10 Best Onsen in Japan: How to Experience Japan's Hot Spring Authentically

In Japan, onsens are more than just natural hot water; they're a unique cultural experience and a window into local life.

But how do you enjoy an authentic onsen experience, beyond simply soaking in hot water?

In this article, we've selected the top 10 onsen towns in Japan, along with tips on how to enjoy them the best way. Whether you're visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or Hokkaido, we'll recommend the best hot springs and onsen hotels that are easy to fit into your Japan travel itinerary.

1. Hakone – A Luxurious Hot Spring Escape Near Tokyo

If you're dreaming of a relaxing getaway close to Tokyo, Hakone is the perfect choice.

This scenic mountain town is home to elegant ryokans and luxury hotels nestled in the forest. Many offer open-air baths with beautiful nature views. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji while soaking.

To fully enjoy Hakone's resort atmosphere, we recommend spending at least one night here. Choose a hotel with an outdoor bath to feel the nature around you.

In Japan, bathing in onsen is done nude. Don't worry if you feel uncomfortable. We can help you book a room with a private onsen.

If that's not available, many hotels also offer private sessions (usually around 15–20 USD for 45 minutes), so you can still enjoy the experience in comfort and privacy.

Best Onsen Ryokans/Hotels in Hakone

Below we recommend some best hotels with private baths, forest surroundings, or even Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji views. They are the best choices for couples, friends, and families.

Gora Hanaougi – A Luxury Forest Ryokan with Private Onsen

• Each room is a standalone villa with a private open-air onsen surrounded by trees
• Price: $600–$800 USD per night

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu

• A resort-style ryokan with most rooms providing private open-air baths.
• Price: $600–$800 USD per night, Peak season (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, Golden Week): $900+ USD

The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko

This is a family-friendly hotel. While rooms don't have private onsens, the hotel offers twin, triple, and connecting room options, a great choice for families.

In Hakone, you can also enjoy its various activities: Take a cable car to see the volcanic steam vents of Owakudani, hike a preserved stretch of the old Tokaido Road, or cruise Lake Ashi on a pirate ship replica. For art lovers, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must-see.

2. Arima Onsen– Local and Authentic Experience

• Location: In Kobe, about a one-hour drive from Osaka

If you miss the hot spring in Hakone on your classic Japan route (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), Arima Onsen is a great choice. It is even better if you are looking for something more local and less touristy.

It's easy to reach on a day trip from Osaka, and can be conveniently combined with a visit to Kobe or even Himeji Castle.

There are two distinct spring types:

• Kinsen ("gold spring"): iron-rich, yellow-brown water known for warming and moisturizing the body
• Ginsen ("silver spring"): clear water with radium and carbonate, believed to improve circulation and relaxation

For the most local experience, we'll guide you to soak in Kin-no-Yu and Gin-no-Yu, the two public baths beloved by locals.

If you're not comfortable with public baths, we'll help you book a private bath at Hanamusubi or Arima Grand Hotel for a more comfortable experience.

Enjoy a truly unique Arima experience: stroll its old streets, taste local snacks like carbonated rice crackers, soak your feet in a public ashiyu (foot bath), and enjoy a Kobe beef lunch slow-steamed over the gold hot spring.

Top Onsen Ryokans in Arima

If you plan to have more time here, there are two best hotels for you to stay. Both provide rooms with a private bath.

Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo

• Arima's oldest ryokan, with 800 years of history.
• Book 4–6 months in advance—very popular
• Price: about 300 USD per person (dinner & breakfast included)

Hanamusubi Ryokan

• A modern luxury ryokan; every room comes with a private hot spring bath
• two kinds of rooms: Gold Spring Room: Indoor granite bath with mountain views; Silver Spring Room: Semi-open-air carbonated bath with gentle bubbles
• Price: $350–$580 USD per person per night

3. Shibu Onsen - Soak in History Near the Snow Monkeys

• Location: Nagano, 20 minutes'walk from Snow Monkey Park

If you're heading into Nagano, don't miss Shibu Onsen, a charming hot spring town near the snow monkey park.

