[Japan Hot Spring Promotion 2024] Top 15 hot spring hotels nationwide

[Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation] One of the must-do things in Japan is to soak in a hot spring! There are more than 3,000 hot spring areas in Japan, and each hot spring has its own characteristics. Among them, there are many must-visit popular hot springs in the suburbs of Tokyo, Kansai, Kyushu and other places! This year, the Japan Tourism Agency also invited travel and tourism industry personnel to select the "Top 100 Hot Springs in Japan" to introduce the top 15 Japanese hot springs and nearby hotel recommendations, making it easy to plan a hot spring trip!

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜1. Kusatsu Hot Spring (Gunma Prefecture)



Kusatsu Hot Spring is located in Gunma Prefecture. It has won the title of "Japan's Top 100 Hot Springs" for 21 consecutive years. It has the largest amount of natural hot springs in Japan. The spring quality is highly acidic and has strong bactericidal power. It is said to be effective against skin diseases, It is effective for neuralgia, diabetes, muscle pain, joint pain and other conditions.

There is a unique "Yubatake" view in the center of the hot spring street. You can watch the "Yumaki" performance handed down from the Edo period, which cools the hot springs in a unique way. You can also experience the unique bathing method "Time Bath" and The large "Nishi-no-Kawahara open-air bath" (西のKAWARA open-air bath) is over 500 square meters.

📍 Address: Kusatsu, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
🚎 Transportation:
Self-driving: From Tokyo, it takes about 3 hours by car; from Takasaki Shinkansen Station, it takes about 1.5 hours. Rent a car !
Bus: Take the JR Joshu Yumeguri Bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Kusatsu.
Train: Take the express train from Ueno, which takes about 2.5 hours. Get off at "Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station" and transfer to a bus. It takes about 25 minutes to reach Kusatsu. Book your train tickets !

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜2. Gero Hot Spring (Gifu Prefecture)



Gero Hot Spring is one of the "Three Hot Springs in Japan" and is located in the Hida Takayama area of ​​Gifu Prefecture. The spring water is alkaline and smooth to the touch. It is said to have beauty and health effects, so it is known as the "Beauty Soup".



When visiting, it is recommended to purchase a "Yangguru Tegat" (yu guru hand shape), and you can choose from 3 participating hotels to soak in the hot springs. In addition, there are 3 public baths, the most famous of which is the "Fountain Pool" gushing from the "Masuda River". You can also enjoy the foot bath hot springs for free. In addition to soaking in hot springs, you can also taste Hida beef and experience Japanese cultural activities in Gassho Village!

Address: Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
Transportation: Take the JR Takayama Main Line Limited Express from "Nagoya Station" for about 90 minutes.

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜3. Dogo Hot Spring (Ehime Prefecture)



Dogo Onsen is located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. It is one of the "Three Ancient Hot Springs in Japan" and has a history of 3,000 years. The "Dogo Onsen Honkan" located in the center of the hot spring town is made of wood and is a three-story public bathhouse. It is designated as a national important cultural property. The design of the hot spring house in "Spirited Away" was based on this. The spring is mild and is said to regulate the autonomic nervous system and improve insomnia.

In addition to soaking in hot springs, you can also take a walk on the hot spring streets, go to Matsuyama Castle to enjoy cherry blossoms, or take a ride on the steam train "Bosei Train" that appeared in the novel "Boss" by writer Natsume Soseki to visit Matsuyama. area.

Address: Dogo Yunocho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
Transportation: Take tram No. 5 from JR Matsuyama Station, it will take about 30 minutes

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜4. Beppu Hachiyu (Oita Prefecture)



Beppu Onsen is composed of eight hot spring towns, also known as the "Beppu Eight Hot Springs". It is the hot spring with the largest number of springs among Japanese hot springs. Each hot spring resort has different spring quality, bathing culture, and complete hot spring baths and ryokan facilities, including Hamawaki, Beppu, Kamekawa, Kannawa, Kankaiji, Hota, Shibaishi and Alum Hot Spring.

The eight hot springs in Beppu include the bright red "blood pond hell" (bloody pond hell), the spring "tornado hell" and the blue "sea hell". In addition to soaking in hot springs, you can also enjoy the wonders of nature.



Address: Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
Transportation: Take the limited express train from Hakata, Oita, Miyazaki, Hitoyoshi and other areas to Beppu Station

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜5. Arima Hot Spring (Hyogo Prefecture)



Arima Hot Spring is one of the "Three Ancient Hot Springs in Japan" and is also included in the "Three Hot Springs in Japan". It is a popular hot spring resort in the Kansai region. The spring water comes from a natural hot spring that gushes from the ground. It is a rare hot spring with 7 kinds of therapeutic ingredients, including "Gold Spring" which is rich in iron, and "Silver Spring" which is a colorless and transparent hot spring containing radium, each with different effects.

