Top 10 Popular Onsen towns in Japan

Kusatsu Onsen (hot springs) is one of Japan’s most popular hot spring resorts.
Yubatake is known for the quality of its hot spring water which flows from one of the country’s three major springs. Another popular attraction is ‘Yumomi’ – a traditional way of cooling down hot spring water by using large wooden paddles. A yumomi performance for tourists is held daily in the Netsu No Yu bathhouse next to the yubatake (admission 500 yen).

Accommodation in Kusatsu

Hakone is one of the most popular onsen (hot spring) towns and has a history of 1200 years. Hakone has become a favourite holiday destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of a nearby mega-city. Hakone is only one hour away from Tokyo and is famous for its view of Mount Fuji as well as its breathtaking scenery.
Hakone offers a variety of ryokans (a Japanese inn) from luxurious to more affordable ones. All ryokans provide you with an authentic Japanese experience. Hakone Yumoto is the entrance to Hakone hot spring village and the oldest hot spring town in Hakone.

Accommodation in Hakone

Yufuin is a lovely onsen town located in a small valley surrounded by mountains and is easily accessible on an express train or bus operating from Fukuoka city. For many years, Yufuin has been ranked one of the best onsen destinations in Japan. Its main street is lined with cafes, souvenir shops and small museums.
When you arrive at Yufuin, a rotenburo (open air bath) is an absolute must.
The town offers scenic views – as soon as you arrive at Yufuin you are bound to experience the town’s unique atmosphere and ambience.

Accommodation in Yufuin

Kurokawa Onsen is one of the most charming small hot spring towns in the north-west of the Kumamoto prefecture between the Kuju Mountain range and Mount Aso.
There are no high-rise hotels or neon advertisements in this area. The town is well-maintained under a preservation project which accounts for its nostalgic atmosphere.The Kurokawa onsen operates a system of "Nyuto Tegata" - a multiple onsen entry pass valid for six-months (price: JPY1300). You have a choice of three open air baths at 24 different ryokans.
Another way to enjoy the village is go hiking in the surrounding area. An English audio guide can be hired at the visitor centre for a small fee (JPY500). It is where you can obtain information about various ryokans and places of interest in the village.

Accommodation in Kurokawa

Beppu is one of the oldest and most famous hot spring towns in Japan located in Oita. The town is situated between the mountains and Beppu Bay which ranks first in gush volume in Japan. The Beppu hot springs consist of eight areas including Beppu, Myoban, Kannawa, Kankaiji and Hamawaki which are collectively called "Beppu Hatto".

Accommodation in Beppu

Gero Onsen is one of Japan’s three best onsens along with Kusatsu and Arima. Gero onsen is located in Gero city which is 45 minute train journey away from Takayama.
A 'Yumeguri Tegata’ (onsen pass) costs 1,300 yen and includes entry to three ryokan’s onsen of your choice. The pass is available at the information centre outside JR Gero station or at participating ryokans.

Accommodation in Gero

Noboribetsu Onsen is the most famous onsen resort in Hokkaido and one of best onsen resorts in Japan. The hot spring naturally produces 10,000 tonnes of water a day. The temperature of the water can be as high as 45 or even 90 ̊C. Noboribetsu Onsen produces 9 different types of spring water containing elements and minerals such as sulphur, salt, aluminium, mirabilite, melanterite, iron, acidic iron, alkaline and radium.
Onsens are used as therapeutic baths to cure diseases and injuries, and over the past few years a great number of people have realised their benefits. Those who enjoy good health use onsens to rejuvenate their body and mind. It is highly recommended to stay in a traditional onsen ryokan.

Accommodation in Noboribetsu

Kinosaki Onsen is located in northern Hyogo on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The town is famous for its seven public hot springs called ‘sotoyu’. Visitors to the town can see locals walking down the river dressed in Yukata (cotton robe). This attire together with traditional Japanese-style three-storey high wooden ryokans add to the town’s historical atmosphere.

Accommodation in Kinosaki

Ibusuki onsen resort is located in the southernmost tip of Japan. It is about an hour’s journey from Kagoshima city and can be reached on a sightseeing train ‘Ibusuki no Tamatebako’ from JR Kagoshima-chuo. The resort features one of the few natural steam sand baths in the whole of Japan. The sand bath is considered to be effective in relieving a number of ailments such as neuralgia, rheumatism, asthma, gastrointestinal troubles and it can be especially beneficial for women.

Accommodation in Ibusuki

Dogo Onsen, located in Matsuyama, is the oldest hot spring in Japan with 3,000 years of history. Dogo Onsen Honkan (main building), a symbol of the town, was constructed in 1894 as a public bath. This three-storey high castle-like wooden structure incorporates traditional design elements, such as the white heron on top of the 'Shinro-kaku' (white watch tower), in homage to its origins. Fans of Hayao Miyazaki s award-winning animated film 'Spirited Away' may recognise Dogo Onsen Honkan to be the inspiration for the bathhouse in the Studio Ghibli feature.

Accommodation in Dogo