JAPAN'S FINEST ONSEN & SAUNA
The Finest Onsen & Sauna in Japan
57 SELECTIONS
Most of what we surveyed never even made it onto this site. This book is a further cut from what did. Our editor bathed in every onsen and sauna in it, and wrote only what they confirmed on the ground.
Mar 28–29, 2026 ／ 1 night, 2 days
It was a weekend with no plans whatsoever, but the moment I woke up and drew back the curtains, I made up my mind to go on a trip. The sky was perfectly clear, and the ocean looked absolutely beautiful. I thought how wonderful it would feel to soak in a bath while gazing out at the sea on a day like this. A handful of facilities with outstanding locations came to mind. First, I would head to that place in Tarumi Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and soak in an open-air bath while taking in the view of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. In an instant, I packed my things and bolted out the door.
Every stop on this itinerary was visited in person by the Editor-in-Chief.
Read it in the order we travelled.
Hyogo
An impromptu morning sauna with a panoramic view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Wakayama
The Royal Spa of Shirahama's Celebrated Hot Springs and a Setting Sun
