By now, if you’ve spent any time at all on social media platforms researching Japan trips, you’ve probably seen your feed flooded with photos of misty hot spring towns, people walking around in yukata, and perfectly plated kaiseki meals.
These days, it’s hard not to know what an onsen town is.
But back when I visited Japan for the third time in 2019, I had no idea this side of Japan even existed. It was only thanks to Papu’s sister—who had been living in Japan for six years—that I learned about onsen towns and the sweet ryokan life.
As soon as we got a taste of it, we were hooked.
Since then, we’ve made it a point to visit different onsen towns every time we’re back. We started with Shima Onsen in the Gunma prefecture, then made our way to iconic spots like Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo, and eventually headed down to the Kyushu side to explore gems like Beppu and Yufuin.
Needless to say, I’ve done a lot of research—some of it obsessive—for my own trips, and this post is a roundup of all the best onsen towns I think are worth your time.
Whether you’re planning your first ryokan stay or just want ideas for where to go next, these are the spots that consistently deliver, with tips on what to do, where to stay, and how to make the most of your visit.
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Table of Contents
What Is An Onsen?
An onsen is what a natural hot spring found in Japan is called. It’s a traditional form of both relaxation and entertainment, providing travelers an opportunity to enjoy the healing properties of the minerals contained within thermal waters.
For centuries, people have been taking time out to relax in one of Japan’s many onsens. And usually, because of where hot springs are located, onsen towns also feature traditional inns (ryokans), remote atmospheres, and endless opportunities to enjoy nature.
What Is A Ryokan?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn—and if you’ve been eyeing onsen towns for your next trip, odds are you’ve already seen the term pop up a lot.
While they often go hand in hand with hot spring bathing, a ryokan itself is much more than just a place to sleep—it’s a full experience rooted in centuries of Japanese hospitality.
Most ryokan stays include what’s known as half board, meaning you’ll get both dinner and breakfast included in your nightly rate. This isn’t just a convenient add-on—it’s part of the ryokan tradition.
Just like the care put into preparing the futon beds and maintaining the onsen baths, the food is considered an essential part of your stay. Meals are typically multi-course (kaiseki) dinners that showcase seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, plated with incredible attention to detail.
You’ll usually be given a yukata (a casual cotton robe) to wear throughout your stay, including in the dining area and while walking to and from the communal baths.
The communal bath itself is often fed by a natural hot spring source and is meant to be enjoyed slowly–no phones allowed. At higher-end ryokan, you might also find rooms with private open-air baths attached.
Historically, ryokan were developed along trade routes as places for travelers to rest and restore themselves. That sense of care hasn’t changed.
From the way the staff greet you at the door, to the quiet design of the space, to the seasonal dishes presented at dinner—it’s all part of a cultural tradition meant to give you a break from the speed of everyday life.
What You Need To Know: Most onsen are separated by gender and bathing suits are not allowed. Shower thoroughly before entering the baths and don’t swim or put your head under the water.
Read More: What To Expect At A Ryokan In Japan (+ Review Of My Ryokan Experience)
👉 Pro Tip: Enjoy the local tradition of gulping down a bottle of ice-cold milk after your bath! Also, look out for local products such as fruits and vegetables that are sometimes sold in the lobby.
Onsen Towns In Japan To Visit On Your Next Trip
1. Kusatsu
Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most famous onsen towns in Japan, and for good reason. Located in Gunma Prefecture about 200 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, Kusatsu is known for its therapeutic hot springs and charming little town center.
Kusatsu Onsen boasts the largest flowing water volume of all hot springs in Japan. It’s also been chosen by Japan’s top travel agents as the country’s #1 hot spring for 18 consecutive years in the 100 Best Hot Springs in Japan.
Worth an overnight visit? I’d say so.
One of the most popular attractions in Kusatsu Onsen is the Yubatake, or “hot water field.” This large, open-air hot spring is a hub of activity, with people soaking in the warm waters or enjoying a leisurely soak in a private bath.
