You must know about the 20 most popular hot spring spots in Japan for Hokkaido people!

A winter without a hot spring bath is definitely incomplete. Whether it is the upcoming New Year's Day holiday or the Spring Festival, Zhou Xiaohui's friends have all started to think about Traveling. The most mentioned one is "I really want to go to Japan to take a hot spring bath!" ~ Recently, based on the submissions and reputation over the past year, the ranking of the most worthwhile one-day Trip hot springs in Japan in 2023 was released. You deserve this list!

Hokkaido

The first choice for hot spring bathing in winter is naturally Hokkaido! It is so delicious to soak in a warm hot spring while watching the heavy snow. Two hot springs in Hokkaido are on the list this time, and Toyohira Onsen in Sapporo City has won the first place this year~

Toyohira Onsen
📍 Sapporo City, Hokkaido
🏆 No.1

There is also a saying of secret hot springs in Japan, which specifically refers to those hot springs located in the wilderness that have not been developed and are deeply loved by locals. Unlike the famous "Jozankei Onsen" near Sapporo, Toyohira Onsen belongs to Japan's "secret hot springs" and won the first place with its original open-air hot spring pool that can accommodate 200 people!



Unlike the five-star hot spring hotels, Toyohira Hot Spring is more suitable for a day trip, and can be a stop for a short break during your busy Journey. The hot spring water here is 100% directly introduced from underground springs, without any contact with the air, so it can be said to be a real "hot spring". It is also rich in "travertine" blue algae, and the neutral spring quality is very good for skin care!



Coupled with the completely natural woods and natural scenery around, you can fully enjoy the fun of "wild bathing", especially in autumn, when you are surrounded by red maple leaves, it is really beautiful!



After taking a bath, don’t miss the most famous curry pouch here! Yes, you read that right. When Zhou Xiaohui was browsing Instagram, almost everyone went there to check in. It is definitely a must-check-in set for Fengpingxia Hot Springs~




Yachito Onsen
📍 Hakodate City, Hokkaido
🏆 No.16

Yachito Onsen, located in Hakodate, Hokkaido, is a very representative public hot spring bath in Hakodate. It looks like a "youth activity center" from the outside. It can be said to be the "big bathhouse" that the locals love the most~



There are not only large indoor hot springs, but also outdoor pools. Because it is rich in iron, the spring water here looks brown and may be a little turbid, but it is definitely not dirty. In addition, the entrance fee is super cheap at 400 yen. Zhou Xiaohui thinks it is a good choice for backpackers~ (remember to bring your own towels and toiletries)





Especially since it is very close to Mount Hakodate, it is definitely a good place to warm up the heart and body and restore physical strength for those who have just watched the million-dollar night view of Mount Hakodate in the cold wind.



Tokyo chapter

I believe that everyone who goes to Tokyo wants to enjoy the prosperity of the city without missing out on bathing in the hot springs. In fact, there are many hot springs in Tokyo that are worth visiting. These famous hot spring spots on the list will definitely satisfy you when you are about to Travel to Tokyo!

Maenohara hot spring hot spring bath
📍 Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
🏆No.8

The Maenohara Onsen Yunoyu, located in Itabashi District, Tokyo, was renovated from an old private house. The whole building looks like it exudes a strong Showa atmosphere and is full of ancient style.




There is also a Japanese garden here, which is especially beautiful during the autumnal equinox. It can instantly take you back to the authentic Japanese style from the city center with high-rise buildings.



Not only does this place feature open-air hot springs, it also has a unique rock bath, where you can lie down and let the negative ions on the stone bed help promote skin metabolism!

In addition, there are steam saunas and beauty massage spas, so you can eliminate all the fatigue of traveling at once without staying overnight. By the way, couples should pay attention that according to Tokyo regulations, even couples and families, men and women over 10 years old are not allowed to use mixed baths!



