Updated November 12, 2024

Onsen means hot spring in Japanese. Thanks to the geographic conditions in a volcanic zone, Japan owns more than 3000 Onsen areas and over 27,000 naturally-occurring mineral hot spring resorts with facilities (based on the latest data released by the Environment Ministry), which made it undoubtedly the most famous hot spring country in the world. The unique hot spring bathing culture has been cultivated in this country. Japanese people enjoy visiting or staying at different Onsen resorts with various minerals and different natural views. Without experiencing the authentic Onsen bathing, you can’t say you really understand the Japanese culture. When you find yourself enjoying it, you do realize another aspect of Japan.

Now you might be confused about how to make the Onsen choices to visit since there’re really too many options. That’s the reason why I’m writing this blog, for you and anyone who are interested in the Japanese Onsen Culture.

 【No.1 Kusatsu Onsen】

Located in Gunma Prefecture, Kusastsu Onsen has been voted as the Top 1 Onsen in the past two years by the Travel companies in Japan.

The source of its hot water is nearby Mount Kusatsu-Shirane. The discharge amount boasts the highest in Japan with more than 32,300 liters per minute. The water is basically an acidic spring with the pH of around 2 so there is an acid neutralization facility. Depending on the locations, sulfur springs are also seen there. The Onsen water at Kusatsu is recommended for its health benefits to cure skin diseases, neuralgia, diabetes and more.

Situated at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level, Kusatsu also offers skiing in winter and hiking during the rest of the year. You can enjoy such activities in combination with hot spring bathing in different seasons.

【No.2  Beppu Onsen】

There’s such a saying in Japan that Fuji represents mountains, Seto Inland represents the sea and Beppu represents the hot springs.

Located in Oita Prefecture, Beppu is Japan's iconic, renowned Onsen region. In Beppu City there is hundreds of hot springs with different atmospheres, but they are distributed mainly in eight hot spring spots so Beppu City is also referred as Beppu Hatto (meaning 8 springs in Japanese). It boasts the highest number of hot spring locations as well as the highest annual yield of hot spring water in the country. The hot springs can be divided into 11 types according to the elements inside while there are 10 in Beppu. In other words, Beppu can be thought as a hot spring fair.
 

【No.3 Yufuin Onsen】

As another famous area in Oita Prefecture, Yufuin-Onsen is located in a small valley surrounded by mountains. It’s a good option for those seeking for the special Onsen experience because it is not a typical busy touristy hot spring resort. Various ryokans (Japanese style inn) are scattered in a naturally rich environment where local people quietly live their ordinary lives. Fields and paddies are spread throughout the valley: cherry blossom and mustard flower in spring; green rice fields in summer; yellow ginkos and bright red maples in autumn; and white snow covering the whole town in winter. The longer you stay, the more you can feel and understand the lives of Yufuin locals.

【No.4 Arima Onsen】

Located at the base of a scenic fall foliage valley among steep mountains, Arima Onsen is one of the oldest and the most famous hot spring towns with unique atmosphere in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Founded 1300 years ago, it has been well known as a spa resort where Emperor and numerous nobles have visited. Numerous historical temples, shrines, and houses have been well preserved as well as western style hotels and facilities were built in the town. This eclectic style of Japanese tradition and western culture brought Arima with a unique and exotic atmosphere, which attracts visitors to the historical region and spa resort from all over the world.

【No.5 Noboribetsu Onsen】

It is said that the name “Noboribetsu” comes from an Ainu (the only minority in Japan) word “Nupurupetsu”, meaning: “The white, muddy river” or “The thick colored river”. It is because of the abundant flowing up of the hot springs that changed the river color. The Hell Valley is an explosion crater of Mt. Kuttara, 450 m in diameter and 11 ha in area. About 10,000 tons of hot spring in 9 various kinds including Sulfur spring, Salt spring and Aluminum is gushing out a day and supplied to accommodations in Onsen town. The views of boiling and bubbling water make Japanese visitors imagine Hell where demons live.

【No.6 Kurokawa Onsen】

Kurokawa located in central Kyushu, about 20 kilometers north of Kyushu. It is not only known for its attractive town, but also for the outstanding outdoor baths (rotenburo), some of which are located right besides a gushing river or impress by their large sizes.

The history of Kurokawa Onsen can be dated back 300 years ago. It used to be a convenient location in Kumamoto Prefecture  for many Daimyo (feudal lords) and other travelers to stop for relieving the weariness of their journeys in the past. One of the spas was believed to be good for curing wounds and called “Kizuyu”, meaning “spa for curing wounds.” Even today, this spa is well maintained by the local people and used as a public bath.

【No.7 Kinosaki Onsen】

If you are seeking for a great stay and bath in good Onsen, and also be able to walk around at night in a lively place, Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture might be your option. There are many hot springs in Kinosaki, but the most famous are the seven public hot springs. Strolling through the beautiful, timeless and pedestrian-friendly streets of Kinosaki in yukata and sampling the seven famous hot springs is a favorite activity of all visitors to Kinosaki Onsen. The hot springs in Kinosaki Onsen contain a wealth of minerals such as sodium, calcium and chloride. These elements are said to be good for fatigue, digestive issues, nerve and muscular pain, and bruising. Each of the seven bath houses in Kinosaki are all different with unique features. Whether it’s an outdoor cave bath, or an ice sauna, you can try them all!

【No.8 Hakone Onsen】

Only one hour by train from Tokyo, Hakone is an Onsen spa resort located in Kanagawa Prefecture, close to Japan's highest mountain, Mt. Fuji. There are a number of sightseeing points such as the range of mountains from Mt. Kami-yama (the highest elevation in Hakone) to Mt. Komagatake over the central cone, Lake Ashino-ko (a caldera formation) on the crater basin, sacred Mt. Fuji in the west, and the magnificent scenery of Suruga-wan and Sagami-wan bays in the southeast. You can really enjoy Japanese beauty and sightseeing here.  With more than one hundred accommodations, abundant hot springs, beautiful nature and world-class art museums ……Hakone Onsen is one of attractive must-visit places in Japan.

【No.9 Yamashiro Onsen】

Yamashiro Hot Spring is one of the most venerable hot spring resorts in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, an area in the Hokuriku region facing the Sea of Japan. It has a history of over 1,300 years and has retained much of the traditional culture. Beginning with a legend that a bird healed its wounded wings, its benefits became known to people around the country. Since then, it has developed a rich culture as a hot spring resort which has been loved by a number of writers and artists. The old Japanese-style inns with red latticework and the traditional houses give the area its authentic feel of historical Japan with an artistic atmosphere.

About 2 hours 20 minutes by train from Osaka and Nagoya, the location is convenient so, whether in Japan on business or for sightseeing, do not miss the opportunity to experience this slice of traditional Japan.

【No.10 Atami Onsen】

Atami means “hot sea” in Japanese, which is a historically old hot spring. About 1500 years ago, people found that hot water blew out from the sea and many fish died. That’s how the name of Atami came. Atami is a city of Shizuoka Prefecture, located between Tokyo and Osaka, which is well known as a gateway to Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula. The popular destination of Hakone is also within easy reach, accessible by a one hour bus trip.  Hot spring water here is weakly alkaline which is gentle to the skin. 

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