The Yubatake is surrounded by a number of traditional ryokans (Japanese inns), many of which offer guests the opportunity to experience a traditional onsen bath and eat like royalty. The town itself is small and charming, with traditional wooden buildings and narrow streets that give it a rustic feel.
Things To Do In Kusatsu
- Visit the Yubatake – This is a large hot spring field in the center of town where hot water flows out of the ground. You can walk around the field and see the steam rising up from the hot water.
- Visit the Netsu-no-Yu Bathhouse – see demonstrations of yumomi and traditional dance done to a local folk song.
- Go hiking in the mountains – The area around Kusatsu is beautiful, with plenty of hiking trails that lead through forests and up to mountain peaks.
- Try the local food – Kusatsu is known for its soba noodles, maitake (mushroom) tempura, and other local dishes that are made with ingredients from the surrounding mountains.
- Sai-no-Kawara Park – the park has numerous wells where hot water sprouts out to form a flowing river of hot water with large clouds of steam.
- Visit the Kusatsu Ski Resort – If you visit Kusatsu in the winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding at the local ski resort.
- Visit the nearby town of Manza Onsen – A small hot spring town located just a short drive from Kusatsu. You can visit the hot springs here or take a hike up to the nearby Mt. Shirane.
Where To Stay In Kusatsu
- Tokinoniwa ($$)
- Kusatsu Onsen Boun ($$ – $$$)
2. Kinosaki
I first discovered Kinosaki while browsing their official tourism website—and immediately got sucked in. The photos of people casually strolling outdoors in their hotel-provided yukata sold me instantly.
When we finally made it there, the real-life experience was even more charming than the photos. Local Japanese visitors were renting formal yukata and kimono for photoshoots all over town, which made walking around feel like stepping into a storybook. The souvenir shops lining the main street were equally adorable and full of personality.
We stayed two days in Kinosaki and honestly, I could’ve stayed longer. Kinosaki is designed to slow you down in the best way.
The town is compact and walkable, with seven public bathhouses that you can hop between using a free onsen pass that’s usually included with your ryokan stay. You’ll see everyone—from families to solo travelers—ambling from bath to bath in their robes and wooden sandals.
Food is a big part of the experience here too. Kinosaki is known for Tajima beef (the high-quality breed that Kobe beef comes from) and seasonal seafood like snow crab in the winter.
If you’re lucky enough to visit in late July or early August, the town also puts on a big summer festival with fireworks, parades, and more people than usual dressed to the nines in festival yukata.
Even though Kinosaki is only about 2.5–3 hours by train from Kyoto and Osaka, it feels like another world. And that’s exactly what makes it worth carving out a night or two.
Things To Do In Kinosaki
- Visit the seven different onsen (hot springs)
- Take a walk along the Kinosaki Onsen promenade in a yukata (traditional Japanese robe) — it’s totally normal!
- Stroll through Kiyamachi Street
- Go hiking on the ropeway hiking course – leads through forests and up mountain peaks
- Ride the ropeway itself – the views from the top are incredible
- Visit the Kinosaki Marine World Aquarium
- Take a trip to the nearby town of Toyooka – known for its beautiful gardens and temples
Where To Stay In Kinosaki
- Kinosaki Onsen Hanakouji Saigetsu ($$)
- Kobayashiya Ryokan ($$ – $$$)
3. Kurokawa
If you’re looking for a quiet onsen town that still feels tucked away from mass tourism, Kurokawa Onsen should absolutely be on your radar.
Located in the forested hills of Kumamoto Prefecture, this onsen village is known for its rustic charm, nature-forward design, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to stay a while. The town isn’t very big—more like a cozy village than a full-on destination—but that’s part of its appeal.
We visited Kurokawa as a short stop on our way from Beppu to Mt. Aso, and even in just a few hours, it left a strong impression. The entire town is built around maintaining a traditional aesthetic: wooden bridges, earthen buildings, moss-covered stone paths, and signage that blends into the surroundings.
It’s also surrounded by forests, so the whole place feels like you’re deep in the mountains, even though it’s fairly accessible by car or bus.
