Japan boasts over 27,000 hot spring sources and more than 3,000 onsen areas nationwide. 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 exceptionally outstanding onsen destinations emerge.
In this article, we will introduce the top 10 famous hot springs representing Japan in detail. We provide a complete guide, covering the history of each onsen, the characteristics of the water quality, highlights, and recommended ways to enjoy them.
1. Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture) - Renowned for the Highest Hot Spring Water Output in Japan
Basic Information
- Location: Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
- Water Quality: Acidic, sulfur-containing aluminum sulfate chloride spring
- pH: 2.1 (one of the strongest acidic levels in Japan)
- Output: 32,300 liters per minute (highest in Japan)
Why It's Special
Kusatsu Onsen is known for its high efficacy, to the extent that it's said to cure anything except 'lovesickness.' The strongly acidic hot springs are believed to be effective for skin diseases, neuralgia, and muscle pain, and have thrived as a therapeutic bath location since the Edo period.
Highlights
Yubatake 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 you the impression of being in a sacred onsen site. At night, it is lit up, creating a magical atmosphere.
Yumomi Show You can watch the famous Kusatsu 'Yumomi,' a traditional method of cooling down hot spring water by stirring it with wooden boards. The performance, set to the song 'Kusatsu-bushi,' is a must-see.
Three Public Baths
- Jizo-no-Yu
- Shirahata-no-Yu
- Chiyo-no-Yu
These are public baths used by locals, and tourists can also bathe for free or a small fee.
Access
- From Tokyo: About 2 hours and 30 minutes by JR Limited Express, about 25 minutes by bus
- By car: About 1 hour from Kanetsu Expressway Shibukawa Ikaho IC
2. Beppu Onsen (Oita Prefecture) - The World's Largest Number of Hot Spring Sources
Basic Information
- Location: Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
- Number of Sources: Approximately 2,300 (world's largest)
- Output: About 137,000 kl/day (largest in Japan)
- Water Quality: All 10 types of hot spring water defined in Japan are available
Why It's Special
Beppu is called the 'Department Store of Hot Springs,' a unique onsen area where all 10 types of hot spring water defined in Japan are available. The sight of steam rising from everywhere in the city perfectly fits the term 'onsen city.'
Highlights
Jigoku Meguri A must-experience when visiting Beppu is the 'Jigoku Meguri,' a tour of seven 'hells' where hot springs are too hot for bathing:
- Umi Jigoku: A beautiful cobalt blue pond (98°C)
- Oniishibozu Jigoku: Boiling gray mud
- Yama Jigoku: Steam erupting hell
- Kamado Jigoku: Various colored hot spring ponds
- Oniyama Jigoku: A hot spring where crocodiles are bred
- Shiraike Jigoku: A pale blue hot spring pond
- Chinoike Jigoku: A bright red hot spring pond
Beppu Hachiyu There are unique hot springs in eight areas within Beppu City: Beppu, Hamawaki, Kankaiji, Horita, Myoban, Kannawa, Shibaseki, Kamegawa
Recommended Experiences
- Sand Bath: Experience being buried in sand warmed by hot springs
- Steam Bath: A traditional bathing method using hot spring steam
Access
- From Fukuoka Airport: About 2 hours by bus
- From Oita Airport: About 50 minutes by bus
3. Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture) - The Closest Major Onsen Resort to Tokyo
Basic Information
- Location: Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Number of Onsen Areas: 17 onsen areas (Hakone Seventeen Springs)
- Water Quality: Diverse (simple springs, chloride springs, sulfate springs, etc.)
Why It's Special
With excellent access, just about 1.5 hours by car or train from Tokyo, you can enjoy an authentic onsen experience, breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, the resort feel of Lake Ashi, and museum tours, offering a variety of ways to enjoy your visit.
Highlights
Lake Ashi The beautiful scenery of the caldera lake and the stunning view of Mt. Fuji over the lake. Taking a pirate ship cruise on the lake is also recommended.
Owakudani A place where volcanic activity continues, with a powerful landscape of sulfurous smells and rising smoke. The famous 'black eggs' (eggs boiled in hot springs) are said to extend your life by seven years if you eat one.
