The Best 15 Onsen in Japan: Hot Springs to Visit in the Winter

Open-air baths (rotenburo) are popular all year round but in winter, they make for a very special experience. Sitting in the hot water while snowflakes are falling on your head and cooling you down is extremely relaxing.

Let us introduce you to a selection of 15 hot spring resorts (onsen) in Japan with soothing waters and traditional townscapes. Should you visit Japan this winter, do give them a try. You'll understand right away why hot spring baths are so loved in Japan.

Top 15 Hot Spring Resorts in Japan

1. Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido)
2. Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata)
3. Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma)
4. Manza Onsen (Gunma)
5. Shima Onsen (Gunma)
6. Shibu Onsen (Nagano)
7. Hakone (Kanagawa, near Mt. Fuji)
8. Atami Onsen (Shizuoka, near Tokyo)
9. Wakura Onsen (Ishikawa)
10. Kaga Onsen (Ishikawa)
11. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo, near Kyoto/Osaka)
12. Arima Onsen (Hyogo, near Kyoto/Osaka)
13. Dogo Onsen (Ehime)
14. Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto, near Fukuoka)
15. Beppu Onsen (Oita)

1. Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. It is really quite impressive at any time of the year. Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is the source of its hot springs. Walking through the hot sand dunes in Noboribetsu with the sulfur smell floating in the air makes you think of hell, indeed. On the other hand, it's extremely relaxing if you don't mind the sulfur smell.

As for the hot springs themselves, you might not be aware that there are many different kinds of spring water available at the onsen. Every type of water has different effects and serves a different purpose.

There are nine varieties of spring water available at Noboribetsu Onsen.

1. Sulfur springs (Lousen), which help to ease chronic bronchitis, the hardening of the arteries and chronic dermatitis.

2. Salt springs (Shokuensen), known to help ease neuralgia, lower back pain, and poor circulation. They are the most common in Japan.

3. Aluminum springs (Myobansen) which are said to help ease symptoms of chronic skin diseases and the inflammation of the mucous membranes.

4. Mirabilite springs (Boshosen) which improve the blood flow and ease the effects of hypertension, wounds, and arteriosclerosis.

Picture courtesy of JNTO

5. Melanterite springs (Ryokubansen) which are said to help ease the effects of anemia and chronic eczema.

6. Iron springs (Tessen). They help ease symptoms of anemia and chronic eczema. If you have dry skin, this is the spring water you want to use!

7. Acidic iron springs (Sansei Tessen) which help ease eczema symptoms thanks to their disinfecting action. After using this onsen, you'll need to wash your body with regular water.

8. Alkaline springs (Jusosen) which soften cornified skin layers and emulsify secretions. They ease skin conditions and sanitize wounds.

9. Radium springs (Radium-sen) sound scary but they are completely harmless. Radium spring waters have a strong sedative effect. They are particularly effective at easing neuralgia, rheumatism, and menopausal disorders.

One of Noboribetsu's most famous hotels is Daiichi Takimotokan. This hotel offers seven of the nine kinds of spring water available in Noboribetsu. Try them all and decide which water is your favorite.

In addition to its spring waters and beautiful views, Hokkaido offers great attractions which make it an ideal place to visit in winter. It is the only place in Japan where you can walk through knee-deep snow and enjoy a true winter wonderland.

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Noboribetsu International Tourism Convention Association

60 Noboribetsu Onsencho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido 059-0551

2. Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata

Photo by Pixta
Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata prefecture is most scenic in winter. While the old town with the wooden buildings is charming all year round, snow just adds to the beauty of the townscape.

The Ginzan area can get up to 2 meters of snow in winter. All the streets and buildings get covered with a thick blanket of snow. Now, imagine a steaming onsen in the middle of this snow blanket.

Photo by Pixta
At Ginzan Onsen, you can stay at an onsen hotel or use a public bath. Some hotels make their hot springs available to the public as well. So if you choose to just enjoy a hot bath and leave, you have the option to do this as well.

Whichever way you choose, you are definitely in for a truly special experience.

Ginzan Onsen

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3. Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma

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Kusatsu Onsen has maintained its number-one status on Japan’s Top 100 Hot Springs ranking for 15 consecutive years.

