous for its world-class powder snow and the spectacular 'snow monsters' - trees completely frosted in ice that create an otherworldly winter landscape. Beyond skiing and snowboarding on its diverse terrain, visitors can soak in traditional hot spring baths with milky-white sulfuric waters that have been treasured for over 1,900 years. The resort offers night skiing with illuminated snow monsters, creating a magical experience unique to this region.
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Kanagawa · Kanto
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a unique hot spring theme park where you can experience Japan's onsen culture with a playful twist. This family-friendly facility features both traditional indoor baths and unusual outdoor pools filled with wine, coffee, green tea, and even sake. Located in the scenic Hakone mountains, it offers a fun alternative to conventional onsen, perfect for those new to Japanese bathing culture or traveling with children.
Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo
Akita · Tohoku
Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo is a modern three-story inn nestled in the mountains of Semboku, Akita, offering access to the famous milky-white hot springs of Nyuto Onsen village. The highlight is the excellent buffet-style meals featuring local Akita cuisine, including beef sukiyaki and regional specialties, served alongside scenic views of the surrounding national park. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor gender-segregated onsen baths, followed by the popular Akita Dog ice cream and fresh milk available on-site.
Kurama Hot Spring
Kyoto · Kinki / Kansai
Nestled in the tranquil mountains north of Kyoto, Kurama Hot Spring offers a serene escape with both indoor and outdoor baths featuring stunning natural scenery. The outdoor rotenburo bath provides breathtaking views of the surrounding forested mountains, making it especially beautiful during autumn foliage and winter snowfall. This traditional onsen is conveniently located near Kurama Station, making it an ideal stop after hiking the famous Kurama to Kibune trail.
Yamanaka Onsen Kiku no Yu Public Bath
Ishikawa · Chubu
Kiku no Yu is a traditional public bathhouse located in the heart of Yamanaka Onsen, one of the Kaga Onsen hot spring villages in Ishikawa Prefecture. This historic communal bath features natural hot spring waters known for their smooth, skin-softening qualities, and offers an authentic Japanese onsen experience in a charming wooden building. The bathhouse serves as a gathering place for locals and provides visitors with an opportunity to experience genuine hot spring culture in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.
Yufuin Station
Oita · Kyushu
Yufuin Station serves as the charming gateway to the picturesque hot spring town of Yufuin in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The station itself features a distinctive black wooden exterior and houses a small art gallery and footbath where travelers can soak their feet immediately upon arrival. From here, visitors can easily access the scenic Lake Kinrinko, Mount Yufu, and the town's numerous onsen ryokan and artisan shops along the main street.
Nikko Wanoshiro Onsen Yashio-no-yu
Tochigi · Kanto
Nikko Wanoshiro Onsen Yashio-no-yu is a traditional Japanese hot spring facility located in the scenic Nikko area, famous for its natural beauty and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The onsen features healing mineral-rich waters sourced from local springs, offering both indoor and outdoor baths where visitors can relax while surrounded by mountain views. This authentic bathhouse provides a perfect retreat after exploring nearby attractions like Toshogu Shrine and the natural wonders of Nikko National Park.
Ganiba Onsen
Akita · Tohoku
Ganiba Onsen is a traditional ryokan nestled in the remote Nyuto Onsen area, famous for its spectacular outdoor mixed-gender bath that requires a scenic 5-minute walk through snowy landscapes. This intimate property offers an authentic onsen experience with approximately 18 rooms, exceptional service, and local cuisine featuring regional specialties like crab dishes. The winter setting is particularly magical, with steaming hot spring waters surrounded by snow-covered hills, though the facilities maintain their charmingly rustic, traditional character.
Dhawa Yura Kyoto
Kyoto · Hokkaido
Dhawa Yura Kyoto offers a tranquil escape in Japan's ancient capital, blending modern comfort with traditional Japanese hospitality. This boutique accommodation provides an authentic base for exploring Kyoto's stunning temples, serene gardens, and historic districts. Guests can experience refined service and thoughtfully designed spaces that capture the essence of Kyoto's timeless elegance.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
Yamanashi · Hokkaido
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan holds the Guinness World Record as the world's oldest hotel, founded in 705 AD and operated by the same family for 52 generations. Nestled in the Southern Alps of Yamanashi Prefecture, this traditional ryokan offers an authentic hot spring experience with natural mineral waters flowing directly from the source. Guests can immerse themselves in centuries of Japanese hospitality while soaking in therapeutic baths surrounded by pristine mountain scenery.
Hatcho-no-Yu
Tochigi · Kanto
Hatcho-no-Yu is a traditional Japanese public bathhouse offering an authentic onsen experience where locals and travelers can unwind in therapeutic hot spring waters. The facility maintains classic Japanese bathing customs and architecture, providing visitors with a glimpse into everyday Japanese wellness culture. It's an ideal spot for those seeking relaxation and a genuine cultural immersion away from tourist crowds.