39 spots found
Dogo Onsen Sky Walkway & Footbath
愛媛県 · Shikoku
Perched above the historic Dogo Onsen district, this elevated footbath terrace offers stunning aerial views of the iconic Dogo Onsen Honkan building while you soak your tired feet in naturally hot spring water. The covered walkway provides shelter from the elements, making it an ideal spot to relax in any weather while enjoying the architectural beauty below. Perfect for those seeking a casual onsen experience without the commitment of a full bath, this free attraction combines relaxation with photography opportunities, especially magical during illuminated evening hours.
Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo
秋田県 · 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.
Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu
愛媛県 · 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.
Dogo Onsen Main Building
愛媛県 · Shikoku
Dogo Onsen Main Building is one of Japan's oldest and most historic public bathhouses, famous for its stunning traditional architecture that inspired Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away. This iconic three-story wooden structure offers multiple bathing plans, from simple soaks to premium experiences with private rest areas, tea service, and tours of historic rooms once used by royalty and famous writers. The building transforms into a magical sight at night when illuminated, complete with traditional drum performances at 6:00 PM that echo through the historic streets.
Ganiba Onsen
秋田県 · 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.
Kirishima Onsen
鹿児島県 · Kyushu
Step back in time at this authentic Showa-era neighborhood bathhouse, where locals have gathered for generations to soak in excellent quality hot spring waters. This charmingly retro onsen features alternating hot and cold baths, a sauna, and an atmosphere that feels plucked straight from a Japanese drama. After your soak, relax on the wooden benches in the changing room with an ice-cold milk from the vintage refrigerator—a quintessential Japanese bathhouse tradition.
Lake Shikotsu Hot Spring
北海道 · Hokkaido
Lake Shikotsu Hot Spring is a serene onsen resort area nestled on the shores of Japan's northernmost ice-free caldera lake, offering stunning natural scenery year-round. Visitors can soak in both indoor and outdoor baths with breathtaking lake views, stroll through peaceful nature trails, or take a unique glass-bottom boat cruise to observe fish beneath the crystal-clear waters. The area comes alive during winter with the annual Ice Festival, while the tranquil lakefront setting provides a perfect escape from urban life in any season.
Magoroku Onsen
秋田県 · Tohoku
Magoroku Onsen is a secluded traditional ryokan nestled deep in the forest along the Sentatsugawa River, offering an authentic escape into nature. In winter, guests embark on a magical 800-meter walk through towering snow walls to reach this hidden gem, creating an unforgettable arrival experience. The onsen features multiple indoor and outdoor baths with mineral-rich "mountain medicine water," though the true highlight is the serene, intimate atmosphere and natural setting that feels worlds away from modern life.
Akiu Onsen
宮城県 · Tohoku
Akiu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in the mountains near Sendai, with over 1,500 years of bathing tradition. The area features numerous traditional ryokan inns along the Natori River gorge, offering visitors authentic Japanese hospitality and healing mineral waters. Natural attractions include the stunning Akiu Great Falls, one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and scenic beauty.
Arima Onsen
兵庫県 · Kinki / Kansai
Arima Onsen is one of Japan's oldest and most celebrated hot spring resorts, nestled in the mountains just outside Kobe with over 1,300 years of history. Famous for its distinctive kin-sen (golden waters) rich in iron and gin-sen (silver waters) containing radium and carbonate, this charming town offers an authentic onsen experience with traditional ryokan inns lining narrow cobblestone streets. The compact area is perfect for strolling in yukata robes between bath houses, sampling local delicacies, and soaking in the therapeutic waters that once attracted emperors and samurai.
Atami Onsen
静岡県 · Chubu
Atami Onsen is a historic hot spring resort town nestled along Sagami Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture, just an hour from Tokyo by shinkansen. This seaside destination has been beloved for over a millennium, offering therapeutic mineral-rich waters with stunning ocean views, traditional ryokan inns, and a nostalgic retro atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy beachfront bathing facilities, scenic coastal walks, fresh seafood, and spectacular fireworks displays held year-round over the bay.
Awara Onsen
· Chubu
Awara Onsen is a charming hot spring resort town in Fukui Prefecture, known for its relaxing therapeutic waters and traditional ryokan inns. Established in 1883, this tranquil destination offers visitors an authentic Japanese onsen experience with beautifully landscaped gardens and foot baths scattered throughout the town. The area serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like the Tojinbo cliffs and Eiheiji Temple while enjoying kaiseki cuisine and warm hospitality.
Beppu Onsen
大分県 · Kyushu
Beppu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, located in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island, known for producing more hot spring water than anywhere else in the country. The city features eight distinct onsen areas and the spectacular 'Hells of Beppu' (Jigoku Meguri) - a collection of vibrant, steaming hot springs in vivid colors from cobalt blue to blood red that are meant for viewing rather than bathing. Visitors can experience everything from traditional communal baths and sand baths to mud baths and steam baths, making it a must-visit destination for any onsen enthusiast.
