Introduction
When most people think of Japan, they often associate it with its rich culture and traditions. One of the most beloved traditions in Japan is the onsen, or hot spring. Onsen have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries and are considered to have both physical and mental health benefits. In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through the best onsen in Japan.
Criteria for choosing the best onsen in Japan
Before we dive into our list of the best onsen destinations in Japan, it's important to know what criteria we used to make our selections. Here are the four factors we considered:
- Location: We chose onsen that were located in scenic and beautiful locations throughout Japan.
- Water quality and temperature: We selected onsen that had high-quality mineral-rich water and comfortable temperatures.
- Surrounding scenery: We looked for onsen that offered breathtaking views of the natural surroundings.
- Amenities and services: We picked onsen that had a wide variety of amenities and services, including restaurants, massage services, and hot springs with unique features.
What are Top onsen destinations in Japan?
Now that we've outlined our selection criteria, let's dive into our top onsen destinations in Japan. We've categorized them by region for ease of reference.
Hokkaido
Noboribetsu Onsen - Located in Hokkaido's Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous onsen destinations. The water here is rich in sulfur, which is known to have therapeutic properties. Visitors can also enjoy the Hell Valley hot spring, which offers a unique and eerie landscape.
Jozankei Onsen - Nestled in the mountains just outside Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The water here is rich in minerals and has a silky texture that's said to be great for the skin.
Tohoku
Ginzan Onsen - Ginzan Onsen is a historic onsen town located in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. The town's traditional architecture and snow-covered streets make it feel like you're stepping back in time. The hot springs here are said to have healing properties and can help relieve fatigue.
Nyuto Onsen - Nyuto Onsen is another hot spring town located in the mountains of Akita Prefecture. The water here is high in iron and sulfur, making it great for those with skin conditions. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails and snowshoeing during the winter months.
Kanto
Hakone Onsen - Located in the scenic Hakone region, Hakone Onsen is known for its picturesque views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. The water here is rich in minerals and is said to help with fatigue and promote relaxation.
Atami Onsen - Atami Onsen is located on the Izu Peninsula, just a short train ride from Tokyo. The town is known for its seaside location and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can also enjoy the town's famous fireworks displays during the summer months.
Chubu
Shirahone Onsen - Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Shirahone Onsen is known for its milky-white water that's said to help with skin conditions and joint pain. The water here is rich in sulfur, which gives it a distinct odor. Visitors can also enjoy the town's hiking trails and outdoor hot springs.
Gero Onsen - Gero Onsen is located in Gifu Prefecture and is known for its clear, colorless water that's said to be great for the skin. The town has a long history as an onsen destination, and visitors can enjoy a variety of hot springs, including outdoor baths that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In addition to the onsen, Gero also has a number of traditional ryokans (inns) that offer a unique Japanese hospitality experience.
Kansai
Arima Onsen - Arima Onsen is located in Hyogo Prefecture and is one of the oldest onsen destinations in Japan. The town has a rich history dating back over a thousand years and is known for its high-quality water that's said to have therapeutic properties. Visitors can enjoy the town's many public hot springs, as well as its traditional shops and restaurants.
Kinosaki Onsen - Kinosaki Onsen is located in Hyogo Prefecture and is known for its seven public hot springs, each with its own unique atmosphere. The town has a traditional feel and visitors can enjoy strolling along its willow-lined streets while wearing yukata (light cotton kimono) and geta (traditional wooden sandals).
Yunohana Onsen - Yunohana Onsen is located in Nara Prefecture and is known for its clear, colorless water that's rich in minerals. The onsen has both indoor and outdoor baths, as well as a sauna and relaxation room. Visitors can also enjoy the town's nearby hiking trails and traditional Japanese architecture.
Chugoku
Miyajima Onsen - Miyajima is an island off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture and is known for its stunning views of the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float on the water during high tide. The island also has a small onsen town with a number of traditional ryokans that offer hot spring baths with views of the sea.
Taisho Onsen - Taisho Onsen is located in Shimane Prefecture and is known for its unique atmosphere that transports visitors back in time to the Taisho era (1912-1926). The onsen town has a number of traditional ryokans that offer hot spring baths, as well as a retro shopping street with shops selling traditional Japanese goods.
Tottori Onsen - Tottori Onsen is located in Tottori Prefecture and is known for its high-quality water that's said to have healing properties. The town has a number of public hot springs, as well as a foot bath that's free to use. Visitors can also explore the nearby Tottori Sand Dunes, which are the largest sand dunes in Japan.
Shikoku
Dogo Onsen - Dogo Onsen is located in Ehime Prefecture and is one of the oldest onsen destinations in Japan. The onsen is said to have been frequented by the imperial family over a thousand years ago. The town has a number of public hot springs, as well as a traditional wooden bathhouse that's said to have inspired the bathhouse in the Studio Ghibli film "Spirited Away".
Iya Onsen - Iya Onsen is located in Tokushima Prefecture and is known for its remote location and natural beauty. The onsen town is surrounded by mountains and forests, and visitors can enjoy outdoor hot springs with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The town also has a number of traditional thatched-roof houses that give it a unique charm.
Yunomine Onsen - Yunomine Onsen is located in Wakayama Prefecture and is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The onsen has a long history dating back over a thousand years and is said to have been frequented by pilgrims on the Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage routes in the Kii Peninsula. The town has a number of public hot springs, as well as a traditional Japanese inn that's said to have been in operation for over 800 years.
Kyushu
Beppu Onsen - Beppu is one of the most famous onsen destinations in Japan and is located in Oita Prefecture. The town is home to over 2,000 hot springs and visitors can enjoy a variety of baths, including mud baths, sand baths, and even hot springs that are colored by natural minerals. Beppu also has a number of traditional ryokans and hotels that offer a unique Japanese hospitality experience.
Yufuin Onsen - Yufuin is located in Oita Prefecture and is known for its picturesque scenery and quaint, small-town atmosphere. The town has a number of public hot springs, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants selling traditional Japanese goods and cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy hiking in the nearby Yufu Mountains.
Kirishima Onsen - Kirishima is located in Kagoshima Prefecture and is known for its volcanic hot springs and natural beauty. The town is situated in the Kirishima Mountains, which are a group of active and dormant volcanoes. Visitors can enjoy outdoor hot springs with views of the mountains, as well as hiking in the surrounding national park. Kirishima also has a number of traditional ryokans that offer a unique Japanese hospitality experience.
Conclusion
Japan is home to some of the world's best hot springs, and each region has its own unique onsen destinations that offer a variety of baths and experiences.
Whether you're looking for a remote onsen town surrounded by natural beauty or a bustling city with a variety of hot springs to choose from, Japan has something to offer for every traveler.
From the popular Beppu and Hakone onsen towns to the lesser-known gems like Ibusuki and Miyajima, exploring Japan's hot springs is an unforgettable experience that's not to be missed. So pack your bags, grab a towel, and get ready to soak in the best onsen that Japan has to offer.