Best Onsen Towns in Japan

If you’ve got Japan on your list, I’d say don’t just stop at the big cities. Make time for an onsen town too. There’s nothing like soaking in a hot spring, eating a good meal, and staying in a ryokan all in the same trip.

The tough part is figuring out where to go. Japan has so many onsen towns, each with its own feel. Some are close to Tokyo or Osaka and easy to reach, while others take you deep into the countryside.

Here are the best onsen towns in Japan and what makes each one worth visiting.

Must-visit onsen towns in Japan

Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa)

Hakone is the easiest onsen town to visit from Tokyo. You’re there in under two hours, but once you’re there, the city feels far away. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Fuji, which is a nice bonus.

What makes Hakone fun is the mix. You’ll find outdoor rotenburo, ryokans with private onsen baths, and even pools with milky water that are said to be good for your skin.

And if you want to explore, grab a Hakone Free Pass. It covers the ropeway over Owakudani’s volcanic valley, a cruise on Lake Ashi, and local transport.

If you’re going for a splurge, check out Gora Kadan. It’s a luxury ryokan with private onsen and kaiseki dinners that are hard to beat.

Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma)

Kusatsu is one of the most famous hot spring towns in Japan, known for strong sulfur waters that locals swear by. Right in the center of town is the Yubatake, a steaming hot spring field that looks especially good lit up at night.

The water here is so hot that they use a cooling method called yumomi. Women in traditional dress stir the baths with huge wooden paddles while singing folk songs. You can watch or even try it yourself.

Most ryokans in Kusatsu have their own baths, but I’d stay close to the Yubatake. That way, you can easily pop into the public baths and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Beppu Onsen (Oita)

Beppu is huge compared to most onsen towns. With more than 2,000 springs, it’s where you go if you want variety.

You can try mud baths that make your skin soft, sand baths where you’re buried up to your neck, and steam baths that feel like a natural sauna.

There’s also the “Hells of Beppu,” a set of hot springs that are way too hot for bathing but amazing to look at. With bright red pools, bubbling mud, and steaming ponds, it’s dramatic and worth a walk around.

Food here is fun too. I’d try the local karaage fried chicken and the jigoku-mushi pudding, which is cooked using hot spring steam.

Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo)

Kinosaki is a picture-perfect onsen town in Japan. The main street is lined with willow trees and wooden buildings, and everyone walks around in yukata from their ryokan.

There are seven public baths, and with a Yumepa pass, you can try them all. Each one is different, so it’s worth making the rounds.

Food here is another highlight. In winter, it’s all about crab, and if you go another time, Tajima beef is the dish to order.

Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido)

Noboribetsu feels wild compared to most onsen towns.

The main attraction is Hell Valley, a volcanic landscape of steaming vents, bubbling pools, and sulfur smells. It looks dramatic, and the mineral-rich water that comes from it is some of the best in Japan.

If you want the full ryokan experience, stay at Dai-ichi Takimotokan. It has more than 30 baths inside one building, with five different kinds of spring water. You could spend hours just trying them all.

Outside, you can walk the trails through Hell Valley or visit Oyunuma Pond, where the water stays hot year-round.

And since this is Hokkaido, the food is always good, especially the seafood. I’d go for king crab if it’s on the menu.

Yufuin Onsen (Oita)

If Beppu feels busy, Yufuin is the opposite. This little town has a slower pace and great views of Mount Yufu almost everywhere you go.

Many ryokans here have private outdoor baths, so you can soak while looking at the mountains without sharing with strangers.

I’d say don’t just stay in your ryokan, though. The streets are lined with cafés, boutiques, and small museums, and it’s fun to wander. Lake Kinrinko is nearby too. And if you’re up early, the morning mist makes it look magical.

For food, Bungo beef is the local star. Order it grilled or in a hotpot, and you’ll see why people talk about it so much.

Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto)

Kurokawa is a small mountain onsen town with a traditional feel. You won’t see big hotels here, just wooden ryokans and quiet streets.

The highlight is the bath-hopping pass. For about 1,500 yen, you can try three different outdoor baths: forest baths, riverside baths, and even a cave bath.

Stay in a ryokan if you can. You’ll get kaiseki meals, a yukata to wear, and time to enjoy the hot springs without rushing. It’s one of the best towns if you want a simple, traditional onsen experience.

Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata)

Ginzan is the onsen town you’ve probably seen in photos: snow falling on wooden ryokans lit by lanterns along a narrow river. It’s busy, but it really is as pretty as it looks.

There’s not a long list of things to do here. The town itself is the attraction.

You stay in a ryokan, dip into the baths, and wander the streets. There are foot baths if you want something quick, and the hot springs in winter feel extra cozy.

Dinner usually means Yamagata beef, which is tender and rich, and worth booking ahead for. Speaking of booking, Ginzan fills up months in advance, so plan early if it’s on your list.

Gero Onsen (Gifu)

Gero has been called one of Japan’s “big three” onsen towns for centuries, and it’s all about the water. The springs are alkaline, and people say they leave your skin feeling smooth after a soak.

The town itself is small and easygoing. There’s a river in the middle, a few foot baths scattered around, and ryokans lining the streets.

