Japan’s hot springs are a great way to relax, but some travelers feel a little nervous about them. Bathing with others, following Japanese bathhouse etiquette, or having tattoos might make some people worried.
But many who try an onsen realize why it’s an important part of Japanese culture. These hot springs, found in mountains, small towns, and even by the ocean, are more than just warm water—they help people enjoy nature and tradition.
If you want to visit one of the best onsens in Japan, this guide will help you find the perfect place to relax and have a great experience.
Best Onsens to Stay at in Japan
Japan has many amazing onsens where you can soak in natural hot springs and enjoy peaceful surroundings. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, here are some of the best onsens to stay at in Japan.
1. Kusatsu Onsen ( Gumma Prefecture )
Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. Its natural hot spring water has a lot of sulfur and is believed to help with different health problems.
One of the most interesting places in town is the Yubatake, or "hot water field." Here, you can watch steaming hot water flow through wooden channels in the middle of town. You can also try "yumomi," a fun activity where people use big wooden paddles to stir the hot water to cool it down while singing traditional songs. It’s a unique and exciting experience!
Kusatsu Onsen
Image Source: https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/guide/en/
2 . Ibusuki Onsen (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Ibusuki Onsen, in southern Kyushu, is famous for its unique sand baths. Here, visitors lie on the beach and get covered in warm, volcanic sand. The heat and weight of the sand help remove toxins from the body and feel very relaxing.
After the sand bath, you can soak in the hot springs to unwind even more. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and a great way to relax!
Ibusuki Onsen
Image Source: https://www.visit-kyushu.com/en/see-and-do/spots/ibusuki-onsen/
3. Gero Onsen (Gifu Prefecture)
Gero Onsen is one of Japan’s top three hot spring towns, along with Kusatsu and Arima. Its alkaline-rich water is known as a "beauty bath" because it leaves the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
The town is home to several public bathhouses, but one of its highlights is the riverside foot baths. Visitors can dip their feet in the warm water for free while enjoying the peaceful scenery. It’s a perfect way to relax and take in the charm of this famous onsen town.
Gero Onsen
Image Source: https://visitgifu.com/see-do/gero-hot-springs/
4. Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
Arima Onsen, near Kobe, is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts, with a history of over 1,000 years! What makes it special are its two unique types of hot springs:
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"Kinsen" (golden water): This reddish-brown water is packed with iron and salt, which is said to boost circulation.
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"Ginsen" (silver water): A carbonated, radium-rich onsen known for its relaxing and healing effects.
Aside from soaking in these amazing baths, visitors can stay in traditional ryokan inns and stroll through charming streets filled with historic wooden buildings. It’s a perfect mix of relaxation and culture!
Arima Onsen
Image Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3558.html
5. Nyuto Onsen (Akita Prefecture)
If you want to visit a quiet and natural hot spring, Nyuto Onsen is a great choice! It’s hidden in the mountains of northern Japan and feels like a secret getaway.
There are several traditional inns (ryokan) with outdoor hot springs surrounded by trees. In the winter, everything is covered in snow, making it even more magical. The most famous hot spring, Tsurunoyu Onsen, has milky-white water that comes from the earth and is super relaxing.
Every onsen in Japan is special in its own way. Some have beautiful views, some have healing water, and some are great for learning about Japanese culture. Whether you want to stay in a fancy inn or try a wild outdoor bath, Japan has the perfect hot spring for you!
Nyuto Onsen
Image Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3650.html
6. Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido Prefecture)
Noboribetsu Onsen is the most famous hot spring resort in Hokkaido, and it has some of the best hot spring water in Japan! There are different types of mineral-rich baths, and people say each one helps with different health benefits.
One of the coolest things to see here is Hell Valley (Jigokudani). It’s a wild-looking area with steaming vents, bubbling hot water, and sulfur-filled air. It feels like another world! This makes soaking in an onsen here even more exciting.
If you love nature and want a hot spring experience with an amazing view, Noboribetsu is a great place to visit!
Noboribetsu Onsen
Image Source: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1907/
7 . Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Hakone Onsen is a great hot spring getaway not far from Tokyo. It’s a popular place to relax because it has many different hot spring baths, including private ones at traditional inns (ryokan). On a clear day, some onsens even have a view of Mount Fuji!
But Hakone isn’t just about hot springs. You can also visit art museums, take a boat ride on Lake Ashi, or explore the historic Hakone Shrine. It’s the perfect spot for a mix of relaxation and adventure!
Hakone
Image Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5209.html
8. Beppu Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
Beppu Onsen in Kyushu is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. It has eight different hot spring areas, known as "Beppu Hatto," and you’ll see steam rising all over the city from the many bathhouses.
Beppu isn’t just about regular hot baths—you can also try sand baths, where you’re buried in warm, volcanic sand, or mud baths, which are said to be great for your skin. One of the coolest things to see is the "Hells of Beppu," a group of colorful and steaming hot springs that are just for looking, not for bathing. It’s a unique and fun place to visit!
Beppu Onsen
Image Source: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/716/
9. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
Kinosaki Onsen is a beautiful hot spring town with seven different bathhouses, each with something special. A fun thing to do here is bath-hopping, where you go from one hot spring to another while enjoying the peaceful town.
Many people wear yukata (a light cotton kimono) as they walk along the quiet streets with willow trees and small canals. With its old-style buildings and calm feeling, Kinosaki Onsen feels like a trip back in time. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a traditional Japanese hot spring!
Kinosaki Onsen
Image Source: https://thenavigatio.com/kinosaki-onsen-itinerary/
10. Takachiho Onsen (Miyazaki Prefecture)
Takachiho Onsen is a hidden gem in Kyushu, known for its peaceful atmosphere and connection to Japanese mythology. The hot spring water is rich in minerals and is said to help with relaxation and skin health.
While visiting, don’t miss the stunning Takachiho Gorge, where you can take a boat ride through towering cliffs and waterfalls. After a day of exploring, soaking in Takachiho Onsen is the perfect way to unwind in nature.
Takachiho
Image Source: https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/miyazaki/takachiho/
Final Words
Japan’s hot springs, called onsens, are amazing places to relax and have fun. You can soak in warm water, try a sand bath, or enjoy beautiful views of nature. Each onsen is special and lets you experience a piece of Japanese culture.
To make your onsen trip even better, bring an Imabari Towel. It’s soft, quick-drying, and easy to carry—perfect for drying off after a bath or wrapping around yourself as you explore.
Ready to find the perfect travel towel? Check out Japarcana’s collection and grab the ideal towel for your next adventure!