Hakone Seventeen Springs Tour
- Yumoto Onsen: Gateway to Hakone
- Tonosawa Onsen: Quiet along the valley
- Gora Onsen: Luxury resort area
- Sengokuhara Onsen: Milky white sulfur springs
- Each offers a different atmosphere to enjoy
Recommended Experiences
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the onsen town from the ropeway
- Art appreciation at places like the Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Enjoy seasonal scenery on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Access
- From Tokyo: About 1 hour and 30 minutes by Odakyu Romancecar
- By Shinkansen: About 40 minutes from Shin-Yokohama Station
4. Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture) - Japan's Oldest Onsen
Basic Information
- Location: Arima Town, Kita Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- History: About 1,300 years (mentioned in Nihon Shoki)
- Water Quality: Kinsen (iron-rich saline spring) and Ginsen (carbonated spring, radium spring)
Why It's Special
One of Japan's oldest hot springs, mentioned in Nihon Shoki and Kojiki. It is also famous for being loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Despite being just a 30-minute drive from downtown Kobe, it offers a quiet onsen town nestled in the mountains.
Highlights
Kinsen and Ginsen The main feature of Arima Onsen is its two different types of spring water:
- Kinsen: Rich in iron, with a reddish-brown color. High heat retention, preventing chills
- Ginsen: Colorless and transparent, containing carbonic acid and radon. Known for its skin-beautifying effects
Onsen Town Stroll
- Kin-no-Yu and Gin-no-Yu: Experience Kinsen and Ginsen at these two public baths
- Taiko-no-Yudono Ruins: Ruins of a bathhouse built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
- Onsenji Temple: A temple dedicated to the guardian deity of hot springs
Access
- From Osaka: About 1 hour by train
- From Kobe: About 30 minutes by train
5. Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture) - Ancient Hot Spring with 3,000 Years of History
Basic Information
- Location: Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
- History: About 3,000 years (one of the oldest in Japan)
- Water Quality: Alkaline simple spring
Why It's Special
One of Japan's oldest hot springs, mentioned in Nihon Shoki. It's also famous as the setting for Natsume Soseki's novel 'Botchan.' The main building of Dogo Onsen, a designated Important Cultural Property, is said to have inspired the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away.'
Highlights
Dogo Onsen Honkan The wooden three-story building constructed in 1894 is the pinnacle of Japanese onsen architecture. Although undergoing preservation and repair work since 2019, some parts are still open for bathing.
- Kami-no-Yu: Public bath for the common people
- Rei-no-Yu: A luxurious bath
- Imperial Family's Private Bath: Open for tours
Dogo Onsen Town
- Haikara Street: Lined with souvenir shops and restaurants
- Botchan Train: A restored steam locomotive from the Meiji era
- Karakuri Clock: Dolls appear every hour
Access
- From Matsuyama Airport: About 40 minutes by bus
- From Hiroshima: About 3 hours by ferry and train
6. Yufuin Onsen (Oita Prefecture) - A Refined Highland Onsen Resort
Basic Information
- Location: Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
- Elevation: About 450m
- Water Quality: Simple springs, sulfur springs, and more
- Output: Third highest in Japan
Why It's Special
A refined onsen resort spread at the foot of Mount Yufu (1,583m elevation). It has no entertainment district atmosphere and is popular as a quiet and high-quality adult onsen destination. It's a special place where art, gourmet, and nature harmonize.
Highlights
Spectacular View of Mount Yufu The view of the beautiful mountain known as 'Bungo Fuji' while soaking in the onsen is exceptional.
Kinrinko Lake A mystical lake with morning mist rising. Especially beautiful in the early winter mornings.
Yunotsubo Kaido The main street lined with stylish cafes, shops, and galleries.
Recommended Experiences
- Tour the onsen town by horse-drawn carriage
- Visit art museums (such as Yufuin Stained Glass Museum)
- Enjoy gourmet food using local ingredients
Access
- From Fukuoka Airport: About 2 hours by bus
- From Beppu: About 1 hour by train
7. Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido) - A Department Store of Hot Springs with 9 Types of Water
Basic Information
- Location: Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido
- Water Quality: 9 types (sulfur springs, saline springs, alum springs, etc.)
- Output: 10,000 tons per day
Why It's Special
It's rare worldwide to enjoy as many as 9 types of water in one onsen area, earning it the nickname 'Department Store of Hot Springs.' It is a representative onsen area of Hokkaido.
Highlights
Jigokudani A crater with a diameter of about 450m. The sight of white steam accompanied by the smell of sulfur erupting from various places truly resembles 'hell.' You can explore it via walking paths.
Oyunuma A pond with a circumference of about 1km, with a surface temperature of 40-50°C. Its emerald green color is beautiful.
Bear Park A popular spot where you can see brown bears up close.