The hot water field called yubatake located in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen is where 4,000 liters of hot spring water gush out every minute. The yubatake is illuminated at night offering surreal views so do drop by during your evening stroll.

The best way to enjoy your time in Kusatsu is by staying overnight at a local hotel or ryokan inn; you'll be able to leisurely soak in a hot spring bath and taste delicious local cuisine.

Photo by Pixta
Another highlight of Kusatsu Onsen is the traditional performance called yumomi, which can be enjoyed at Netsunoyu, a historical hot spring facility. Yumomi is performed to lower the temperature of the hot spring water naturally without the use of electricity. Yumomi performances are held six times a day and the admission fee is 600 yen.

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4. Manza Onsen in Gunma

Manza Onsen in Gunma prefecture is a hot spring area located at a high altitude and easily reachable from Tokyo. Their hot springs are very rich in sulfur. When the sulfur content is very high, it makes the water look neon yellow.

Sulfur is known to help in treating dermatitis and clogged arteries and is supposed to have an overall beautifying effect.

Since it's situated high up in the mountains, the Manza Onsen area is covered in snow in the winter. It is also a very popular ski resort. Just imagine yourself relaxing in a hot onsen after a day of skiing. It will warm you up and help ease muscle ache.

Manza Onsen is located around 45 minutes from Manza Kazawaguchi Station via bus.

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Manza Onsen Information Center

2401 Hoshimata, Tsumagoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1528

5. Shima Onsen in Gunma

Shima Onsen is also located in Gunma. It is not as high up as Manza Onsen and this also makes it easier to reach. It can actually be reached by bus from Tokyo.

Shima Onsen doesn't get as much snow as Manza, but it is still enough to cover the streets and rooftops in the winter.

Sekizenkan, one of the hotels in Shima Onsen, has been confirmed to be one of the locations that inspired the Studio Ghibli movie "Spirited Away".

The area is also known for being the home of one of the oldest wooden onsen hotels in Japan. Shima Onsen is a really charming place with its old-school rock covered streets and wooden buildings.

Even though Sekizenkan might be the most interesting hotel in Shima Onsen, we also recommend Shima Tamura. They have a vast variety of different indoor and outdoor hot springs available. Moreover, their sister company is the Shima Grand Hotel. If you stay at either of these facilities you can use all the hot springs available in both of them for an extra fee of 500 yen.

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Shima Hot Spring Sekizenkan

Sekizen Onsen, Nakanojo Town, Kamitsuma District, Gunma Prefecture 377...

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6. Shibu Onsen in Nagano

You have probably seen the famous pictures of monkeys bathing in hot springs. Shibu Onsen in Nagano is very famous for the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park. Here you can watch the monkeys roam free and taking onsen baths.

After enjoying the sight of the monkeys bathing, how about enjoying the hot springs yourself? We don't recommend jumping in with the monkeys, though. Enjoy the excellent services of the hotels and ryokans in the area.

Out of the nine open-air baths at Shibu Onsen, eight of them can be used free of charge by the town residents and those staying at one of the inns.

If you are a Studio Ghibli fan, you might want to consider checking in at Kanaguya, a ryokan which is rumored to have served as a model for the bathhouse in "Spirited Away".

In any case, Shibu Onsen is a great place to visit thanks to its many unique sights and wonderful hot springs.

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Shibu Onsen Visitor Center Shibu Onsen Ryokan Association

21121 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano...

7. Hakone, Hot Springs near Mt. Fuji

The onsen district in Hakone-Yumoto. Photo by Pixta

Hakone is renowned for its onsen and is one of the best places to experience Japan's hot spring and bath culture. Moreover, there are many excellent art museums in Hakone, making it a must-visit for those who love art and Japanese culture.

The area near Hakone-Yumoto Station, in particular, is home to many hot spring facilities and inns where visitors can take a soak in Hakone's famous springs; the surrounding natural scenery is lovely as well.

Yunessun, a one-of-a-kind hot spring theme park located further into Hakone, is also a must-visit.