Staying overnight is the best way to enjoy it. I’d point you to Yunoshimakan if you want the full ryokan setup with tatami rooms, indoor and outdoor baths, and proper Japanese meals.

And don’t skip the food. Hida beef is the local star, and whether you order it grilled or in a hotpot, it’s one of those meals you’ll remember.

Dogo Onsen (Ehime)

Dogo is one of the oldest hot spring towns in Japan, and the history is everywhere.

The big draw is Dogo Onsen Honkan, the historic bathhouse that inspired Spirited Away. You can’t stay overnight inside, but soaking in its baths feels like stepping into another era.

For a full stay, look at ryokans nearby. Dogo Miyu, for example, offers private baths and traditional guest rooms that make the visit more relaxing.

Outside the baths, the streets are fun to explore. I like to grab a snack, browse a few shops, and take a walk to Dogo Park if I’ve got extra time.

Ibusuki Onsen (Kagoshima)

Ibusuki is where you try something you won’t see in other onsen towns in Japan: the sand bath.

You lie down, they cover you up to your neck, and the heat slowly works its way in. It feels odd for the first minute, but after that, you don’t want to move.

When you’re done, wash off and head straight to a proper onsen bath. I love how many ryokans here have outdoor baths that face the ocean, so you’re soaking while listening to the waves.

And don’t leave without trying Kagoshima’s black pork. It’s one of those local dishes I’d go out of my way to eat again.

Atami Onsen (Shizuoka)

Atami is one of the easiest seaside onsen towns to reach from Tokyo. In less than an hour by bullet train, you can be sitting in a ryokan bath with an ocean view. That’s pretty amazing if you’re on a tight schedule.

The town has a mix of things to do. You can walk along Sun Beach, climb up to Atami Castle, or spend a quiet afternoon at the MOA Museum.

For ryokans, Watei Kazekomichi is a smaller option with private baths and a peaceful setting.

If you plan your trip well, catch the fireworks over the bay. They add a festive touch to a night in Atami.

Arima Onsen (Hyōgo)

If you’re traveling around Osaka or Kobe and want an easy onsen trip, Arima is the spot I’d recommend. It’s one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, and the waters here are famous.

You’ll find two types: the kinsen, golden and packed with minerals, and the ginsen, clear and silky. Both feel amazing after a day of sightseeing.

I like Arima because it’s super easy to reach, but it doesn’t feel like a quick stop.

The town is small, filled with traditional ryokans and narrow streets. Many inns serve Kobe beef as part of dinner, so it’s a chance to pair local food with the baths.

Shibu Onsen (Nagano)

Shibu Onsen feels like a little time capsule in the mountains. You’ll see narrow stone streets, old wooden ryokans, and everyone walking around in yukata with towels tucked under their arms.

The fun part here is the nine public baths. If you stay overnight, you’ll get a key that lets you try them all. Each bath has different minerals, and locals say they bring good health and luck.

And since you’re already in the area, you can visit Jigokudani Monkey Park to see snow monkeys soaking in their own hot springs.

Nyuto Onsen (Akita)

I think Nyuto Onsen is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve found a secret. It’s not one big town but a handful of old ryokans deep in the mountains of Akita. Each one has its own outdoor baths, and the setting feels straight out of another time.

For me, the highlight is the rotenburo. Sitting in steaming water with snow piled up around you in winter is something you won’t forget. Even in warmer months, the forest backdrop makes it special.

You can get a pass to try different ryokans, and I’d recommend it. Each bath has a different atmosphere, some by the river, some hidden in the woods.

Meals are hearty mountain food, often river fish and local vegetables. Staying overnight in a ryokan here makes the whole trip worth it.

Best hot spring towns in Japan

Not sure which onsen town to visit? This quick overview highlights what makes each place special.

Tips for picking the right onsen town

With so many amazing onsen towns in Japan, it helps to think about what you want most from the trip. Here are a few things I always keep in mind when choosing.

• Check travel time: If you only have a short stay, somewhere close like Hakone or Atami makes life easier.
• Decide on vibe: Beppu and Kusatsu feel lively, but Kurokawa and Nyuto are quiet and traditional.
• Look at the baths: Ibusuki has sand baths, Beppu has everything, and Ginzan is all about those pretty outdoor baths.
• Match the season: Crab in Kinosaki in winter, cherry blossoms in Hakone in spring, snowy baths in Nyuto in winter.
• Think about food: If you love beef, Gero and Yufuin are perfect. For seafood, Atami or Noboribetsu won’t disappoint.
• Check your group’s needs: Families often like bigger towns with more choice, while couples may want somewhere romantic and small.
• Plan ahead: Ginzan and Kusatsu are crazy popular, so I’d book those months in advance if they’re on your list.

Before you go

Picking the right onsen town is just the start. If you’re planning your first stay, these guides will help you feel prepared and make the most of it.

• What is a ryokan? The ultimate beginner’s guide
• Ryokan etiquette: Do’s and don’ts
• How to book a ryokan in Japan
• What to wear in a ryokan
• How long to stay in a ryokan?