With over 1,300 years of history, it offers an immersive Edo-period atmosphere.

Enjoy a time travel here: stay in a traditional ryokan connected by a 130-meter covered wooden corridor, and walk the narrow streets in a yukata and wooden sandals, and explore the old art shops.

The town is famous for its nine public hot springs, each with its own natural spring and healing benefits. Stay overnight, and you'll get a key to access all nine - an experience exclusive to ryokan guests.

After your nine hot spring baths experience, visit Shibu Takayakushi Temple to complete the ritual with a prayer and a goshuin seal for good health and fulfillment.

It's easy to combine an onsen stay in Shibu with a visit to the nearby Snow Monkey Park. The monkeys are best seen soaking in the hot springs during the cold winter months. That's why we usually plan an overnight stay here in winter for the hot springs and snow monkeys.

Where to Stay in Shibu Onsen

Kanaguya Ryokan – The most iconic stay

This historic three-story wooden ryokan has a history of over 250 years. It is said to have inspired the setting of Spirited Away. It offers seven guest rooms with private onsen baths.

4. Beppu Onsen - More About Watching Than Soaking

• Location: In Kyushu, southern Japan, around a 2-hour drive from Fukuoka.

Beppu is best known for its "hells" — colorful hot spring pools with boiling water around 100°C. You can't bathe in them, but they're impressive to see. Of course, there are onsens to soak in too.

There are 7 major "hells", each with its own unique color and character, from cobalt-blue waters to bubbling red clay. You don't need to visit them all; the scenery can be quite similar.

We recommend the best three ones: Umi Jigoku / Sea Hell, Chinoike Jigoku / Blood Pond Hell, and Oniishibozu Jigoku for their spectacular views.

To explore the area, you can base yourself either in Yufuin or Beppu town. We will plan your stay at Yufuin

• Yufuin: a peaceful hot spring town just 20 minutes from Beppu, known for boutique ryokans
• Beppu: the best choice if you prefer modern Western-style hotels.

In Yufuin, stay in a ryokan with an outdoor bath overlooking Lake Kinrin. In the evening, take a slow walk around the lake and enjoy Yufuin's charming streets filled with cafés, crafts, and local sweets.

Spend a day exploring Beppu Hells. Get a bird's-eye view of the steaming landscape from the Observatory. There, you will see white steam rising from dozens of spots across the town.

Don't miss the steamed lunch at Jigoku Mushi Kobo (Hell-Steaming Kitchen). Choose your own ingredients, and steam them using the hot spring steam - a fun and hands-on experience.

If you are fond of adventure, try Beppu's seaside sand bath at Beppu Kaihin Sunayu.

You'll be dressed in a yukata, then gently buried in naturally heated sand, with only your head remaining above! Relax to the sound of waves as your body soaks in the warmth.

5. Saki-no-yu – A Historic Open-Air Bath by the Sea

• Location: Shirahama, Wakayama; about a 2.5-hour' ride from Osaka

Saki-no-yu sits in Shirahama, a popular overnight stop for those hiking the Kumano Kodo. This historic open-air bath has over 1,400 years of history and was once reserved for emperors.

The onsen is just 10 minutes from the Pacific Ocean. As you relax in the warm waters, you can enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks and the refreshing sea breeze waves crash onto the rocks below.

The spring water here is rich in sodium chloride: great for easing sore muscles, improving circulation, and melting away your hiking fatigue.

We recommend stopping here for a night before or after hiking the Kumano Kodo for a relaxing trip. It is also a perfect balance to your spiritual hike: soothing, scenic, and seaside.

While you're here, don't miss the coastal highlights:

• Engetsu Island – Capture a postcard-perfect sunset through the moon-shaped hole in the rock.
• Senjojiki – Walk across dramatic, layered rock formations shaped by the sea.
• Sandanbeki Cave – Take an elevator down to a sea cave once used by the Kumano navy.