Like other onsen towns in Kyushu, Kurokawa places a big emphasis on outdoor baths (rotenburo). One of its main draws is the “nyuto tegata” onsen-hopping pass, which lets you visit three different open-air baths across participating ryokan.
On our visit, we wandered through the stone-paved streets, browsed traditional sweets shops, and tried onsen-boiled eggs (they’re everywhere in Kyushu). It’s also a great place to just enjoy the act of wandering—you’re surrounded by beautiful architecture, lush greenery, and the kind of stillness that’s hard to find in more commercial onsen towns.
💡 Did you know? Kurokawa Onsen has earned many accolades, including a two-star rating in the Michelin Guide to Japan and the top spot in the “Atmosphere” category of Japan’s best hot springs!
Things To Do In Kurokawa
- Go onsen-hopping (‘Rotemburo Meguri’) – Buy the Onsen Hopping Pass, which allows the holder to visit up to three different onsens
- Take a hike – Hitotsu-ya Nobori or Maruba Nobori are great options
- Visit Nabegataki Falls
- Day trip to Mount Aso and the Aso-Kuju National Park area
- Try a local delicacy, if you dare: basashi (horse meat sashimi)
Where To Stay In Kurokawa
- Fujiya ($$)
- Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu ($$)
4. Yufuin
Yufuin Onsen is a personal favorite of mine! If you like your onsen towns with a side of quirky charm and lots to explore, Yufuin is a great pick—especially for people traveling with kids.
Located about 30ish minutes from Beppu in Oita Prefecture, Yufuin has the hot springs and ryokan you’d expect, but the vibe is more lighthearted and walkable than some of the more traditional or upscale onsen towns in Japan.
We spent two nights here as part of our Northern Kyushu road trip and were honestly surprised by how much there was to do beyond just soaking in an onsen.
The main shopping street, Yunotsubo Kaido, is lined with indie boutiques, local snack stands, and novelty shops that are clearly designed with both domestic tourists and families in mind—think Studio Ghibli merch, animal-themed cafes, and a place called Yufuin Floral Village, which feels like a mini European fairytale village straight out of Disneyland. It’s touristy, sure, but also undeniably fun if you lean into it.
You’ll also find beautiful natural scenery here. Lake Kinrin, especially early in the morning when mist hovers over the water, is a peaceful spot for a walk. The town is surrounded by mountains, including Mount Yufu, which makes for a dramatic backdrop whether you’re relaxing at an outdoor bath or just enjoying a cup of tea.
Yufuin is most accessible via train for those coming from Fukuoka.
Things To Do In Yufuin
- Stroll along Yunotsubo Street, the main shopping street (don’t miss Yunotsubo Alley too)
- Don’t miss Snoopy Village Tea House or Donguri no Mori (for Ghibli lovers)
- Enjoy the picturesque Kinrin Lake
- Visit Yufuin Floral Village, a quirky area based on the Cotswolds area of England
- Try local foods such as Bungo beef
Where To Stay In Yufuin
- Yufudake Ichibo no Yado Kirara ($$)
- Ikkoten ($$$)
5. Beppu
Beppu is a city located on the eastern coast of Kyushu island in Japan. It is one of the largest hot spring resorts in all of Japan and is known throughout the world for its healing hot springs.
Beppu’s history as an onsen town has been longstanding, attracting tourists from around the world since ancient times.
The town is particularly famous for its “hells,” a series of hot springs with water so hot it is said to resemble boiling lava. How it got its name? During ancient times, people assumed the area was cursed upon seeing the gas and water bubbling up from the land violently!
After exploring the Hells of Beppu, you can head to a steam cooking workshop for jigoku-mushi—food cooked with natural hot spring steam. It’s so simple, yet incredibly delicious!
You can wander through the Kannawa district, where the streets themselves feel like a spa—steam rises from the ground all around you, and little foot baths and old bathhouses pop up around every corner.