Oedo Onsen Monogatari
📍 Koto-ku, Tokyo
🏆 No.9

Next on the list is Oedo Onsen Monogatari, located in Odaiba, Tokyo. It is a one-day hot spring theme park with the theme of Japan's "Edo Period" 400 years ago!




Wearing a Japanese yukata and walking on the Hirokoji Road that is a complete restoration of the Edo period, you will instantly feel like you are traveling through time.




I feel like this yukata is enough to take photos for half a day~ There are six hot spring baths here, of which "Oedo Onsen" and "Golden Hot Spring" use natural hot spring water from 1,400 meters underground, which are the main attractions here.

In addition, there are large pools, milk pools, horizontal massage pools, ice water pools, foot baths and other hot spring pools, allowing you to soak while lying or sitting, and enjoy the soak~



In addition, there are various traditional Japanese folk entertainments and snack stalls in the theme park, with food, entertainment and hot springs available, which is definitely worth putting on your itinerary!



Sueyoshi Hot Spring
📍 Hachijo-cho, Tokyo
🏆No.17

Although this hot spring, ranked 17th, also belongs to Tokyo, it is located on Hachijo Island, an outlying island known as "Hawaii closest to Tokyo". It takes about an hour by domestic flight from Haneda Airport. Arrival~



Since Hachijo Island has two active volcanoes, it has excellent hot spring resources. Many Tokyoites choose to take a dip in Sueyoshi Hot Spring on the island on weekends. Look at the scenery from this hot spring. It really warms the body and makes the heart brighter~





It is worth mentioning that the men's and women's baths of Sueyoshi Onsen are used alternately on odd and even days. On odd days, the men's bath is on the right hand side of the entrance and the women's bath is on the left hand side, and vice versa on even days. In addition to the daytime, the night view is also a must-see.



By the way, don’t think that Hachijojima is only about hot springs. There are also green pastures, lots of sea turtles and other rich natural landscapes. It is definitely another great place to visit in Japan.



Jakotsu Yu
📍 Taito-ku, Tokyo
🏆 No.20

Similar to Yachigura Onsen in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Jakotsu Yu is also a public bathhouse located in the Asakusa business district in Tokyo. It has a long history and has existed since the Edo period. Tickets can be purchased directly from the vending machine for only 460 yen per person.



The spring water here is naturally dark brown due to the accumulation of ancient plants over the years, just like soaking in herbs, which can warm up the whole body. After soaking, a bottle of Meiji milk is a regular activity for the residents around here every week~



Kanto Region

Anyone who goes to Tokyo will choose to visit the surrounding special prefectures. Whether it is Kanagawa Prefecture, the prototype of "Slam Dunk" that almost every anime fan will go to worship, or Gunma Prefecture, which has one of the four most famous hot springs in Japan, there are great hot springs!

Sai-no-Kawahara Open-Air Bath
📍 Kusatsu Town, Gunma Prefecture
🏆 No.10

Even if you don't take a hot spring bath very often, I believe you have heard of the name of Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture! The spring here can be said to be one of the most acidic in Japan, with strong bactericidal power. The entire Kusatsu Town is a hot spring town, with hot spring hotels everywhere and many hot springs. Among them, the Sai-no-Kawahara Open-Air Bath is in Sai-no-Kawahara Park to the west of the town.





At the end of the park is the Nishi-no-Kawahara open-air bath, which requires an entrance fee. It has the largest open-air bath in Kusatsu and is surrounded by mountains, which is particularly interesting during the red maple season.




Tianshan Tang Zhihe Hot Spring
📍 Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture
🏆No.13

Those who love hot springs will definitely not miss Tokyo’s back garden, Hakone in Kanagawa. It is not only a hot spring resort, but also a good place to view Mount Fuji. The most attractive thing is that you can overlook Mount Fuji while taking a bath.



As the 13th most popular hot spring in Japan, Tianshan Yujihao Hot Spring is naturally very popular among neon people. The chance of encountering Tourists there is really very small.