There are many specialty restaurants and small shops on the hot spring street. You can try the local specialty carbonated pancakes, watch geisha banquet performances, and experience traditional Japanese culture!

Taigo-no-yu is the largest hot spring among Arima hot springs. It has Kinno-yu, Gin-no-yu, rock bath, rock bath and hot spring fish therapy. Purchase the Arima Onsen Taigo no Yu package now, which also comes with a Hankyu or Hanshin edition tram ticket, allowing you to ride unlimited times for one day and easily travel between Osaka and Arima Onsen!

📍 Address: Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
🚎 Transportation: Take the train from Arimaguchi Station on the Kobe Electric Railway to Arima Onsen Station.

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜6. Noboribetsu Hot Spring (Hokkaido)



Noboribetsu Onsen is located in the southwest of Hokkaido. There is a volcanic crater ruins called "Hell Valley". Steam and hot springs gush out everywhere, making it seem like you are in hell. There are 9 different spring qualities here, which are said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, chronic skin diseases, etc.

In addition to restaurants, souvenir shops, public baths, etc., the hot spring town "Gokurakudori" also has facilities such as hospitals and banks. It is fully equipped and very convenient. Near the hot springs is Lake Kutara, which has the highest water quality in Japan. There are also natural landscapes such as forests, lakes, oceans, and mountains, as well as attractions such as the "Bear Ranch" theme park, which combines fun, leisure, and beautiful scenery.



Noboribetsu Yumoto Hot Spring Hotel has hot spring baths, restaurants, and tea rooms. The rooms are equipped with satellite TV, tatami floors, refrigerators, safes, and private bathrooms. Japanese pajamas and slippers are also provided. There are restaurants and bars in the hotel, as well as outdoor hot spring baths and saunas. Conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from JR Noboribetsu Station.

📍 Address: Noboribetsu Onsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
🚎 Transportation: Take the express train from JR Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station, which takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours. Then, take a bus from Noboribetsu Station to the hot spring area, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Book your train tickets !

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜7. Ibusuki Hot Spring (Kagoshima Prefecture)



Ibusuki Hot Spring is located in the southernmost part of Kagoshima. The most distinctive one is the "Sand Bath Hot Spring" (sand bath hot spring). You can put on a yukata and bury your body in the heated sand. The spring contains the natural moisturizing ingredient "metasilicic acid", which is said to promote blood circulation and increase metabolism.

There are also foot baths, hand baths and open-air baths in the hot spring area. Since the hot spring area is located next to the coast, it has beautiful sea views, making you feel like you are on vacation on a tropical island, relaxing and comfortable.

📍 Address: Juunichou, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture
🚎 Transportation: Take a train from JR Kagoshima Chuo Station to JR Ibusuki Station, which is approximately a 1-hour journey.

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜8. Hakone Hot Spring (Kanagawa Prefecture)



Hakone Onsen is located in Kanagawa Prefecture and is a popular tourist attraction in the suburbs of Tokyo. It is just over an hour's drive from Tokyo. From the foothills of Hakone Volcano to the center of the mountain are hot spring towns with nearly 20 hot springs. The seven hot springs known as the "Seven Hot Springs of Hakone" each have their own characteristics. Hakone Yumoto Hot Spring is the most famous, and there are also Tonosawa Hot Spring, Miyanoshita Hot Spring, Dojima Hot Spring, Tsukura Hot Spring, Kiga Hot Spring and Ashin Hot Spring. Noyu hot spring.

Here you can overlook the scenery of Mount Fuji and the Hakone Shrine with its torii on the lake. You can also go to Lake Ashi to take a pirate sightseeing boat, or take the cable car to Owakudani to view the active volcano. There are also many art museums, etc., and there is a wealth of sightseeing. Attractions allow you to plan exciting itineraries!



Address: Yumoto, Hakone Town, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Transportation: Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, which takes about 90 minutes. Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to "Odawara Station", then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line from Odawara Station to "Hakone Yumoto Station", which takes about 55 minutes

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜9. Kinosaki Hot Spring (Hyogo Prefecture)



Kinosaki Onsen is an ancient hot spring town in northern Hyogo Prefecture. There are seven public hot spring baths scattered around the town. As long as you purchase a pass, you can enter all public hot spring baths for free. The quaint hot spring street has rivers, small bridges and willow trees. It is very relaxing and relaxing to take a walk here after soaking in the hot springs!



Address: Kinosaki Town, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Transportation: Take the limited express train from JR Osaka Station to JR Kinosaki Onsen Station

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜10. Yufuin Hot Spring (Oita Prefecture)



Yufuin Hot Spring is located in Yufu City, Oita Prefecture. Its hot spring outflow volume and number of hot springs are second in the country! The hot springs are mainly alkaline springs, which are mild and non-irritating. It is said to have moisturizing and moisturizing effects, can restore fatigue and beautify the skin, and relieve neuralgia, myalgia and arthritis.