Things To Do In Beppu
- Tour the Hells of Beppu
- Explore the Beppu Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- Try soft-boiled eggs cooked in the Jigoku Mushi way – a traditional way of cooking using the steam of a hot spring
- Take a sand bath at Beppu Beach
- Visit the Oita Art Museum – home to a collection of modern and contemporary art
- Visit Mount Tsurumi by ropeway and go hiking
- Spend a day at Kijima Kogen Park amusement park
- Takasaki Monkey Park – see monkeys in their natural habitat
Where To Stay In Beppu
- Kannawaen ($$ – $$$)
- Amane Resort Seikai ($$ – $$$)
- Amane Resort Gahama ($$$)
6. Hakone
By this point, Hakone is no secret. This region has long been known for its natural beauty, iconic views of Mount Fuji, and, of course, hot springs!
This famous onsen town is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, just a short train ride from Tokyo. One of the reasons why this onsen town is so popular is because of its ultra-convenient location.
Don’t feel like staying overnight? No problem–many visitors like to see Hakone and Mount Fuji on a day trip from Tokyo (we still recommend an overnight stay in order to truly experience the town!).
Love the outdoors? You can spend your time strolling around the historic Lake Ashi and enjoy the lush flora and fauna of Hakone National Park.
For more views, take a cruise on one of the traditional boats (called Pleasure Boats) or take a cable car up to one of several lookout points along the lake. Afterward, explore nearby attractions like Onshi-Hakone-Koen Park before sampling some delicious local cuisine!
Things To Do In Hakone
- Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Take a boat ride on Lake Ashi
- Explore the Hakone Shrine
- Take a ride on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car
- Visit the Hakone Sekisho Checkpoint Museum – a historical site that serves as a reminder of the days when Hakone was an important checkpoint on the old Tokaido road, which connected Tokyo and Kyoto.
Where To Stay In Hakone
- Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori ($$)
- Hakone Kowakien Tenyu ($$ – $$$)
- Kinnotake Tonosawa Ryokan ($$$$)
7. Gero
Gero Onsen is a small town south of Takayama, located between mountains and rivers in the Gifu Prefecture of Japan.
Gero Onsen is particularly famous for its incredibly smooth quality of water, which when soaked in, makes your skin equally as smooth! As such, Gero is home to a number of ryokans, many of which offer guests the opportunity to experience a traditional onsen bath. You won’t be able to get enough of that silky-smooth water.
The town is also home to a number of public baths, which are a popular attraction for overnight guests and day trippers. One of the most fun and relaxing things to do is to enjoy a stroll through the town center in traditional garb and soak in the free public foot baths scattered all around!
Looking for a more intimate experience? A good way to sample some of the town’s more private baths is to purchase a Yumeguri Tegata (spa pass), a wooden tablet that can be bought all around Gero. This pass gets you three visits to any participating ryokan and is good for six months.
Aside from the hot springs, the area also offers breathtaking views of Mount Hakusan and Mount Ontake and many other picturesque sites that are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities such as trekking or fishing.
Moreover, Gero has numerous shrines and temples such as Sensoji Temple and the Osenji Temple for you to enjoy.
Things To Do In Gero
- Explore the Gerohatsu Onsen Museum
- Gero Gassho Folk Village – experience traditional Japanese culture at this open-air museum by painting ceramics, making Japanese handmade paper, and participating in other hands-on activities.
- Shrasagi-za Theater – watch a beautiful “shadow play” that depicts Japan’s different seasons
- See Osakacho Waterfalls
Where To Stay In Gero
- Toraya Inn ($)
- Suimeikan ($$)
- Yunoshimakan ($$ – $$$)
8. Noboribetsu
Nestled in a valley between two mountains is Noboribetsu Onsen, located in Hokkaido Prefecture.
The history of Noboribetsu dates back to the Edo period when it was first developed as an inn town to provide lodging for travelers who were visiting the nearby lakes. Today, it remains one of the most popular destinations in southwestern Hokkaido.
Visitors flock here year-round to bathe in its natural hot springs or try out some local dishes like jingisukan (grilled mutton) and ramen.
One of the most popular attractions in Noboribetsu Onsen is the Jigokudani, or “Hell Valley,” which is home to a series of hot spring pools that are meant for viewing rather than for bathing in.