The surrounding mountains and rivers are exquisite and beautiful. There are indoor and open-air hot springs here, as well as a sauna room exclusively for women. It is worth mentioning that some hot springs in Japan do not allow people with tattoos to take a bath, but this one is allowed.




Enoshima Island Spa
📍 Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
🏆 No.18

Walking south along the coast from Kamakura, you can see a small island with an observation deck on the top of the mountain. This is Enoshima.





Located on the island, Enoshima Island Spa is the only place on the island with natural hot springs, and is a popular spa resort.

In addition to the large hot spring bath "Fuji Umiyu", carbonic acid springs rich in carbon dioxide, and unbeatable sea views, there is also an infinity pool that attracts many people to relax and vacation~



Fuji Overlook Yu ゆらり
📍 Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture
🏆 No.12

Located in Yamanashi Prefecture in the central region of Japan, Fuji Overlook Yu ゆらり is known for its name - you can see Mount Fuji while taking a bath!



In addition, there are various bathrooms here, such as the garden-style Lingfeng open-air bathroom, the cave bathroom for bubble baths, the low-temperature sauna salt bath steam bath, etc. Of course, Zhou Xiaohui thinks the most attractive thing is the view!



Kyoto

In addition to the Tokyo and Kanto lines, the Kyoto-Osaka line is also a route that many people choose to travel. Take a bath in Kyoto, which has the most "Japanese temperament", and feel this charming ancient capital with a strong Japanese traditional culture.

Tenzan-no-Yu
📍 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City
🏆 No.3

You will naturally not miss Arashiyama, where you can feel the natural scenery when you go to Kyoto. Among them, Tenzan-no-Yu, which can be reached by walking for a few minutes from Arisugawa Station, is the third most popular hot spring in terms of reputation this year~



The spring water here comes from natural hot springs that gush out naturally 1,200 meters underground. For Kyoto, which is far away from the sea, the spring water is rich in chlorides with a concentration close to that of seawater, and also contains carboxylic acids and calcium salts that have skin-beautifying effects. If you are tired of walking around Arashiyama, you can also go here to soak in a hot spring to rest.



Kurama Onsen
📍 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City
🏆 No.4

Kurama Onsen, located in the deep mountains and forests, is also very popular and ranked fourth this year. Kurama Onsen is located in the north of Kyoto, away from the bustling city center. It takes about an hour to get there by train from Kyoto.





Although the open-air pool here is not big, it is worth a try. Looking at the scenery surrounding it all year round, it gives you a sense of being in an ancient capital.




Shikoku

Shikoku Island is the smallest of the four major islands in Japan and is a relatively niche choice for visiting Japan. Of course, it is now the favorite of many art lovers. There are only four prefectures on the island, Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi and Ehime, but it has three hot springs on the list.

Busshozan Onsen Tenpyoyu
📍 Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
🏆 No.6

The entire Kagawa Prefecture is famous for several outlying islands that are extremely artistic. Even the hot springs in the hot springs are very different from other places, full of a strong artistic atmosphere. From the outside, this Busshozan Onsen Tenpyoyu in Takamatsu City looks like an art gallery, and you can't imagine that it is a hot spring.



Indeed, this hot spring center was designed by designer Oka Shohei. It imitates the architecture of the Edo period, the heyday of Japanese samurai, and adds modern simple color schemes and layouts, which is refreshing!





The most special thing is that you can read a book while soaking in the hot spring here! You can bring your favorite book with you, or pick one up from the "50m" small bookstore in the museum (of course, the premise is that you can read Japanese), and then you can enjoy the fun of soaking in the hot spring while reading~



📍 Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
🏆 No.7

The Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture is a famous hot spring, known as one of the three ancient hot springs in Japan. There are three hot springs here, namely the "divine hot spring" of the Dogo Onsen main building, the "new hot spring" of the Asuka no Yu annex, which opened in 2017, and the "original hot spring" of Tsubaki no Yu.



