Best Onsen in Japan: 7 Hot Spring Towns for Ultimate Relaxation

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to relax.” ~ Mark Black.

So, what is Japan famous for? One of many things is onsen! This guide to the best onsen in Japan was contributed by Josip from Japanko-Official. As he lives in Japan, I’m really excited to present his ideal travel guide for spending time at some of Japan’s best hot spring towns. If you’re looking for some popular and lesser-known hot springs in Japan to relax by *quite literally* soaking up the local culture, look no further. Any of the following onsen towns will make a nice addition to an offbeat Japan itinerary!

TIP: If you aren’t familiar, onsen 温泉 translates to “hot water spring.” It’s the word used to not just describe towns with traditional inns that surround natural springs, but also for the bathing facilities at these inns, too.

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Famous for their natural hot springs and offering the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate, onsen towns are a must-see when visiting Japan.

There are many onsen towns throughout the island country. However, when planning a Japan trip, you might have difficulty choosing the perfect one. If you wonder why, the answer is simple: Each one is exceptional in its own way! 

These towns’ hot springs and natural beauty attract tourists worldwide, and with good reason. To help you select the right one for you, read on for details about the best onsen towns in Japan.

Why visit onsen in Japan?

There are many reasons why people visit onsen. Some people stay for the relaxation and therapeutic benefits that the baths provide. Some people visit to socialize and enjoy the company of friends, while others come to enjoy the stunning natural scenery.

Whatever your reason for visiting onsens in Japan may be, there is no doubt that you will be able to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience. The baths are often gender-segregated, although there are konyoku – mixed-gender onsen.

No matter what kind of onsen you visit, guests are typically required to remove all their clothing before entering the water. It may seem strange to foreigners, but it is widespread among Japanese people.

While the thought of relaxing in a hot spring surrounded by strangers may not appeal to everyone, onsens offer a unique and memorable experience that is well worth trying at least once. Onsens are a quintessential part of Japanese culture and offer a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else!

7 Best Onsen in Japan to relax & unwind

Now you know what an onsen is, why you should visit one, and its benefits, the next step is to find the best Japanese onsen for you. I’ll show you some of the most popular ones, highlighting their key features and what makes them popular.

So, if you’re looking for an amazing cultural experience, here are seven of the best Japanese onsen towns, each with their own unique charm.

1. Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture

Kinosaki is a small town in Hyogo prefecture and is known as one of the best onsen towns in Japan. People from all over Japan come to Kinosaki to soak in the thermal waters.

Also well-known for its ryokan (Japanese inns), Kinosaki features dozens in the town, and most of them are very traditional.

Each ryokan offers kaiseki (traditional multi-course) dinners, so if you are looking for an all-around traditional onsen experience, you should consider visiting Kinosaki Onsen.

2. Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Onsen is a hot spring town located in the Shiribeshi Province of Hokkaido. The village is well known for its many onsens, ranging in temperature from about 25°C to 42°C.

Visitors can enjoy various baths, including outdoor baths, sulphur baths, and milk baths. The town is also home to several tourist attractions, and it is a popular family onsen in Japan.

Some of the famous attractions are the Noboribetsu Date Historic Village, a museum that celebrates the history of the Date family, one of the most influential families in Hokkaido. Besides that, there are famous shopping and dining areas Enmado and Hakuraku.

3. Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma Prefecture

One of the most famous onsen towns in the country, Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring town in Gunma Prefecture.

Known for its many hot springs, its water quality is said to be beneficial for the skin. Kusatsu is also a popular tourist destination, with over 2 million visitors annually.

4. Shibu Onsen, Nagano Prefecture

Located in Nagano Prefecture, Shibu Onsen is one of the oldest onsen towns in Japan and is home to many historical buildings and temples.

While not well known to foreigners, it’s one of Japan’s most popular domestic tourist destinations. The town is famous for its many hot springs and traditional wooden buildings.

Its popularity is thanks to the soothing waters of the onsen combined with the traditional atmosphere of the town. If you look for romantic onsen in Japan, you will love Shibu Onsen. The town is famous for over 20 ryokan.

Shibu Onsen is also one of the best winter onsen in Japan. When the snow covers the town in a white blanket and the temperatures drop below freezing, the whole place looks magical. However, the town is also beautiful in the summer, when the greenery and flowers bloom.

5. Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture

Beppu is a city located on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan. Beppu is also popular with domestic tourists, receiving over 8 million visitors a year – most of whom come to enjoy the onsen.

The city has many public baths and foot baths. There are many different onsens in Beppu, and each has its unique characteristics. Beppu Kannawa Onsen and Beppu Jigoku Meguri are some of the more popular onsens in the city.

6. Gero Onsen, Gifu Prefecture

Gero Onsen is a hot spring resort town nestled in Gifu Prefecture. It’s a great destination that offers a perfect mix of hot springs, outdoor activities, and traditional Japanese old towns.

If you are a tourist exploring Japan, Gero Onsen can be an ideal place for your body and mind to recover with warm hot springs.

7. Ibusuki Onsen, Kagoshima Prefecture

On the island of Kyushu, Ibusuki is a Japanese hot spring town located in Kagoshima Prefecture. Ibusuki is well known for its onsen (hot springs), sand bath, and black sand beaches.

The onsen at Ibusuki are unique because they are located close to the sand dunes. The hot sand from the dunes is said to have therapeutic effects, and it is good for your skin. Ibusuki’s sand baths are a type of spa treatment in which you bury yourself in hot sand.

Ibusuki is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation. The town has several onsen resorts and spa facilities, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay.

Ready to “be invisible” at an onsen in Japan?

There are certain do’s and don’ts when visiting Japanese onsen. As mentioned earlier, this includes washing before bathing and only entering the springs in your birthday suit – yes, really!  Be sure to read more Japanese etiquette in my detailed guide to help you “blend in” in Japan.

Will you be Japan trip in the future? I have many more itineraries and travel guides on my Japan travel blog. For tips on cultural activities in Japan to hidden gems, off the beaten path locations and more, go take a look for plenty of inspiration or join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok for more ways to “be invisible” on your travels!

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This guide to onsen towns in Japan contains some affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase and if you do, thanks for your support! This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. As always, I only recommend a product or service that I genuinely love and use myself!

Alyse

Australian-based Alyse has travelled "The Invisible Tourist Way" for thirteen years and hopes to encourage fellow travellers to do so, too. Based on her travels to 250+ cities across 32 countries, through her blog she shares passionate advice about responsible travel, history and preserving local cultures for more enriching experiences. Her dreams? Always about the next destination and how to make the most of it by "blending in".