Across Japan, there are over 27,000 hot spring sources and more than 3,000 onsen areas. Choosing the 'must-visit famous hot springs' from among them is no easy task. However, when considering history, water quality, scenery, culture, and traveler reviews comprehensively, some particularly outstanding onsen destinations emerge.

I have visited many hot springs nationwide, and the 10 onsen areas introduced here offer special experiences.

1. Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture) - Renowned for the Highest Hot Spring Water Output in Japan

Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture. The water quality is acidic, sulfur-containing aluminum sulfate chloride spring. With a pH of 2.1, it is one of the strongest acidic hot springs in Japan. The output is 32,300 liters per minute, the highest in Japan.

It is said to cure everything except 'lovesickness,' known for its high efficacy. The strong acidic hot springs are believed to be effective for skin diseases, neuralgia, and muscle pain, thriving as a therapeutic bath place since the Edo period.

Yubatake is the symbol of Kusatsu Onsen. The sight of 4,000 liters of hot spring water gushing out per minute is overwhelming. The rising steam gives the impression of being in a sacred hot spring site. At night, it is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. I was overwhelmed by its power when I first saw Yubatake.

The Yumomi show is also a must-see. It is a traditional method of stirring hot spring water with boards to lower its temperature, performed to the song of 'Kusatsu-bushi.'

There are three public baths, Jizo-no-yu, Shirahata-no-yu, and Chiyo-no-yu, which locals also use, and tourists can bathe for free or a small fee.

About 2 hours and 30 minutes by JR limited express from Tokyo, and about 25 minutes by bus. By car, it's about 1 hour from the Kan-Etsu Expressway Shibukawa Ikaho IC.

2. Beppu Onsen (Oita Prefecture) - The World's Largest Number of Hot Spring Sources

Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. With about 2,300 sources, it has the most in the world. The output is about 137,000 kl/day, the highest in Japan. It has all 10 types of hot spring water quality defined in Japan.

Beppu is called the 'department store of hot springs.' The sight of steam rising from everywhere in the city perfectly fits the term 'hot spring city.' When I visited Beppu, I was moved by the sight of the entire city enveloped in hot spring steam.

The Hell Tour is a must-experience. It involves visiting seven 'hells' where the hot springs are too hot to bathe in: Umi Jigoku, Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, Yama Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, Oniyama Jigoku, Shiraike Jigoku, and Chinoike Jigoku. Each has its own characteristics.

Beppu Hachiyu consists of eight areas within Beppu City, each with its own distinctive hot springs: Beppu, Hamawaki, Kannawa, Horita, Myoban, Tetsuwa, Shibaseki, and Kamegawa. Visiting each is enjoyable.

Sand baths (being buried in sand heated by hot springs) and steam baths (a traditional bathing method using hot spring steam) are also recommended.

3. Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture) - The Closest Major Onsen Resort to Tokyo

Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture. It has 17 onsen areas (Hakone Seventeen Springs) with diverse water qualities.

With excellent access, about 1.5 hours by car or train from Tokyo, it offers authentic onsen experiences, breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, the resort feel of Lake Ashi, art museum tours, and more.

The view of Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi is magnificent. A cruise on a pirate ship on the lake is also recommended. Volcanic activity continues in Owakudani, with the smell of sulfur and rising smoke. The famous 'black eggs' are said to extend your life by seven years if you eat one.

Touring the Hakone Seventeen Springs is also fun. Each has a different atmosphere, such as Yumoto Onsen, Tonosawa Onsen, Gora Onsen, and Sengokuhara Onsen.

4. Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture) - Japan's Oldest Hot Spring

Arima Town, Kita Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. With a history of about 1,300 years, it is mentioned in the Nihon Shoki. The water quality includes Kinsen (iron-rich saline spring) and Ginsen (carbonated spring, radium spring).

One of Japan's oldest hot springs, it is also famous for being loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Despite being just 30 minutes by car from downtown Kobe, a quiet hot spring town spreads out in the mountains.

The biggest feature of Arima Onsen is the two different water qualities, Kinsen and Ginsen. Kinsen is rich in iron, brownish-red, and has a high heat retention effect, making it hard to catch a chill. Ginsen is colorless and transparent, containing carbonic acid and radon, and has a beautifying effect on the skin.

You can experience both water qualities at the two public baths, Kin-no-yu and Gin-no-yu. I was surprised by the difference when I entered both.

The remains of Taiko's bathhouse (the ruins of a bathhouse built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi) and Onsenji Temple (a temple enshrining the guardian deity of hot springs) are also worth seeing.

5. Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture) - An Ancient Hot Spring with 3,000 Years of History

Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. One of Japan's oldest hot springs with a history of about 3,000 years. The water quality is an alkaline simple spring.

It appears in the Nihon Shoki and is also famous as the setting for Natsume Soseki's novel 'Botchan.' The Dogo Onsen Honkan, a designated Important Cultural Property, is said to be the model for the bathhouse in 'Spirited Away.'

The wooden three-story building constructed in 1894 is the pinnacle of Japanese onsen architecture. Although currently undergoing preservation and repair work, some parts are still open for bathing. There are Kami-no-Yu (a commoner's bath), Tama-no-Yu (a high-class bath), and a bath exclusively for the imperial family (available for viewing).

You can also enjoy Haikara Street (lined with souvenir shops and eateries), the Botchan Train (a restored steam locomotive from the Meiji era), and the Karakuri Clock (where dolls appear every hour).

6. Yufuin Onsen (Oita Prefecture) - A Sophisticated Highland Onsen Resort

Yufu City, Oita Prefecture. At an altitude of about 450m, it has the third-highest output in the country. The water quality is diverse, including simple springs and sulfur springs.

Spread out at the foot of Mt. Yufu (altitude 1,583m), it is a sophisticated onsen resort. Without the atmosphere of an entertainment district, it is popular as a quiet and high-quality adult onsen destination. It is a special place where art, gourmet, and nature harmonize.

The onsen with a view of the beautiful Mt. Yufu, called 'Bungo Fuji,' is exceptional. At Lake Kinrin, you can enjoy the fantastic scenery of morning mist rising. The early winter mornings are particularly beautiful.

On Yunotsubo Street, stylish cafes, general stores, and galleries line the street. A horse-drawn carriage tour of the onsen town is also recommended. When I visited Yufuin, I was captivated by its sophisticated atmosphere.

7. Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido) - A Department Store of Hot Springs with 9 Types of Water Quality

Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido. With 9 types of water quality, it is called the 'department store of hot springs.' You can enjoy diverse water qualities such as sulfur springs, saline springs, alum springs, and Glauber's salt springs.

Noboribetsu Jigokudani is a must-see. It is a blast crater with a diameter of about 450m, where hot water and steam still erupt. Walking along the promenade, you can feel the power of the earth.

The Noboribetsu Bear Park is also popular. You can see brown bears up close. When I visited, I was overwhelmed by the sight of Noboribetsu Jigokudani in the snow.

8. Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture) - A Secluded Valley Onsen Village with a Secret Hot Spring Atmosphere

Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture. A quiet onsen village with about 30 inns scattered along the valley. The water quality is diverse, including sulfur springs and chloride springs.

If you purchase a 'Nyuto Tegata' (bathing pass), you can bathe in the open-air baths of three different inns. The joy of touring different inns' hot springs is exceptional.

The autumn foliage season is particularly beautiful. The open-air baths with a view of the valley's autumn leaves offer an unforgettable experience. When I visited Kurokawa Onsen, my heart was cleansed by its secret hot spring atmosphere.

9. Nyuto Onsenkyo (Akita Prefecture) - A Secret Hot Spring Surrounded by Deep Snow

Semboku City, Akita Prefecture. A secret hot spring consisting of seven solitary inns scattered at the foot of Mt. Nyuto. The water quality is diverse, including sulfur springs and bicarbonate springs.

The winter snow-viewing bath is famous. The open-air baths surrounded by deep snow give you the feeling of being in another world. When I entered the snow-viewing bath at Nyuto Onsenkyo, I was left speechless by its silence and beauty.

10. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture) - An Onsen Town to Explore in Yukata

Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. The hot spring town with willow trees and stone-paved streets is beautiful. There are seven public baths (soto-yu), and it is customary to enjoy a tour of the public baths in yukata.

Ichino-yu, Goshono-yu, Mandara-yu, Satono-yu, Yanagi-yu, Jizo-yu, and Kono-yu. Each has its own characteristics. The culture of strolling through the hot spring town in yukata is unique to Kinosaki Onsen.

In winter, it is also a famous area for Matsuba crab. You can enjoy a luxurious trip with hot springs and crab.

Conclusion: Famous Hot Springs are Japan's Treasures

Top 10 famous hot springs in Japan. Kusatsu, Beppu, Hakone, Arima, Dogo, Yufuin, Noboribetsu, Kurokawa, Nyuto, Kinosaki. Each is an onsen destination with special charm.

I have visited many hot springs nationwide, but these onsen areas are particularly memorable. Each has its own history, culture, and wonderful hot springs.

When you visit Japan, be sure to experience these famous hot springs. Onsen are Japan's treasures.