Japan is one of the few places in the world with distinct "four seasons." Each season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—has its own unique climate and scenery. This change in seasons is one of the reasons why Japan's hot spring and sauna experiences are considered among the most special in the world.

Enjoying a bath while viewing cherry blossoms, a sauna in the cool highlands, an open-air bath surrounded by autumn leaves, and a snow-viewing bath while it snows. Even at the same hot spring location, the experience can be completely different with each season. I have visited hot springs and saunas throughout the seasons, and each has its own special charm.

Spring Hot Spring and Sauna Experience (March to May)

Hanami Bath: Luxurious Collaboration of Cherry Blossoms and Hot Springs

Spring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms. From late March to early May, the cherry blossom front moves north across the Japanese archipelago. An open-air bath while viewing cherry blossoms is a special luxury that can only be experienced in Japan.

The most impressive experience I've had was the cherry blossoms at Yoshino Onsen in Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by 30,000 cherry trees at Yoshinoyama, Japan's top cherry blossom spot, the hot spring experience was unforgettable.

The cherry blossom viewing period is late March to early April in Kyushu and Shikoku, late March to mid-April in Kansai and Kanto, mid-April to early May in Tohoku, and late April to mid-May in Hokkaido.

Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture with its willow-lined streets and cherry blossoms, early-blooming cherry blossoms at Yugawara Onsen in Kanagawa Prefecture, and the expansive gardens of Hanamaki Onsen in Iwate Prefecture each have their own charm.

Spring Fresh Greenery and Hot Springs

After the cherry blossoms fall, May brings the season of fresh greenery. An open-air bath surrounded by the refreshing green of young leaves is a springtime delight. Soaking in a hot spring while gazing at the vibrant new greenery cleanses the soul.

Enjoying Saunas in Spring

Spring is a season of significant temperature changes. While the days are warm, mornings and evenings can be chilly. This temperature difference enhances the sauna "totonou" experience. The spring breeze felt during an outdoor air bath is uniquely pleasant, different from the cold of winter or the heat of summer.

Saunas are also said to help alleviate hay fever symptoms. Breathing becomes easier, and symptoms may lessen. I also suffer from hay fever, but my symptoms ease when I enter a sauna.

Summer Hot Spring and Sauna Experience (June to August)

Hot Springs in Summer Resorts: A Combination of Coolness and Hot Springs

You might think, "Hot springs in summer? Isn't it too hot?" However, Japanese summer hot springs have a special charm.

In high-altitude hot spring areas, mornings and evenings are cool even in summer, allowing for comfortable hot spring enjoyment. Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, is famous as a cool summer resort. Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture, at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, offers breathtaking views of the Northern Alps and refreshing air. Even in summer, morning temperatures can be in the 10s Celsius.

Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, at an altitude of about 1,200 meters, also offers comfortable temperatures in summer. The invigorating feeling of washing away sweat in the strongly acidic hot springs is exceptional. I make it a point to visit Kusatsu every summer. The combination of coolness and hot springs there is unbeatable.

Summer Sauna: Sweating for Detox

Many enthusiasts say summer is the best time for saunas! The reasons include the detox effect from sweating profusely, the exceptional comfort of a cold plunge bath, the regulation of the autonomic nervous system to prevent summer fatigue, and the pleasant outdoor air bath in the cool summer night breeze.

For summer saunas, it's important to stay hydrated, avoid long sessions, and listen to your body to avoid overexertion.

Enjoying Hot Springs in Summer

Summer mornings are cool, making morning baths incredibly refreshing. Starting the day with a bath while basking in the morning sun is invigorating. Evening open-air baths after the sun sets and the air cools are also wonderful. Soaking in a hot spring while gazing at the starry sky is a summer luxury.

Bathing in a riverside hot spring while listening to the soothing sound of the flowing water is a delightful experience.

Summer-Exclusive Hot Spring Events

From June to July, some hot spring areas offer the enchanting sight of fireflies. Many hot spring areas host summer festivals and fireworks displays. Participating in festivals in a yukata is also enjoyable.

Autumn Hot Spring and Sauna Experience (September to November)

Autumn Foliage Open-Air Bath: The Most Popular Season

Autumn is said to be the best season for hot spring trips. The reasons include the stunning autumn foliage, comfortable temperatures, autumn flavors, and clear air.

