Contents
- What is Japanese hot spring（Onsen） culture
- Introducing famous hot spring(Onsen) areas from all over Japan in order from the east
- Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido
- Sukayu Onsen in Aomori Prefecture
- Nyuto Onsen in Akita Prefecture
- Nikko Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture
- Oarai Onsen in Ibaraki Prefecture
- Akiu Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture
- Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture
- Kurobe Gorge Hot Springs(Onsen) in Toyama Prefecture
- Hakone Onsen in Kanagawa Prefecture
- Atami Onsen in Shizuoka Prefecture
- Gamagori Onsen in Aichi Prefecture
- Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture
- Nanki Katsuura Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture
- Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture
- Kaike Onsen in Tottori Prefecture
- Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture
- Beppu Onsen in Oita Prefecture
- Yufuin Onsen in Oita Prefecture
- Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture
- How to choose and enjoy a hot spring(Onsen) resort
- Etiquette and precautions at hot spring(Onsen) resorts
- Summary
What is Japanese hot spring（Onsen） culture
Japan is one of the world’s most volcanic countries, and as a benefit of this, there are many hot springs(Onsen). Since ancient times, Japanese people have loved hot springs as valuable places to soothe the mind and body, and hot spring areas have developed a unique culture.History and development of hot springs（Onsen）
The history of hot springs(Onsen) in Japan is old, and is said to date back to mythical times. During the Nara period, hot spring therapy developed with the introduction of Buddhism, and hot spring facilities attached to temples healed people’s minds and bodies. During the Edo period, hot springs became popular not only as spas but also as tourist destinations, and many common people began to enjoy hot spring trips. Since the Meiji period, modern hot spring facilities have been built one after another, and today it is popular among men and women of all ages as a place to relieve daily fatigue, improve health, and enjoy leisure.Health benefits and relaxation of hot springs（Onsen）
Hot springs(Onsen) contain various ingredients, and each ingredient is said to have various effects. Many people have high hopes for the health benefits of hot springs, as they can help recover from muscle fatigue, promote blood circulation, relieve neuralgia and joint pain, and beautify the skin. You can also expect relaxing effects on your mind and body by soaking slowly in the hot springs. Soaking in a hot spring while admiring the beautiful scenery will relieve you of everyday stress and refresh your mind and body.Introducing famous hot spring(Onsen) areas from all over Japan in order from the east
Japan has many attractive hot spring(Onsen) resorts. Here, we will introduce the characteristic hot spring(Onsen) resorts of each region in order from the east.Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido
Noboribetsu Onsen, located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, is one of Japan’s leading hot spring(Onsen) resorts, with approximately 10,000 tons of hot spring(Onsen) water gushing out each day. Noboribetsu Onsen is characterized by the fact that you can enjoy nine different types of spring water. There are hot springs(Onsen) with various effects such as sulfur springs, salt springs, and acid springs, and it is also called the ”hot spring(Onsen) department store.” At the scenic spot called Jigokudani, you can feel the intense volcanic activity.
Sukayu Onsen in Aomori Prefecture
Sukayu Onsen, located at the foot of Mt. Hakkoda in Aomori Prefecture, is a secret hot spring(Onsen) with a history of about 300 years. You can enjoy the highly acidic sulfur spring in the spacious mixed open-air bath called “Hiba Senninburo”. The milky white water is said to be effective against skin diseases and gastrointestinal diseases, and many people come here to enjoy the hot springs(Onsen).
Nyuto Onsen in Akita Prefecture
Nyuto Onsen is a hot spring(Onsen) area known for its milky white sulfur springs. Located in a mountainous area at an altitude of approximately 800m, there are seven inns scattered throughout the area. Each inn has its own source, and you can enjoy hot springs(Onsen) of different quality. You can soothe your mind and body in a quiet environment surrounded by a virgin beech forest.
Nikko Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture
Nikko Onsen, located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a hot spring(Onsen) resort surrounded by many tourist attractions, including the World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls. Boasting an abundant amount of hot water, you can enjoy hot springs(Onsen) of various quality such as simple hot springs(Onsen), sulfur springs, and chloride springs. You can enjoy hot springs(Onsen) to the fullest in an environment surrounded by historical buildings and beautiful nature.
Oarai Onsen in Ibaraki Prefecture
Oarai Onsen is an attractive hot spring(Onsen) resort where you can enjoy the sea, hot springs(Onsen), and delicious food. Although you can enjoy it on a day trip from Tokyo, there are also plenty of sightseeing spots such as Oarai Isosaki Shrine and Aqua World Oarai, so we recommend staying overnight and enjoying the hot springs(Onsen) and sightseeing at a leisurely pace.
Akiu Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture
Akiu Onsen has a history of over 1,500 years and is considered one of Japan’s top three hot springs(Onsen), and is a popular hot spring(Onsen) resort where you can enjoy hot springs(Onsen) in a rich natural environment. The Akiu Onsen Snow Lantern Festival is held every February, and you can enjoy the magical atmosphere. Akiu Onsen is a historic hot spring(Onsen) town where you can enjoy a rich natural environment and hot springs(Onsen) rich in efficacy. It has good access to Sendai city, so it is also recommended for day trips.
Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture
Kusatsu Onsen, located in the northwestern part of Gunma Prefecture, is one of Japan’s leading hot spring(Onsen) resorts, with hot spring(Onsen) water gushing out in the center of a hot spring(Onsen) town called “Yubatake.” It boasts an abundant amount of hot water of approximately 4,000 liters per minute, and its temperature is over 90 degrees. A hot spring(Onsen) town spreads out around Yubatake, and there are many souvenir shops and restaurants.
Kurobe Gorge Hot Springs(Onsen) in Toyama Prefecture
Kurobe Gorge Onsen, located in Kurobe Gorge in the eastern part of Toyama Prefecture, is a secret hot spring(Onsen) resort surrounded by steep cliffs. This is a secret area that can only be accessed by the Kurobe Gorge Railway, where you can enjoy hot springs(Onsen) in a quiet environment surrounded by nature. The open-air bath offers a panoramic view of the majestic Kurobe Gorge.
Hakone Onsen in Kanagawa Prefecture
Hakone Onsen, located in western Kanagawa Prefecture, is a scenic hot spring(Onsen) area overlooking Mt. Fuji. It is easily accessible from the city center and has plenty of hot spring(Onsen) facilities for day trips, so you can easily enjoy hot springs(Onsen). There are also plenty of tourist attractions in the area, such as Lake Ashi and art museums.
Atami Onsen in Shizuoka Prefecture
Atami Onsen, located in the eastern part of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a hot spring(Onsen) area known for its warm climate throughout the year. It is also known as a hot spring(Onsen) that was loved by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the cityscape that gives you a sense of history is attractive. Because it is located along the coast, it is also attractive that you can enjoy fresh seafood.
Gamagori Onsen in Aichi Prefecture
Gamagori Onsen, facing Mikawa Bay in Aichi Prefecture, is a hot spring(Onsen) resort where you can enjoy hot springs(Onsen) while looking out at the ocean. It is surrounded by beautiful nature and has been designated as Mikawa Bay Quasi-National Park, and there are plenty of sightseeing spots nearby, such as sightseeing boats and theme parks.
Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture
Arima Onsen, located in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a historic hot spring(Onsen) area that is considered one of the three oldest hot springs(Onsen) in Japan. You can enjoy two types of spring water called Kinsen and Ginsen, and there are many inns and hotels lined up here. There are also plenty of sightseeing spots nearby, such as Mt. Rokko and Arima hot spring(Onsen) town.
Nanki Katsuura Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture
Nanki-Katsuura Onsen, located in the southeastern part of Wakayama Prefecture, is a hot spring(Onsen) area where you can enjoy fresh tuna caught at Katsuura fishing port, which boasts the largest tuna catch in Japan. It has good access to the Kumano Kodo, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, and you can enjoy sightseeing where you can experience history and culture.
Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture
Shirahama Onsen, located in Nanki Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, is a hot spring(Onsen) resort that represents Kansai. It is also known as a resort area with a white sand beach, where you can enjoy hot springs(Onsen) and sea bathing at the same time. There are also plenty of sightseeing spots nearby, such as Adventure World and Senjojiki.
Kaike Onsen in Tottori Prefecture
Kaike Onsen in Tottori Prefecture is one of the most popular hot spring(Onsen) resorts in the San’in region, where you can enjoy the sea and hot springs(Onsen) at the same time. It is a hot spring(Onsen) that comes from the sea, which is rare in Japan, and it is recommended that you relax in the hot spring(Onsen), which has a beautiful effect on your skin, and enjoy a swim while looking at the spectacular view of the Sea of Japan.
Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture
Dogo Onsen is a hot spring(Onsen) located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. It is counted as one of Japan’s three oldest hot springs(Onsen) and is said to have a history of about 3,000 years. The most distinctive feature of Dogo Onsen is its amount of hot water. More than 3,000 liters of hot water gushes out every minute, and the hot spring(Onsen) town is lined with many inns and hotels. In the center of the hot spring(Onsen) town is the Dogo Onsen Honkan. This public bath was built in the Meiji period and has been designated as a national important cultural property. You can fully enjoy the atmosphere of a hot spring(Onsen) in a building with a retro atmosphere.
Introducing the points you want to visit on your Shikoku trip by prefecture
Beppu Onsen in Oita Prefecture
Beppu Onsen, located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, is a hot spring(Onsen) area that boasts the largest number of hot springs(Onsen) in Japan in terms of both the number of hot springs(Onsen) and the amount of water flowing out. There are eight hot spring(Onsen) villages called Beppu Hatto, and you can enjoy hot springs(Onsen) with different quality in each. There are also plenty of tourist attractions other than hot springs, such as Hell Tours.
Yufuin Onsen in Oita Prefecture
Yufuin Onsen, located in Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, is a scenic hot spring(Onsen) area located at the foot of Mt. Yufudake. It is lined with stylish cafes and general stores, and is popular among women. There are also plenty of tourist attractions in the area, such as Lake Kinrinko and Yunotsubo Kaido.
Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture
Kurokawa Onsen, located in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a quiet hot spring(Onsen) area surrounded by nature. There are about 30 inns lined up, and you can enjoy visiting open-air baths. The charming townscape is charming, with its thatched-roof inns and cobblestone streets.