If you consider yourself a nature lover, then you’ll love Noboribetsu–the city is also a tourist base for the nearby Shikotsu-Tōya National Park.
Things To Do In Noboribetsu
- Visit the Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
- Explore the Noboribetsu Bear Park – features a variety of bears, including brown bears, polar bears, and black bears
- Visit the Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village – a theme park devoted to Edo-period history, with traditional performances, food & games
- Visit the Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe – an aquarium home to a variety of marine animals, including dolphins, seals, and sea lions
- Take a ride on the Noboribetsu Ropeway
Where To Stay In Noboribetsu
- Dai-ichi Takimotokan ($ – $$)
- Oyado Kiyomizuya ($ – $$)
- Ryotei Hanayura ($$$)
9. Atami
Atami Onsen is a coastal hot spring town located in Shizuoka Prefecture, just under an hour from Tokyo by shinkansen—making it one of the easiest onsen escapes from the city.
It’s perched right on the edge of Sagami Bay, which means you get both ocean views and mountain scenery. Historically, Atami was a favorite getaway spot for writers, artists, and wealthy Tokyoites. Although it experienced a brief period of decline, it has been making a comeback in recent years.
We stayed here after several days of fast-paced city hopping, and it was the perfect place to slow down. The town still has a retro, old-school charm about it—think vintage arcades, Showa-era buildings, and beachside ryokan with piping hot rooftop baths.
The food scene here leans heavily into fresh seafood, and we still talk about the grilled fish and onsen tamago we had for breakfast at our ryokan.
Unlike many other onsen towns on this list, Atami isn’t a sleepy mountain town—it has a bit of an edge, especially around the station area where you’ll find flashy seafood markets and the bustling Heiwadori shopping street.
But head closer to the coast or up into the hillside and you’ll find the quiet, scenic corners that have drawn visitors for generations.
Things To Do In Atami
- Soak at MOA Museum of Art’s onsen (or just visit the museum)
- Wander through Atami Plum Garden – Best during late winter to early spring
- Visit Kinomiya Shrine – A spiritual site surrounded by giant camphor trees. The sacred tree here is said to grant extra life to anyone who walks around it!
- Explore Heiwadori Shopping Street – A classic Showa-style arcade with street snacks, seafood vendors, and quirky souvenir shops.
Where To Stay In Atami
- Watei Kazekomichi ($$$)
- SOKI ATAMI ($$$)
- Atami Pearl Star Hotel ($$)
10. Dogo
Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most storied hot spring towns, located in the castle city of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku. If you’re someone who geeks out on tradition and cultural heritage, this place delivers.
The main attraction is the iconic Dogo Onsen Honkan, a wooden public bathhouse from the Meiji era that looks straight out of a Studio Ghibli set. Even if you don’t have time for an overnight stay, it’s absolutely worth a day trip just to soak in a bath that emperors have used.
After your bath, you can stroll around the small shopping arcade filled with local crafts, traditional sweets, and street food. There’s even a mechanical clock tower that puts on a little show every hour featuring characters from local author Natsume Sōseki’s novel Botchan, which is set in the town.
Food-wise, don’t skip the botchan dango (skewered mochi balls in pastel colors), Jakoten (deep-fried fish cake unique to Ehime), or a traditional taimeshi meal—rice topped with sea bream, a regional delicacy.
If you’re traveling by train, Dogo is super accessible from Matsuyama Station via tram, and you can easily explore the area on foot once you arrive. It’s not a remote mountain town, but more of a compact cultural hub with an old-school pace and plenty of charm.
Things To Do In Dogo
- Enjoy the Sora-no-Sanpomichi – sky promenade and footbath
- Botchan Karakuri Clock – when the time comes, the lights come on and the clock rises to the sound of taiko drums.
- Shiki Museum – highlights the life of Masaoka Shiki, a poet from Matsuyama.
- Dogo-Koen Park – see cherry blossoms in the spring, water lilies in the summer, colored leaves in the autumn, and camellia in the winter. Don’t miss the Yuzuki Castle Ruins.
