Top 12 hot springs in Japan for absolute relaxation

1. Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

Kusatsu Onsen is always loved by many tourists (Photo source: Collected)

Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is one of Japan's most famous hot springs, regularly topping lists of the country's best-visited onsen. Kusatsu's hot springs contain high levels of sulfur, which helps improve blood circulation and soothe aches and pains.

The highlight of Kusatsu Onsen is the Yubatake, or “hot water field”. This is an area where hot mineral water is channeled through large wooden troughs, creating a landscape that is both majestic and impressive. Visitors can also participate in traditional performances of “yumomi”, the ritual of stirring the hot water to cool it down before use.

Address: Kusatsu, Agatsuma district, Gunma prefecture, Japan.

2. Beppu Onsen, Kyushu

Beppu Onsen has the second largest amount of hot spring water in the world (Photo source: Collected)

Beppu Onsen, located on Kyushu Island, is one of the most abundant hot spring areas in Japan. It is considered to have the second largest amount of hot spring water in the world. The special feature of Beppu is "Beppu Jigoku" - hot spring "hells" with unique colors and shapes, creating a spectacular scene.

In addition to soaking in the hot springs, visitors can also experience special relaxation therapies such as hot sand baths or steam baths in natural saunas. You also have the opportunity to experience boiling eggs in hot water. Beppu Onsen is truly a paradise for those who seek maximum relaxation.

Address: Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu Island, Japan.

3. Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto

Kurokawa Onsen is loved for its intimate space (Photo source: Collected)

Kurokawa Onsen located in Kumamoto Prefecture is one of the famous hot springs in Japan loved for its rustic and close-to-nature atmosphere. This small village is surrounded by forests and hot springs, creating a peaceful and poetic scene.

What's special about Kurokawa Onsen is its "onsen-hopping" ticket system, which allows visitors to experience multiple baths at different ryokan in the area. With its cozy atmosphere and wonderful hot springs, Kurokawa Onsen is the perfect destination to relax and recharge.

Address: Minami-Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.

4. Yunokawa Hot Springs, Hokkaido

Snow monkeys relax in Yunokawa Onsen (Photo source: Collected)

Yunokawa Onsen is one of Japan's onsen hot springs located in Hokkaido, where the cold climate makes the onsen experience even more memorable. It is the ideal destination to relax after exploring the outdoor activities in the snowy land.

Yunokawa Onsen is famous for its open-air baths overlooking the ocean, giving you the feeling of being one with nature. In winter, you can also see snow monkeys relaxing in the hot springs – a typical image not to be missed.

Address: Yunokawacho 2-7-6, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido, Japan.

5. Ginzan Onsen

The inns have a very unique modern feel (Photo source: Collected)

From JR Oishida Station, you can travel by bus for about 40 minutes to Ginzan Hot Spring Village. It is famous for its multi-story wooden Western-style inns, located along both banks of the Ginzan River. The inns here exploit mineral-rich, milky white hot spring water, which is piped directly into the indoor baths, providing a wonderfully relaxing experience.

Address: Ginzan shinhata, Obanazawa-shi, Yamagata-ken, Japan.

6. Yufuin Onsen, Kyushu

Yufuin Onsen is located in the middle of a peaceful natural setting (Photo source: Collected)

Yufuin Onsen is also located on Kyushu Island, is one of the famous hot springs in Japan with a peaceful natural setting. Yufuin village is located at the foot of Mount Yufu, creating a beautiful landscape with hot springs winding through the small streets.

In addition to soaking in the onsen baths, visitors can also enjoy activities such as strolling around Kinrin Lake or exploring the village's cafes and art shops. Yufuin Onsen offers the perfect combination of relaxation and exploring the local onsen culture.

Address: Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu Island, Japan.
7. Iizaka Onsen, Fukushima

Iizaka Onsen in Fukushima is thousands of years old (Photo source: Collected)

Iizaka Onsen is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan in Fukushima Prefecture. Known as an ancient resort, it has a history of more than 1,000 years. Iizaka Onsen attracts visitors not only by its pure hot spring water, but also by the beautiful natural scenery surrounding it.