Access
- From New Chitose Airport: About 1 hour by bus
- From Sapporo: About 1 hour and 10 minutes by train
8. Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture) - A Hidden Gem with Japan's Traditional Scenery
Basic Information
- Location: Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Elevation: About 700m
- Water Quality: Sulfur springs, simple springs, etc.
Why It's Special
A quiet onsen area in the mountains, perfectly fitting the term 'hidden gem.' With a unified landscape design, it retains the beautiful traditional scenery of Japan. You can tour the open-air baths of three inns with an 'onsen pass.'
Highlights
Unified Onsen Town Each inn harmonizes its appearance, including signs and building colors. It feels like stepping back in time to an Edo-period onsen town.
Open-Air Bath Tour By purchasing an 'onsen pass' (1,300 yen), you can bathe in three open-air baths of your choice from 28 inns.
Riverside Stroll The onsen town spreads along the source of the Chikugo River, allowing you to enjoy a stroll while listening to the murmuring of the river.
Access
- From Kumamoto Airport: About 2 hours by bus
- From Aso Station: About 30 minutes by bus
9. Gero Onsen (Gifu Prefecture) - A Beauty Bath Among Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs
Basic Information
- Location: Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Water Quality: Alkaline simple spring
- pH: 9.18 (alkaline)
Why It's Special
One of the 'Three Famous Hot Springs of Japan,' alongside Kusatsu Onsen and Arima Onsen. It was selected by the Zen monk Banri Shukuju during the Muromachi period. Known as a 'beauty bath' with high skin-beautifying effects, it is reputed to make your skin smooth and silky.
Highlights
Open-Air Baths Along the Hida River There are free open-air baths along the river, offering a great sense of openness (swimsuits required).
Onsen Town Stroll
- Onsenji Temple: The birthplace of Gero Onsen
- Gero Onsen Gassho Village: A village of gassho-style houses relocated from Shirakawa-go
Footbath Tour Free footbath spots scattered throughout the onsen town.
Access
- From Nagoya: About 1 hour and 30 minutes by JR Limited Express
- From Takayama: About 45 minutes by JR Limited Express
10. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture) - An Onsen Town for Strolling in Yukata
Basic Information
- Location: Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- History: About 1,300 years
- Water Quality: Sodium-calcium chloride spring
Why It's Special
The birthplace of 'soto-yu meguri' (public bath tour). The charm of strolling in yukata through an onsen town with seven public baths allows you to experience the essence of Japanese onsen culture. It is also the setting for the novel 'At Kinosaki' by the literary master Naoya Shiga.
Highlights
Seven Public Baths
- Sato-no-Yu: The largest public bath
- Jizo-Yu: Known for family safety benefits
- Yanagi-Yu: Known for fertility benefits
- Ichino-Yu: The center of the onsen town
- Goshono-Yu: Known for skin-beautifying effects
- Mandara-Yu: Known for business prosperity
- Kono-Yu: Known for marital harmony
Recommended Experiences
- Stroll through the onsen town in yukata and geta
- Crab dishes (a winter specialty)
- Illuminated willow trees (at night)
Access
- From Osaka: About 2 hours and 30 minutes by JR Limited Express
- From Kyoto: About 2 hours by JR Limited Express
Advice for Visiting Famous Hot Springs
Best Season
Onsen areas can be enjoyed year-round, but each has an optimal season:
- Spring: Cherry blossom season, less crowded
- Summer: Cool highland onsen areas are recommended
- Autumn: Spectacular autumn foliage, the best season for onsen trips
- Winter: Snow-viewing baths, clear air, and beautiful scenery
Accommodation Tips
- Weekdays are recommended: Cheaper and less crowded than weekends
- Book early: Popular inns are fully booked months in advance
- Day-use bathing: Many facilities offer day-use bathing without overnight stays
What to Bring
- Towel: A small towel is essential (large bath towels are provided by inns)
- Cosmetics: Your skin may become sensitive due to onsen minerals
- Drinking water: For hydration after bathing
Conclusion: Japan's Famous Hot Springs are a Lifetime Treasure
We introduced the top 10 famous hot springs in Japan, each with its unique charm. History, water quality, scenery, and culture vary, offering new discoveries every time you visit.
Onsen are places where you can experience the essence of Japanese culture. By soaking in the hot springs naked, you transcend social status and nationality, becoming equal as human beings. This is complemented by the Japanese spirit of 'omotenashi' (hospitality), respect for nature, and tradition.
When visiting Japan, be sure to experience these famous hot springs. It will not just be sightseeing but a life-enriching experience that touches the heart of Japan.
Japanese hot springs are a treasure of the world. And they are waiting for you.