- Enman-ji Temple, Hogon-ji Temple, Isaniwa-jinja Shrine
- Dogo Shopping Arcade – lots of shops dedicated to souvenirs and trinkets, plus Studio Ghibli store!
- Minakuchi Sake Brewery – sake brewery that dates from the early Meiji period.
- Hanahimero Geisha Teahouse – where you can enjoy geisha entertainment at much more reasonable prices than in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Where To Stay In Dogo
- Dormy Inn Matsuyama ($)
- Yamatoya Honten ($$)
- okcs Retreat Setouchi Aonagi ($$$$)
Additional Onsen Towns To Consider For Your Trip To Japan
Kumano Hongu Onsen-Kyo – Kumano Hongu Onsen Village (Wakayama Prefecture) is known for its three hot spring hamlets: Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen and Wataze Onsen. Explore the small villages and choose from a tiny bath for two or a river-sized bath big enough for hundreds! This area is also home to the World Heritage site, Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine.
Ryujin Onsen – Ryujin Onsen is a hidden, historical hot spring settlement situated deep in the Kii Mountain Range. The resort’s popularity stems from its water properties, thought to make skin smooth and supple.
Katsuura Onsen – This onsen features a number of hot springs, all of which offer unique settings, such as bathing in a rock bath within a cave or in an outdoor hot spring with fantastic ocean views.
Shirahama Onsen – one of the oldest onsen resorts in Japan’s Kansai region. You can experience a variety of unique therapeutic baths, including Saki-no-Yu Onsen, where you can feel the spray of crashing waves as you soak!
Wakayama Kada Onsen – Situated on the eastern coast of the Kii Peninsula in the southern part of Honshu, this onsen resort looks out onto picturesque Kada Bay. Watch the sunset and spot the Tomogashima Islands in the distance while bathing in one of the outdoor hot spring baths.
Map: Onsen Towns Featured In This Guide
With all the onsen towns that exist within Japan, I hope you were able to find the one you liked most! Once you visit one, you’ll be hooked and want to visit a million more. I’m sure of it–happy travel planning!
Planning Your Trip To Japan?
Here are a few other useful travel guides to help you plan the perfect trip to Japan.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Tokyo
- 15+ Best Theme Parks Near Tokyo, Japan
- Shimokitazawa: Vintage Shops, Coffee, and The Artsy Side Of Tokyo
- 2 Days In Kawaguchiko: An Epic Overnight Trip To Mount Fuji
- 10 Effortless Day Trips From Tokyo For Your Japan Itinerary
- A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary For Kawagoe, Japan (From Tokyo)
- 12 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan
Kansai Region
- 15 Fun Things To Do In Osaka Other Than Castles + Shrines
- 4 Days Of Fun In Osaka: The Ultimate Itinerary For An Epic Trip
- How To Spend 5 Days In Kyoto (With Nara + Osaka Day Trips)
- 30 Unique Activities To Add To Your Kyoto Bucketlist
Kyushu Region
- 10 Reasons Kyushu Is Japan’s Best-Kept Secret: Volcanoes, Onsen, and More!
- Everything We Did On Our Week-Long Kyushu Road Trip
- How To Spend A Perfect Day At Yufuin Onsen, Japan
- 15 Unmissable Things To Do In Beppu For First-Timers
- 7 Best Ryokans In Beppu, Japan (With Private Onsen)
- How We Spent 2 Days Relaxing In The Mount Aso Area
“Fantastic article on onsen towns in Japan! As someone living in Copenhagen, Denmark, I’m always fascinated by different cultures and travel experiences. Your insights into the serene onsen culture and the beautiful towns where they can be found have sparked my wanderlust. Japan’s rich traditions and natural beauty are truly captivating. Thanks for sharing this inspiring guide!”
These look divine! I was thinking of doing the Camino trail until someone said the sister version in Japan is even nicer. To combine the pilgrimage with onsen spots would be the ultimate. Love your inspiring blog :-)))))