And before you leave, don't forget to try the famous Onsen Egg from a 100-year-old shop near the bathhouse. The egg is half-set in hot spring water, firm yolk, gooey white, an addictively simple treat for just $1.

Where to Stay in Shirahama

Want to enjoy ocean views and private baths? See our recommended hotel below:

Hotel Sanrakuso

• This is a traditional Japanese Ryokan with modern room facilities.
• Rooms have a private onsen and face the sea.
• Price: $310–$460 per room.

6. Dogo Onsen – Bathe Like Royalty

• Location: Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture

Dogo Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot springs, once reserved for the imperial family.

Ever wondered what a royal bath looks like? Now you can take a guided tour of the exclusive Yushinden bathhouse, once reserved only for the imperial family.

You can choose from three unique public bath experiences: the historic main bath, one with a tatami rest room and tea service, or the exclusive former imperial bath.

Some baths are more about cultural immersion than actual bathing. For a fully private soak, we can help book a private onsen session.

To explore the town's onsen culture, don't miss the Dogo Onsen Honkan. The three-story wooden tower, Shinrokaku, built in 1894, is an iconic symbol of Japanese onsen culture.

For a more immersive experience in Dogo Onsen, hop on the Botchan Ressha - a replica of a Meiji-era steam train—from Matsuyama City early in the morning. Rent a retro-style yukata and stroll the old streets of Dogo, soaking in both hot springs and history.

Recommended Onsen Ryokans in Dogo:

• Chaharu Dogo Onsen: A modern ryokan by Kengo Kuma with cypress wood private baths and citrus-scented onsen
• Kowakuen Haruka: Features a rooftop bath with views of Matsuyama Castle and a golden-leaf bath inspired by the Yushinden. Private imperial-style bath available (15 USD/50min)

7. Kinosaki Onsen - Tattoo-Friendly

• Location: on the Sea of Japan coast in Toyooka City, about 2.5 hours from Osaka

The best things about Kinosaki are that it is tattoo-friendly. If that is your concern, Kinosaki is one of the few onsen towns where you can relax without worries

The town boasts 7 public baths, each with its unique features. For example, Ichino-yu is set in a cave, Goshono-yu is nestled in the mountains, and Mandara-yu has architecture resembling a temple.

Travelers staying at any hotel in Kinosaki receive a "bath pass," allowing free access to these 7 baths. If you don't like the public bath, book a private session at your Ryokan or hotel.

The town itself is perfect for slow travel. Stroll along willow-lined canals, explore the old-fashioned streets filled with cafés, craft shops, and small public bathhouses.

If you are active, rent a bike and ride out to nearby Genbudo Park, famous for its basalt caves and lava formations. Also, don't miss the ropeway ride to the mountaintop — the view of the Sea of Japan from up there is spectacular.

8. Noboribetsu Onsen – A Classic Hot Spring Retreat in Hokkaido

• Location: About 1.5 hours from Sapporo by car

Noboribetsu is one of Hokkaido's most famous onsen destinations. It is located between mountains, lakes, and the sea, and right next to an active volcano.

The springs are rich in sulfur and minerals, with nine different types of water bubbling up at temperatures between 45°C and 90°C. Great for your skin, muscles, and just pure relaxation.

If you're looking for a classic hot spring experience with serious healing power, this is the place.

But if you're after the kind of lively onsen town where everyone strolls around in yukata and wooden sandals, Noboribetsu isn't really that vibe.

If you're looking for a great place to stay, go for Dai-ichi Takimotokan.

It's the biggest and oldest onsen hotel in town, with a huge bath area that looks out over Jigokudani (Hell Valley) — a dramatic, steaming volcanic crater just outside. You'll find all kinds of different baths here, all in one place.

9. Kusatsu Onsen - Iconic Healing Waters and Unique Tradition

• Location: in Gunma Prefecture, about 3 hours from Tokyo by car

Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most iconic hot spring towns. It's known for its strong, sulfur-rich waters, often over 50°C, which can help with muscle pain, arthritis, and skin conditions.