The best time to view autumn foliage is late September to mid-October in Hokkaido, early to late October in Tohoku, late October to mid-November in Kanto and Chubu, early to late November in Kansai and Chugoku, and mid-November to early December in Shikoku and Kyushu.

The gorge foliage at Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture, the Northern Alps foliage at Okuhida Onsen-go in Gifu Prefecture, the triple combo of Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji, and foliage at Hakone Onsen in Kanagawa Prefecture, and the fiery red mountains at Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture each have their own appeal.

The most moving experience for me was at Okuhida Onsen-go. An open-air bath while gazing at the Northern Alps foliage. The grandeur of that scenery is beyond words.

Autumn Sauna: The Season for Easy "Totono"

Autumn temperatures (15–25°C) are ideal for saunas. The temperature difference between the sauna, cold plunge bath, and outdoor air bath is comfortable, making it an easy season to "totono."

Experiencing the "totono" state in a sauna while viewing autumn foliage is an exquisite experience exclusive to autumn. In the outdoor air bath space, surrounded by trees dyed red and yellow, you are enveloped in a deep sense of bliss. Once you know this feeling, you can't help but embark on a sauna journey every autumn.

Autumn Flavors and Hot Springs

Matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, mushrooms, new rice, Pacific saury, salmon. Autumn flavors are abundant. Enjoying these autumn flavors at a hot spring inn and soaking in a hot spring—is there any greater luxury?

Winter Hot Spring and Sauna Experience (December to February)

Snow-Viewing Bath: The Most Japanese Hot Spring Experience

The charm of winter hot springs lies in the snow-viewing bath. An open-air bath while it snows is the quintessential Japanese hot spring experience.

Soaking in a hot spring while cold snow falls on your face is an incredibly pleasant contrast. Your body is hot, and your face is cold. This unique sensation can only be experienced in a snow-viewing bath.

The most impressive experience I've had was the snow-viewing bath at Nyuto Onsen-go in Akita Prefecture. A secluded hot spring surrounded by deep snow. In the silence, snow falls gently. That fantastical scene felt like being in another world.

The rime ice and snow at Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, the snow-viewing bath after skiing at Nozawa Onsen in Nagano Prefecture, and the Taisho-era romantic snow scenery at Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture each have their own charm.

Winter Sauna: The Season for the Deepest "Totono"

Winter is the best season for sauna enthusiasts. The reason is the maximum temperature difference between the sauna and the outside air, resulting in the deepest "totono."

Exiting the hot sauna into the ice-cold plunge bath (the water temperature drops in winter). Then, the cold outdoor air bath. This three-stage temperature difference creates an exquisite "totono."

Outdoor air baths in temperatures below 0°C. Your head is clear, your body is warm from the inside, and your skin feels the cold outside air. This sensation can only be experienced in a winter sauna. My favorite time of year is the winter sauna journey.

Winter-Exclusive Hot Spring Events

Igloo hot springs, icefall light-ups, and hot spring town illuminations. There are many events unique to winter.

Winter Flavors and Hot Springs

Crab, pufferfish, oysters, monkfish, yellowtail. Winter flavors are also abundant. Especially on the Sea of Japan side, you can enjoy fresh seafood.

Tips for Enjoying All Year Round

Booking Inns

The autumn foliage season and the New Year holidays in winter are the most popular times. Reservations are needed months in advance.

Clothing

Winter hot spring areas are extremely cold. Don't forget warm clothing.

Don't Miss Seasonal Experiences

Cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, snow-viewing baths. Research and plan for experiences unique to each season in advance.

Weekdays Are Recommended

Weekends and holidays are crowded. If possible, visit on weekdays for a quiet hot spring and sauna experience.

Conclusion: The Charm of Each Season

Spring cherry blossoms, cool summer highlands, autumn foliage, winter snow-viewing baths. Japan's hot springs and saunas have different charms in each season. Even at the same hot spring location, the experience can be completely different with each season.

I have visited hot springs and saunas across Japan throughout the seasons, and I never tire of it. Each season offers its own inspiration. This richness is the beauty of Japan's hot spring and sauna culture.

If you visit Japan, please plan with the seasons in mind. Enjoy the hot spring and sauna experiences unique to each season. Once you experience their splendor, you'll want to visit Japan in every season.