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa

Photo by Pixta
Hakone Yuryo is a well-known day spa facility that allows travelers visiting Hakone for the day to experience Japan's hot spring culture. The facility contains many different types of natural hot spring baths, both indoors and outdoors that are public, as well as private hot spring rooms that you can reserve in advance.

There is also a restaurant at the facility where guests can enjoy a hearty irori (hearth-cooked) Japanese meal to finish the day after soaking in the hot springs.

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Hakone Yuryo

4 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, 250-0315

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8. Atami Onsen near Tokyo

Photo by Pixta
Atami is a famous hot spring resort area in Shizuoka, just 50 minutes away from Tokyo by bullet train, which makes it a great destination for day trips.

The hot springs in Atami are chloride springs. With heavy salt content similar to seawater, chloride springs are particularly good for warming the body, fighting off chills, and alleviating nerve, muscle, and joint pain.

The famous Atami Fireworks launched over the bay (*1). Photo by Pixta

There are several hot spring towns in the Atami area, including Izu Yugawara Onsen and Ajiro Onsen. But the hot spring resort known as Atami Onsen is particularly famous because, in addition to excellent hot springs, it also has vibrant shopping streets (shotengai), museums such as the MOA Museum of Art, and entertainment such as fireworks. Moreover, Atami Sun Beach is just a few minutes away from the onsen quarter on foot.

*1 In autumn 2023, the Atami Fireworks will be launched in the evening from 20:20 on October 14 and December 3.

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9. Wakura Onsen

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Wakura Onsen is located in Nanao, a city in the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture. It is said to have a history of more than 1,200 years and is a leading hot spring resort in Japan.

The local hot spring water contains sodium and calcium and is said to be good for rheumatism and nerve pain. The town faces the Sea of Japan, and its water has a high salt content that is characteristic of a seaside onsen.

The view from Yuttari Park in Wakura Onsen. Photo by Pixta

Wakura Onsen is famous for its flavorful rice, vegetables, local sake, Noto beef, and other specialties. At Nanao Harbor and Tomiyama Harbor, yellowtail, Kano crab, rockfish, anglerfish, and other kinds of seafood can be caught in front of your eyes. The town has plenty of sushi restaurants where visitors can enjoy the flavors of the Noto Peninsula.

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10. Kaga Onsen

The Kosoyu in Yamashiro Onsen. Photo by Pixta

Kaga Onsen is a cluster of hot spring towns near Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture. Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, and Katayamazu Onsen are collectively known as Kaga Onsen.

Yamashiro Onsen, in particular, is very popular among both domestic and international visitors. A historic hot spring town located just about 45 minutes away from Kanazawa, this is the ideal place to experience a slower side of Japan.

This area is famous for delicate handicrafts such as Kutani porcelain ware; a simple stroll around town is a chance to visit small shops handling these lovely Japanese items and taste exquisite local specialties.

Photo by Pixta

Bathing facilities in Kaga Onsen are often decorated with beautiful Kutani porcelain tiles or stained glass tiles, a feature that you won't encounter anywhere else.

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11. Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo

Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo prefecture has a history dating back 1300 years and is one of the leading onsen resorts in Japan.

There are seven open-air hot springs within walking distance from one another. They offer a pass called the "Yumepa" which gives visitors unlimited one-day access to all seven hot springs. This offer is called "The Tour of the Seven Hot Springs". The pass costs 1200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children. You can purchase it at any of the participating hot springs.

This offer gives you a great variety of onsen to choose from. If you don't enjoy one of the hot springs, you can simply move to another.

Kinosaki Onsen also offers a wide variety of onsen-related food. At the Kinosaki Gelato Cafe Chaya, you can buy eggs and boil them in the hot spring water in front of the shop.

Onsen tamago (hot spring boiled eggs) are a very popular local treat. However, the chance to boil them yourself in real hot spring water is very rare, so don't miss it out when visiting Kinosaki Onsen!

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Kinosaki Onsen Station

Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo 669-6101

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12. Arima Onsen in Hyogo

Picture from Accessing Arima Onsen, Japan's Oldest Hot Spring In Hyogo Prefecture

Arima Onsen is located in Hyogo prefecture as well. It is one of Japan's oldest onsen resorts alongside Ehime’s Dogo Onsen and Wakayama’s Shirahama Onsen.