But it's not just about soaking; it is also about exploring the local hot spring tradition.

Don't miss the Yumomi ceremony, a fun and uniquely Kusatsu event where locals in traditional dress stir the hot spring water with giant wooden paddles while singing and dancing to cool it down. You can even join in for a hands-on try!

And while you're there, be sure to grab a bite of onsen manju: soft, sweet buns steamed using natural hot spring heat. They're warm, fluffy, and carry just a hint of that signature Kusatsu sulfur aroma. A classic treat!

10. Ibusuki Onsen - Discover Japan's Unique Sand Bath Experience

• Location: Ibusuki City in Kagoshima

Enjoy a truly unique hot spring experience in Kagoshima - outdoor sand baths.

Instead of just soaking in water, you'll be gently buried in warm volcanic sand heated to around 50-55°C.

You will wear a yukata and be comfortably buried in the sand pits with the help of the staff. After 15–20 minutes, you'll feel your pores opening up, your blood circulation improving, and a deep sense of relaxation taking over.

Once you wash off the sand, you can soak in a traditional hot spring bath nearby to complete this refreshing ritual.

Beyond the sand baths at Saraku Sand Bath Hall, take some time to explore local highlights like the Satsuma Denshokan Museum, the scenic Nagasakibana Cape, and the colorful Kagoshima Flower Park. It's a great way to round out your visit.

Practical Tips for Soaking in Japanese Hot Springs

To really enjoy Japan's onsens, you need to know a few key customs and rituals

• Onsens are enjoyed nude: swimsuits aren't allowed. If you're uncomfortable, look for ryokans with private onsen rooms or book a private bath session
• Most baths are gender-segregated, but some mixed-gender baths exist. For example, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma has mixed outdoor baths. Always check ahead!
• Bring your own towels for public baths. Some places rent or sell them, but it's safer to have your own.
• Phones are not allowed in the bathing area. Keep them in lockers or your room.
• Wash yourself thoroughly before entering the bath. It's basic onsen etiquette.
• Tie up long hair so it doesn't touch the water.

FAQs About Japanese Onsens

How long should I soak? Is there a safe time limit?

Limit each soak to 10–15 minutes to avoid overheating or dehydration.

Take breaks by stepping out to rest and hydrate. If there are baths with different temperatures, try alternating between hot and cooler ones.

Can people with tattoos use onsens?

Tattoos are still taboo at many traditional onsens, and you may be refused entry to public baths.

But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the onsen experience. Here's what you can do if you have tattoos:

• Book a private onsen: in-room baths or private rentals are widely available and don't restrict tattoos.
• Use a waterproof tattoo cover: you can buy cover-up stickers at convenience stores or get them at some onsen facilities.
• Choose tattoo-friendly destinations: some towns like Kinosaki Onsen or modern spa resorts are more welcoming to tattooed visitors.

Are there onsens suitable for families with children?

Many onsens welcome kids, but it's best to check ahead. Book a room with a private onsen.

Some places offer family or reservable baths for extra privacy and comfort. For example, in Hakone, ryokans like Yamanochaya or Hakone Kowakien Tenyu are well-known for family-friendly private baths.

What should I bring?

Bring a small towel (for washing and modesty outside the water), slippers, and your favorite toiletries.

Many ryokans provide these, but it's handy to have your own for public baths.

How Much Does an Onsen Cost in Japan?

The price for the Japanese hot spring spa depends on the type of bath you choose, public or private: see the price below:

• Public baths: $7–15 USD
• Mid-Range Ryokan (with onsen): 250- 300 USD per night (dinner included)
• Luxury Ryokan (private bath): $300–800 USD per night (dinner included)
• Private time slot at the public baths: 15-20 USD for 45 minutes

Plan Your Perfect Onsen Escape with Us

Plan your perfect onsen escape with us. Not sure how to start? We'll help craft a custom Japan trip with the right hot springs, views, and stays for you.