10 Best Onsen destinations in Japan

 Here are three reasons why you should visit an onsen on your next trip to Japan:

1.Relaxation
Onsen are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing or work. The hot water and soothing atmosphere will help you melt away your stress and tension.

2.Culture
Onsen offer a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture. Most onsen are located in scenic areas, and many of them have traditional architecture.

3. Health benefits
Onsen are often associated with health and wellness, so they can be a great way to improve your overall well-being.


10 Best Onsen destinations in Japan (count down)

No.10 Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata) 銀山温泉

Ginzan Onsen, situated in the Yamagata Prefecture of Japan, is a picturesque hot spring town renowned for its nostalgic, early 20th-century Taisho era ambiance. The town is characterized by its charming, narrow streets lined with traditional ryokan inns, illuminated by gas lamps, and set against a backdrop of natural beauty with a serene river running through it. Ginzan Onsen's tranquil and atmospheric setting, particularly stunning when snow-covered in winter, offers a unique and peaceful onsen experience, blending the allure of old Japan with the comfort of modern facilities.

No.9 Gero Onsen (Gifu) 下呂温泉

Gero Onsen, located in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture in Japan, is celebrated as one of the country's top three hot springs, known for its therapeutic properties. This onsen town, with a history spanning over a thousand years, offers a variety of public baths, ryokans, and foot baths, set against a scenic river valley backdrop. Gero Onsen's charm lies in its blend of traditional Japanese bath culture and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural immersion.

No.8 (Hyogo) 城崎温泉

Kinosaki Onsen, located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, is a traditional hot spring town known for its picturesque, Edo-period style streets and tranquil ambiance. This onsen destination is famous for its seven public hot spring bathhouses, each offering a unique bathing experience, encouraging visitors to try "sotoyu-meguri" or bathhouse-hopping. Kinosaki also offers cultural experiences like wearing yukatas (casual summer kimonos) while strolling through the town, and is surrounded by natural beauty, including scenic willow-lined canals and seasonal landscapes.

No.7 Yufuin Onsen (Oita) 由布院温泉

Yufuin Onsen, located in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Japan, is a tranquil hot spring town renowned for its picturesque rural setting with views of Mount Yufu. Unlike other commercialized onsen towns, Yufuin is celebrated for its quaint, boutique feel, featuring small-scale ryokans and shops along its charming streets. The area offers a variety of hot spring experiences, including both public baths and private onsen facilities in ryokans, set amidst its scenic landscape, making it a favorite for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

No.6 (Kumamoto) 黒川温泉

Kurokawa Onsen, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, is a charming hot spring village known for its traditional and serene ambiance. This onsen town is unique for its small-scale, ryokan-centered experience, with numerous inns offering outdoor baths ('rotenburo') in natural, tranquil settings. Kurokawa's quaint streets, free of towering hotels and neon signs, and its traditional wooden architecture, provide visitors with an authentic and intimate Japanese onsen experience.

No.5 Dogo Onsen (Ehime) 道後温泉

Dogo Onsen, located in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot spring resorts, with a history that stretches back over 3,000 years. The main attraction is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, a historic public bathhouse dating from 1894, which inspired the bathhouse in the famous animated film "Spirited Away." This onsen is renowned for its healing waters, traditional architecture, and cultural significance, offering visitors a blend of historical experience and relaxation.

No.4 Beppu Onsen (Oita) 別府温泉

Beppu Onsen, located in Oita Prefecture on Japan's Kyushu Island, is one of the country's most famous hot spring areas, boasting the largest volume of hot spring water discharge except for Yellowstone. Known for its "Hells" (Jigoku), which are several spectacular hot springs for viewing rather than bathing, the area offers a diverse range of baths, including sand, steam, and mud baths. Beppu's unique combination of urban and natural settings, with numerous onsen resorts and ryokans, makes it a popular destination for both tourists and health enthusiasts.

Honorable Mentions Onsen before going to top 3

Arima Onsen (Hyogo) 有馬温泉

Arima Onsen, located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of the oldest hot spring towns in the country, with a history dating back over a thousand years. This onsen is famous for its two types of thermal waters: the "Kinsen" (gold water), rich in iron and salts, and the "Ginsen" (silver water), known for its radium and carbonate content, both reputed for various health benefits. The town, nestled in a scenic mountainous area, blends traditional charm with modern luxury, offering a range of bathing facilities, from public baths to exclusive ryokans, attracting both local and international visitors seeking wellness and relaxation.

Atami Onsen (Shizuoka) 熱海温泉

Atami Onsen, located in Shizuoka Prefecture along the coast of the Izu Peninsula, is a popular hot spring resort town known for its long history and proximity to Tokyo. Famed for its therapeutic, geothermally heated waters, Atami offers a variety of onsen experiences, from traditional ryokans to modern spa resorts, catering to a wide range of visitors. The town also boasts scenic attractions such as beaches, a vibrant seafood cuisine, and cultural landmarks, making it a favored destination for both relaxation and exploration.

No.3 Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido) 登別温泉

Noboribetsu Onsen, situated in Hokkaido, is one of the country's most famous hot spring resorts, known for its variety of mineral-rich waters sourced from the volcanic activity of Hell Valley (Jigokudani). The area offers a range of onsen experiences, including outdoor baths amidst natural settings and traditional Japanese inns (ryokans). Noboribetsu Onsen is also celebrated for its scenic beauty, encompassing lush forests and the dramatic, steam-filled landscape of Hell Valley.

No.2 Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa) 箱根温泉

Hakone Onsen, located in the Kanagawa Prefecture near Mount Fuji, is a renowned hot spring resort area famous for its scenic beauty and therapeutic baths. The region offers a variety of onsen experiences, from public baths to private ryokans, set amidst lush mountains and serene lakes. Hakone also provides cultural attractions like the Hakone Open-Air Museum and views of Mount Fuji, making it a popular destination for relaxation and exploration.

No.1 Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma) 草津温泉

Kusatsu Onsen, situated in Gunma Prefecture, is famous for its sulfuric hot springs, believed to have healing properties. The town is known for Yubatake, a symbol of the area where hot spring water flows, and for traditional "yumomi" performances, where the water is cooled using large wooden paddles. This scenic resort offers a quintessential Japanese onsen experience, with ryokans, public baths, and a picturesque village atmosphere.