Top 5 Hot Springs of West Japan

Arima Onsen, Hyogo

Renowned as one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, Arima Onsen boasts two types of thermal waters with different mineral compositions, believed to have therapeutic properties. The town is nestled in the Rokko Mountains, offering picturesque views and luxurious ryokan accommodations.  Even if you feel like bathing in public is not your thing, they have warm footbaths where you can relax after a stroll through the quaint town. 

• 目次
• Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo)
• Dogo Onsen (Ehime)
• Beppu (Oita)
• Yufuin (Oita)
• Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto)
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Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo)

  Known for its seven public bathhouses  and charming streets lined with willow trees, Kinosaki Onsen is a popular hot spring town where visitors can enjoy strolling in traditional yukata robes, sampling local cuisine, and experiencing the nostalgic atmosphere of a bygone era.  The best part is, all their baths are tattoo-friendly! Aside from being a town full of hot springs, the area boasts a geopark, a cable car to the mountains, and varied experiences such as flower arrangement, tea ceremony, and calligraphy. 

Dogo Onsen (Ehime)

Believed to be one of Japan's oldest hot springs with a history dating back over 3,000 years, Dogo Onsen is famous for its historic bathhouse, Dogo Onsen Honkan, which served as a source of inspiration for Studio Ghibli's film "Spirited Away." The town exudes timeless elegance and offers visitors a chance to soak in healing waters and explore the surrounding area's cultural attractions.

Beppu (Oita)

  Known as one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, Beppu is home to a variety of hot spring baths, including mud baths, sand baths, and steam baths. Visitors can also experience the unique "Hells of Beppu," a collection of colorful and geothermally active hot spring pools.  

Yufuin (Oita)

Nestled in the scenic Yufu Mountain range, Yufuin offers a tranquil retreat with natural hot spring baths, boutique shops, and art galleries. The town's idyllic setting and relaxed atmosphere make it a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Yufuin town with smoke from the hot springs are seen from Lake Kinrin in Yufuin.

Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto)

Popular for being one of the most picturesque hot spring destinations in Japan, Kurokawa Onsen has a history stretching back at least 300 years, with stories of feudal lords stopping by for respite on their journeys between cities. Today, the town still exudes the spellbinding spirit of its bygone days with shops and ryokans lined across the river, which is lit up each night with warm glowing lanterns.

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