10 Peaceful Hot Springs To Relax In Japan

Are you seeking the ultimate relaxation experience? Picture this: A steaming natural spring tucked away in serene surroundings, warm water caressing your skin, and the sounds of nature enveloping you. Renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, Japan is also home to some of the world's most tranquil and peaceful hot springs.

So, where should you go to experience these therapeutic hot springs? Here are 10 of the best hot springs in Japan, each promising an unparalleled sense of calm.

Located just an hour from Tokyo, Hakone is a popular onsen getaway offering stunning views of Mount Fuji. The town is surrounded by lush forests and scenic landscapes, making it a perfect place to unwind. Many onsens here boast outdoor baths (rotenburo) that allow you to soak while enjoying panoramic views of nature.

Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum for art amidst nature.

Take a cruise on Lake Ashi and gaze at Mount Fuji from afar.

Explore the picturesque Owakudani Valley and sample the famous black eggs boiled in the hot springs.

Tenzan Onsen is a highly recommended spot for its tranquil environment and beautiful rotenburo.

Kusatsu Onsen, often regarded as one of Japan's top hot spring resorts, is nestled in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture. Known for its high-quality sulfuric waters, Kusatsu offers a variety of public baths, ryokan (Japanese inns), and scenic views. The famous Yubatake (Hot Water Field) is the town's symbol, where spring water flows through wooden channels.

Stroll around the Yubatake, where you can watch the hot spring water bubbling and streaming.

Visit Sainokawara Park, where you can relax in outdoor baths surrounded by nature.

Yubatake Onsen offers a mix of indoor and outdoor baths, where you can relax in sulfuric waters that have healing properties.

Located on the southern tip of Kyushu, Ibusuki Onsen is known for its unique "sand baths." In this relaxing experience, visitors are buried in warm, mineral-rich sand, which helps to relieve Stress and improve circulation. The setting is peaceful, surrounded by lush gardens and a picturesque coastline.

Try the sand baths for an experience like no other.

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the scenic Ibusuki coastline.

Visit the Chiran Peace Museum, a place of reflection and historical significance.

Ibusuki Hakusuikan is a luxurious ryokan where you can enjoy both the sand bath and traditional onsen experiences in one place.

Beppu Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas, with over 2,000 hot springs dotted around the city. Located on the island of Kyushu, Beppu offers a wide range of bath experiences, including mud baths, steam baths, and outdoor baths with a view of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

Visit the "Hells of Beppu" (Jigoku), a collection of unique hot spring pools with distinct characteristics.

Take a dip in the outdoor baths overlooking the ocean at some resorts.

Take a soak at the Kamado Jigoku Onsen, where the hot spring water is rich in minerals and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Noboribetsu, located in Hokkaido, is renowned for its volcanic activity and rich mineral waters. The area's Hell Valley (Jigokudani) produces multiple hot springs, each with unique healing properties. The peaceful surroundings and fresh mountain air make this a perfect spot for complete relaxation.

Explore the Hell Valley and enjoy the views of active volcanic steam vents.

Relax in the sulfuric waters of the various public baths.

Visit the Noboribetsu Bear Park and observe Hokkaido’s wildlife in a natural setting.

Dai-ichi Takimotokan is a large onsen complex where you can enjoy diverse hot spring baths, including outdoor baths with views of the valley.

Gero Onsen is considered one of Japan's top three onsens. It is located in the picturesque town of Gero in Gifu Prefecture. The city has over 30 hot spring baths, and its peaceful riverside setting adds charm. Visitors can stroll the open-air foot baths along the riverbank, adding to the tranquillity.

Take a dip in the open-air foot baths located along the river.

Visit Gero Onsen’s public bathhouses for a traditional hot spring experience.

Explore the town’s hot spring-themed museum.

Suimeikan, a high-end ryokan, offers a luxurious onsen experience with various indoor and outdoor baths.

Yufuin Onsen, situated near Mount Yufu in Oita Prefecture, offers a picturesque blend of rural charm and scenic beauty. The area is surrounded by lush greenery and serene lakes, making it an ideal escape for those looking to relax and rejuvenate. Many of the onsens here feature outdoor baths with incredible views of Mount Yufu.

Soak in the onsen while enjoying the view of Mount Yufu.

Visit Yufuin Floral Village, a charming area with quaint cafes and shops.

Stroll around Lake Kinrin, a tranquil spot with scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Yufuin Onsen offers public and ryokan baths, with many options, such as the Shuhokan, offering stunning views of nature.

Kinosaki Onsen, a charming hot spring town in Hyogo Prefecture, is famous for its seven public baths. Visitors can take a relaxing bath-hopping tour, soaking in a different bath at each stop. The peaceful riverside town's traditional ryokan adds to the calm atmosphere.

Take a leisurely walk through the town and enjoy its picturesque canals and ryokan.

Bathe in all seven public hot springs in the town for a unique experience.

Try the local delicacies, including the famous Kinosaki Crab.

The Onsen Town’s public baths, like Goshonoyu, offer a tranquil escape with beautiful architecture and soothing waters.

Atami Onsen, located on the Izu Peninsula, is a hot spring town famous for its ocean views and relaxing atmosphere. Although relatively close to Tokyo, Atami retains a quiet charm with its hot spring resorts and natural beauty. The town is mainly known for its combination of both seaside and mountain hot springs.

Enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean while soaking in an onsen.

Visit Atami Sun Beach and relax by the sea.

Explore Atami’s historic gardens and temples.

Hotel New Akao offers an incredible ocean-view onsen experience with hot springs overlooking the scenic coastline.

Zao Onsen, located in the Tohoku region, is famous for its natural hot springs and the picturesque Zao Mountain range. The town offers a calm atmosphere, and its outdoor baths, situated in scenic locations, allow you to connect deeply with nature. The sulfur-rich water is known for its healing properties.

Enjoy skiing or snowboarding in winter and dip in the hot springs afterwards.

Explore Zao’s sulfuric hot springs and scenic hiking trails.

Visit the Zao Onsen Ski Resort for nature, hot springs, and winter sports.

Zao Onsen Ryokan offers traditional rooms and onsen baths with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned onsen enthusiast, Japan’s hot springs provide a tranquil escape for everyone. From the majestic mountains to the serene coasts, each onsen destination offers a unique experience. So, why wait? Take the time to slow down, soak in the calming waters, and find your moment of peace in Japan’s best hot springs.