It is said that the public bathhouse "Yuya" in Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" was inspired by the Dogo Onsen Main Building! However, the one that made the list this time is the Asuka No Yu, a annex that opened just one year ago.



However, this time the list is for the annex Asuka no Yusen, which opened one year ago. The annex not only has an open-air bath, but also an open-air bath that the main building does not have. It also reproduces the legendary royal bath in the main building, giving you the experience of being an aristocrat.



Of course, there is another reason that attracts countless people to visit, that is the "Dogo Onsen Art Festival" held every year since 2014! Whether it is the special room in collaboration with Mika Ninagawa or the limited exclusive yukata in collaboration with BEAMS, it makes this Chitose Onsen exude new vitality~



Dogo Onsen Honkan
📍 Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
🏆 No.15

Dogo Onsen Honkan is also on the list, ranking 15th~



Kyushu

Next we come to the quaint Kyushu, where the hot springs are as famous as Hakata Ramen~

Ramune Onsen
📍 Taketa City, Oita Prefecture
🏆 No.2

Nagayu Onsen in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, is a rare carbonated spring. If the water temperature is high, the carbonic acid will disappear, so the temperature here is lower than other hot springs, and you don’t have to worry about being steamed into "cooked meat" the first time you take a bath~



The Ramune Onsen uses the spring water from Nagayu Onsen. In addition to the open-air hot spring, there is also a family hot spring that can be rented for multiple people. If you come with your family, you can also rent an independent hot spring pool and take a bath with your family~




Takegawara Onsen
📍 Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
🏆 No.19

This Takegawara Onsen in Beppu City was built in 1938. It is quite quaint and old. Even a bath costs only 100 yen, but it does not stop it from becoming one of the favorite hot springs of the locals.




Because it offers geothermal sand baths that are rarely seen in ordinary hot springs! Steam yourself in the sand pool, then wash yourself off and soak in the hot springs, which will make you feel light and refreshed!




Tamatebako Onsen
📍 Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture
🏆 No.5

After seeing so many infinity pools, do you know about infinity hot springs? This Tamatebako Onsen in Kagoshima is known for its "infinity open-air hot spring"! The vast sea is right in front of you, and from some angles, you can't tell whether it is a bath or the sea.




It is worth seeing whether it is day or night! Just for this view, I believe that everyone who goes to Kagoshima will not miss this special bathing experience~



Sand Raku Kaikan
📍 Ibusuki City, Kagoshima
🏆 No.14

When you come to Kagoshima, you must not miss the most unique and only natural sand bath in Japan! The most famous one is this "Sand Raku Kaikan".



The sand bath experience is near the sea, with one person in one pit, which has become a very interesting landscape in Kagoshima. Once you enter the sand pool, you will start sweating in less than 10 minutes, and it feels like all the toxins in your body are "steamed" out!



After rinsing off the sand on your body, you can continue to enter the hot spring in the bathroom. It is really refreshing. And for 900 yen a ticket, you can enjoy sand steaming and indoor hot spring at the same time, which is great value!



Okinawa

Finally, I want to introduce to you the only hot spring in Okinawa on this list - Ryujin no Yu.

Ryujin no Yu
📍 Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
🏆 No.11

As an island, Okinawa doesn't have many hot springs, and they are not the highlight of everyone's travel. But if you really want to experience a hot spring in Okinawa, then Ryujin no Yu in the Ryukyu Onsen Senagajima Hotel on the list should be a good choice.



There is not only an open-air bath where you can see the beautiful sunset, but also a hot spring pool for one person, where you can soak to your heart's content~





Have you taken note of these 20 hot springs that are popular with Japanese people? ~Finally, I would like to remind everyone that in Japanese hot springs, unless there is a sign that says you can wear a swimsuit, you usually have to bathe naked. Even towels cannot be brought into the hot spring!