In autumn, the area is ablaze with red maple leaves, creating a poetic atmosphere. The ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) at Iizaka Onsen offer the complete experience with outdoor onsen baths where you can relax while gazing at the majestic mountains.

Address: Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City, Japan.

8. Aizu Higashiyama Onsen, Fukushima

Aizu Higashiyama Onsen has a nostalgic feel (Photo source: Collected)

Also located in Fukushima, Aizu Higashiyama Onsen is a small village with a nostalgic atmosphere. This is the convergence of many hot springs in Japan, famous for its mineral-rich water, which is very good for health and skin.

The special feature of Aizu Higashiyama Onsen is that the baths are designed right next to the river flowing through the village. Visitors can soak in the warm water while listening to the sound of the stream, bringing a feeling of absolute relaxation. In winter, the white snow cover adds to the romantic beauty of this place.

Address: Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.

9. Nyuto Hot Spring Village, Akita

Nyuto Onse is famous for its many hot springs hidden among the mountains and forests (Photo source: Collected)

Nyuto Onse in Akita Prefecture is a small village with many hot springs hidden in the mountains. This is one of the hot spring bathing places in Japan that offers absolute quiet and privacy. Nyuto Village is famous for its ancient ryokan, where hot water is piped directly from nature into the baths.

The atmosphere at Nyuto Onsen changes with the seasons, from the cool green of summer, to the brilliant yellow of autumn and the white snow of winter. This is the ideal place for visitors to enjoy moments of immersing themselves in nature in the soothing hot water.

Address: Lake Tazawa, Senboku-shi, Akita-ken, Japan.

10. Unazuki Onsen, Toyama

Unazuki Onsen is one of the largest hot spring resorts in Tayama province (Photo source: Collected)

As one of the largest hot spring resorts in Toyama Prefecture, Unazuki Onsen is notable not only for its history of development linked to hydroelectric projects on the Kurobe River but also for its pure hot spring water sourced from Kuronagi Spring. This resort town offers visitors a special experience, as the inns here are designed to allow visitors to admire the magnificent beauty of the majestic mountains and deep gorges, which are covered in splendid natural shades throughout the four seasons.

Address: 383-6 Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe-shi, Toyama Prefecture, Japan.

11. Tsukioka Onsen, Niigata

Tsukioka Onsen is famous for its high sulfur content (Image source: Collected)

Opened in 1915, Tsukioka Onsen in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan thanks to its spring containing the highest concentration of sulfur in the country. This amount of sulfur not only brings great benefits to health and skin, but also creates a unique, gentle and relaxing atmosphere. When the sun sets, Tsukioka Onsen becomes magically beautiful. The streets of this small town are covered with a faint sulfur scent, combined with the gentle light from the hanging lanterns, creating a space that is both ancient and romantic.

Address: Tsukioka Onsen, Shibata-shi, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

12. Dorogawa Onsen Town, Nara

Dorogawa Onsen is located in Tenkawa village, Nara province (Photo source: Collected)

Located in Tenkawa Village, Nara Prefecture, Dorogawa Onsen has long been known as a hot spring resort in Japan, an ideal retreat for Shugendo followers on their journey to visit Mount Omine and participate in ascetic training programs. This hot spring town has a strong ancient character, highlighted by the "engawa" wooden floors that run along the outside of traditional inns, helping visitors clearly feel the breath of the Showa Period (1926-1989). This is also a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. When night falls, the streets in the town become sparkling with light from beautiful lantern strings hanging outside the inns, creating a poetic scene, perfect for a stroll on a cool summer night.

Address: Dorogawa, Tenkawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture, Japan.

Japan’s hot springs are not only a place to relax, but also a gateway to unique onsen cultural experiences. From famous onsens like Kusatsu and Beppu, to small villages like Nyuto or Kurokawa, each destination has its own charm. If you are looking for peace and rejuvenation, make exploring these hot springs an indispensable part of your trip.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/suoi-nuoc-nong-o-nhat-ban-v16592.aspx