It wouldn’t be complete without visiting Japan and not trying out an onsen! But are you confused about which onsen are recommended and worth visiting in Japan?
Here, we’ve compiled a list of some recommended onsen locations for you to try
Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan’s top hot spring resorts, known for its variety of mineral-rich baths sourced from Jigokudani. The waters range from milky sulfur baths to salt-rich pools, offering relaxing and skin-soothing benefits.
Located about 1.5–2 hours from Sapporo, the area also features scenic walks through volcanic landscapes and nearby nature spots, making it a perfect place to unwind and recharge.
Nyuto Onsenkyo
Nyuto Onsenkyo is a secluded hot spring village in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, known for its seven unique onsen surrounded by pristine beech forests. With over 350 years of history, each bath offers different mineral-rich waters, from milky white to clear and golden.
Located about 45 minutes by bus from Tazawako Station, this area offers a peaceful retreat in nature, where you can relax in open-air baths while enjoying mountain views and traditional local cuisine.
Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen stands out for its classic Taisho-era atmosphere, with traditional wooden ryokan lining a quiet river and soft gas lamps lighting the streets at night.
The entire town feels like stepping back in time, especially in winter when it’s covered in snow.
Unlike most onsen that focus mainly on the baths, Ginzan Onsen offers a complete experience—from staying in historic inns, walking in yukata along a car-free street, to enjoying the town’s nostalgic scenery.
It’s not just about soaking in hot springs, but about immersing yourself in a traditional onsen town lifestyle.
Kusatsu Onsen
Famous as one of Japan’s top hot spring destinations, Kusatsu Onsen stands out for its abundant natural hot spring water and highly acidic, mineral-rich properties known for their healing benefits. At the heart of the town lies the iconic Yubatake, where steaming hot water flows through wooden channels, creating a dramatic and atmospheric centerpiece.
What truly sets it apart is the traditional yumomi performance, a unique method of cooling the hot water using wooden paddles while accompanied by folk songs—an experience rarely found in other onsen towns. Combined with its nostalgic streets, yukata culture, local treats like onsen manju, and seasonal festivals, Kusatsu offers a vibrant and immersive onsen experience beyond just bathing.
Hakone Onsen
A perfect escape from the city, Hakone Onsen offers a seamless blend of relaxing hot springs and breathtaking nature, just a short trip from Tokyo. Surrounded by mountains and part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the area is known for its variety of mineral-rich baths, each with unique properties and serene settings.
What makes Hakone truly special is the experience beyond the onsen itself—soaking in warm waters while overlooking mountains, cruising across Lake Ashinoko, or catching views of Mount Fuji from a ropeway above the hills. It’s where relaxation meets scenery, creating a calm yet unforgettable retreat.
Kinosaki Onsen
A charming hot spring town rich in history, Kinosaki Onsen offers a nostalgic escape where tradition and scenery come together along a peaceful riverside. Lined with classic ryokan and willow trees, the town invites you to slow down and experience Japan’s onsen culture in its most authentic form.
What makes it truly unique is the seven public bathhouses spread across the town, allowing visitors to enjoy a “bath-hopping” experience in one stay. Dressed in yukata, strolling from one bath to another under lantern-lit streets—especially in the snow or during cherry blossom season—creates a timeless atmosphere unlike any other onsen destination.
Dogo Onsen
Steeped in over 3,000 years of history, Dogo Onsen offers a truly timeless atmosphere, where tradition, culture, and relaxation come together in one iconic setting. The beautifully preserved main bathhouse, said to inspire Spirited Away, stands as a symbol of classic Japanese architecture and bathing culture.
What makes it special is not just the hot spring itself, but the entire experience—wandering through nostalgic shopping arcades, soaking in mineral-rich baths, and enjoying local treats after a relaxing soak. It’s a place where history feels alive, offering a cultural onsen experience unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Beppu Onsen
Renowned as one of Japan’s most iconic hot spring destinations, Beppu is blessed with an extraordinary abundance of geothermal waters, drawn from eight distinct onsen areas across the city. The sheer volume of hot spring water here is unmatched, creating a landscape where steam rises gently from streets, baths, and hidden corners alike.
What truly sets Beppu apart is its incredible variety of bathing experiences—from classic hot spring baths to unique sand baths, where you’re buried in naturally heated sand, soothing steam baths, and mineral-rich mud baths. It’s not just an onsen visit, but a full sensory journey through Japan’s most diverse hot spring culture.
Kurokawa Onsen
Tucked away in the mountains of Kumamoto, Kurokawa Onsen offers a serene and authentic escape where traditional ryokan and nature exist in perfect harmony. With around 30 inns scattered across a misty valley, the town invites you to slow down—walking in yukata, surrounded by rivers, forests, and a peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere.What makes it truly special is the onsen-hopping experience using the “Nyuto Tegata” pass, allowing you to explore multiple beautifully designed outdoor baths—from cave baths to riverside soaking spots. Unlike more commercial onsen towns, Kurokawa preserves a rustic charm, offering a quieter, more intimate connection to nature and Japanese culture.
If you’re interested, book now and make a reservation through the Satami Japan Tour team to make your trip safer, more comfortable, and more convenient!