Gero Onsen
· Chubu
Gero Onsen is one of Japan's three most famous hot spring resorts, renowned for its silky-smooth alkaline waters that leave skin feeling remarkably soft and rejuvenated. Located in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture along the Hida River, this charming onsen town offers a perfect blend of traditional ryokan inns, public bathhouses, and foot baths where visitors can experience authentic Japanese bathing culture. Stroll through the nostalgic streets in yukata robes, sample local Hida beef, and enjoy the scenic beauty that has attracted travelers for over a thousand years.
Hakone Onsen
神奈川県 · Kanto
Hakone Onsen is a renowned hot spring resort area nestled in the mountains southwest of Tokyo, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji and therapeutic natural hot springs. This historic spa town has been welcoming weary travelers for over a thousand years, with numerous traditional ryokans and modern hotels featuring both indoor and outdoor baths. The area combines relaxation with adventure, as visitors can explore art museums, cruise on Lake Ashi, and ride the famous Hakone Ropeway while enjoying the rejuvenating waters.
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
長野県 · Chubu
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort offers an authentic Japanese skiing experience combined with the therapeutic pleasures of natural hot springs in the heart of the Northern Alps. This family-friendly resort features gentle slopes perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers, along with stunning mountain vistas that capture the essence of winter in Nagano Prefecture. After a day on the slopes, visitors can soak in traditional onsen baths, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Hanamaki Onsen
· Tohoku
Hanamaki Onsen is a collection of historic hot spring resorts nestled in the scenic countryside of Iwate Prefecture, known for their healing mineral-rich waters and traditional ryokan accommodations. Located near the hometown of beloved poet Kenji Miyazawa, this peaceful onsen area offers visitors an authentic Japanese bathing experience surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. The area features multiple hot spring facilities ranging from luxurious resort hotels to intimate family-run inns, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and cultural immersion.
Higashiyama Onsen
福島県 · Tohoku
Higashiyama Onsen is a historic hot spring town in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, with over 1,300 years of bathing tradition. The charming streets are lined with traditional ryokan inns where visitors can experience authentic Japanese hospitality and therapeutic mineral-rich waters. This peaceful retreat offers a glimpse into old Japan, away from the crowded tourist trails, with scenic mountain views and historic samurai connections.
Ito Onsen
静岡県 · Chubu
Ito Onsen is a historic hot spring resort town on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula, blessed with abundant natural hot spring waters and stunning ocean views. This charming seaside destination has been welcoming visitors for over 1,000 years, offering traditional ryokan inns, public bathhouses, and relaxing foot baths scattered throughout town. The area combines therapeutic waters with fresh seafood, beautiful coastal scenery, and easy access to nearby beaches and hiking trails.
Jigoku Onsen Museum
· Kyushu
Jigoku Onsen Museum offers visitors a fascinating look into Japan's volcanic hot spring culture and the science behind the famous 'hell springs.' Located in one of Japan's geothermal regions, this small but informative museum showcases the history, folklore, and geological phenomena of onsen bathing through displays and exhibits. It's an ideal stop for those curious about the natural forces that created Japan's beloved hot spring tradition before experiencing the real thing.
Jozankei Onsen
北海道 · Hokkaido
Jozankei Onsen is a tranquil hot spring resort town nestled in a scenic valley just an hour from Sapporo, offering the perfect escape into nature. Famous for its healing mineral-rich waters and stunning seasonal beauty—from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn foliage and snowy winter landscapes—this onsen town has been a beloved retreat since 1866. Visitors can enjoy traditional ryokan accommodations, foot baths along the river, and the charming Kappa legend that permeates the town's culture.
Kinosaki Onsen
兵庫県 · Kinki / Kansai
Kinosaki Onsen is a charming hot spring town in northern Hyogo Prefecture, famous for its seven public bathhouses and picturesque willow-lined canal. Visitors don traditional yukata robes and wooden geta sandals to stroll between the historic onsen baths, creating an authentic old-world atmosphere. The town offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and scenic beauty, making it one of Japan's most beloved hot spring destinations.
Kirizumi-onsen Kintokan
長野県 · Chubu
Kirizumi-onsen Kintokan is a traditional Japanese hot spring inn offering an authentic onsen experience away from the crowds. Guests can soak in natural mineral-rich waters while enjoying serene mountain or valley views, embodying the essence of Japanese wellness culture. The ryokan-style accommodation provides a peaceful retreat where visitors can disconnect and immerse themselves in time-honored bathing traditions.
Kurama Hot Spring
· Kinki / Kansai
Nestled in the forested mountains north of Kyoto, Kurama Onsen offers a serene escape with both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths surrounded by natural beauty. The rotenburo (outdoor bath) provides a particularly magical experience as you soak in mineral-rich waters while gazing at the lush mountain scenery and listening to the sounds of nature. After your bath, you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant, making it a perfect day trip from central Kyoto.