It is a hot spring area with gushing waters. It offers golden springs and two kinds of silver springs.

The golden springs have a high content of salt and iron. As mentioned previously, iron is extremely good in treating eczema and dry skin. Salt works as a disinfectant and improves blood circulation. The mixture of both is supposed to have moisturizing and healing effects.

There are two kinds of silver springs in Arima Onsen. One consists of carbonic spring water and the other of radon spring water. They are called silver springs because their water is clear and shiny like silver. The carbonic spring water improves blood circulation and is even drinkable in some cases.

Besides being the home of some of the best hot springs in Japan, Arima Onsen is a great place to just lean back and relax.

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Arima Onsen Tourist Association

790-3 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo 651-1401

13. Dogo Onsen in Ehime

One of the most famous hot springs in Japan is Dogo Onsen, located in Ehime prefecture. It is supposed to be the oldest onsen resort in Japan, but there is really no way of telling when and where the first onsen was built. It is also famous for being another main inspiration for the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's movie "Spirited Away".

The Dogo Onsen resort consists of two buildings, the original building "Honkan" and the newer and bigger "Tsubaki No Yu". We recommend the "Tsubaki No Yu" as it is bigger and not as busy as the main building.

Dogo Onsen boasts Alkaline spring waters which improve skin conditions and sanitizes wounds. It is very gentle to the skin and fit for children and the elderly.

There are 29 different hot springs feeding the source of Dogo Onsen. The various spring waters are mixed and used in the bathhouses.

If you have sensitive skin or want to experience old, opulent bathhouses, we highly recommend Dogo Onsen.

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Dogo Onsen Ryokan Cooperative (Dogo Tourist Information Center)

6-8 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture 790-0842

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14. Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto

Kurokawa Onsen is a hot spring resort with over 300 years of history that can be easily reached from Fukuoka. The town is located at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level on Mount Aso in Kumamoto.

There are six main kinds of hot springs in Kurokawa Onsen: mildly acidic simple springs to relieve fatigue and stress, mildly alkaline simple springs for smooth skin, sulfur springs to detox and improve diseases caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, hydrogen carbonate springs for beautiful skin, chloride springs for heat insulation and temperature control, and sulfate springs effective in improving high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. Each ryokan inn or day spa offer one or several of these hot springs.

Yuakari' (Photo courtesy of Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Association)

During the winter event 'Yuakari', the streets of Kurokawa Onsen are decorated with bamboo lanterns. The event schedule is subject to change year to year, so please check with the official webpage for details.

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15. Beppu Onsen in Oita

Beppu Onsen in Oita Prefecture boasts the greatest volume of hot spring water in Japan. It might look like the town is on fire but it's just the steam of the hot water rising from the ground.

The area is also famous for its "Hell Tour" - a series of eight unusual hot spring spots that seem to be out of this world. The blue one, Umi Jigoku, for example, gets its color from sulfuric acid and its temperature is 98 degrees Celsius.

This tour is worth a visit alone, but we are here for the onsen we can bathe in, right? Beppu Onsen offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor hot springs.

In addition to normal hot baths, they also offer sand baths. You get buried in the rich soil heated up by the hot springs moving underneath the surface and relax for a few minutes. It's a great way to get rid of fatigue.

Beppu Onsen is also famous for its "steamed cuisine" (jigoku-mushi), in which vegetables and eggs are cooked using the steam of hot springs. Not only is this local specialty healthy but it also tastes excellent - the ingredients get a rich flavor from the salt found in the hot springs.

In other words, with its variety of hot spring types, Beppu Onsen is truly unique and an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. Yufuin Onsen, also located in Oita, is a charming hot spring town that is also worth visiting.

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Beppu Onsen

Relax and Enjoy a Winter Bath

Winter is the best season to explore some of Japan's hot springs. Even if you aren't so interested in the steamy hot water, just think about how relaxing it is to sit in hot water after a long walk in the snow. All your tiredness would be taken away, and you'll warm up even if it's cold outside.

Followed up by hot tea or a warm cocoa drink, there is no better way to enjoy a snowy evening in Japan. How about giving the onsen another try?