The hot spring street retains a nostalgic atmosphere, with art galleries and trendy shops. Most accommodation facilities have large baths and open-air baths. Since Yufuin is surrounded by mountains, "morning fog" will appear in the morning in winter, making it as charming as a fairyland. In addition, there is also the famous "Golden Scale Lake" nearby, which reflects the golden light and shadow like fish scales under the sunset, which is dreamy and intoxicating!

Address: Yufuin Town, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
Transportation: Take the JR Kyudai Main Line from Oita Station to Yufuin Station, which takes about 1 hour. From Beppu Station, take the JR Nippo Main Line to Oita Station, then transfer to the Kyudai Main Line to Beppu Station, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It takes about 40 minutes to drive to Yufuin from Beppu, or about 50 minutes by bus

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜11. Kurokawa Hot Spring (Kumamoto Prefecture)



Kurokawa Onsen is located north of Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture and has more than 20 hot springs, including cave hot springs, hot springs next to waterfalls, and sanmizuki hot springs. As long as you purchase the "Iruyu Tegata" hot spring pass, you can bathe in any of the three hot spring facilities. Kurokawa Onsen is in the mist-shrouded valley, where you can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery, and the night scenery is even more dreamy and charming.



Address: Minami-Okuni-cho, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture
Transportation: Take the highway bus from Fukuoka City directly to Kurokawa Onsen, depart from Kumamoto Station, and then transfer to a taxi or bus at Aso Station.

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜12. Wakura Hot Spring (Ishikawa Prefecture)



Wakura Hot Spring is located on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. It has a history of 1,200 years and is a rare "sea spring". The spring is rich in salt and is said to have sterilizing, moisturizing and skin-beautifying effects. It can heal wounds and skin diseases, and improve gout, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anemia.

There are also many foot baths and hand baths in Wakura Onsen Street, and there are springs gushing out in Yumoto Plaza. You can put down eggs to make your own hot spring eggs, which will have a light salty taste without adding salt. In addition, you can also taste unique local delicacies and enjoy the tranquil scenery of Nanao Bay.



Wakura Onsen Sky Hotel Daikanso is only 2 kilometers away from JR Wakura Onsen Station. The rooms are equipped with safes, electric kettles, air conditioners, TVs, hairdryers and other equipment. The hotel also has a massage room and cafe, allowing you to enjoy your Wakura Hot Spring trip!

📍 Address: Wakura-cho, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture
🚎 Transportation:From Osaka: Take the JR Thunderbird train to Wakura Onsen Station, which takes about 3.5 hours.From Tokyo: Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station, then transfer to the JR limited express train to Wakura Onsen Station, which takes about 3.5 hours. Book your train tickets !From Kanazawa Station: Take the JR limited express train, which takes about 1 hour, or the Shoryudo Highway Bus, which takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜13. Atami Hot Spring (Shizuoka Prefecture)



Atami Hot Spring is located in Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, only about 50 minutes’ drive from Tokyo! Atami is close to the seaside. In addition to soaking in hot springs, you can also enjoy the sun and the beach, as well as fresh and delicious Japanese cuisine. It is definitely a must-go hot spring resort for vacation! Atami Station also has many open-air and indoor baths, including a foot bath named after Tokugawa Ieyasu: Ieyasu no Yu foot bath.

Address: Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Transportation: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokaido and Ito Lines to Atami Station

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜14. Ginzan Hot Spring (Yamagata Prefecture)



Ginzan Hot Spring is located in Yamagata Prefecture. The hot spring street retains the nostalgic buildings of the Taisho era. The traditional hot spring street scene makes it the most representative hot spring street in Japan. It is even more romantic and intoxicating under the falling snow in winter. The hot spring water quality is sodium chloride sulfate hot spring, which is said to be curative for cuts, burns, and chronic skin diseases.

Address: Ginzan Shinhata, Hanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Transportation: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen from JR Yamagata Station, which takes about 100 minutes. From Tokyo, take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station, about 3 hours and 20 minutes, and then take the bus to Ginzan Onsen, about 35 minutes

Japanese Hot Spring Recommendation｜15. Okuhida Hot Spring Village (Gifu Prefecture)

Located in the popular hot spring area "Okuhida Onsen Village" in Gifu Prefecture in central Japan, it is close to the famous tourist attraction Kamikochi and about an hour's drive from Takayama. There are more than 100 open-air baths in Okuhida Onsen Village. It is surrounded by the famous Northern Alps with an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. The scenery is pleasant all year round. It is especially recommended to visit during the red leaf season and winter!

Address: 1689-3 Okuhida Onsen Village, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Transportation: Take a bus from Takayama Station, about 1 hour