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Japan’s hot springs are surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, from lush mountain views to oceanfront baths, making them the perfect escape from everyday stress. Follow us on a journey to explore these iconic Japanese destinations and experience the ultimate relaxation and healing!

Japan Hot Spring Destination #1: Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resorts, known for its dramatic “Hell Valley” (Jigokudani). Here, volcanic steam vents and bubbling waters create an otherworldly landscape. In autumn and winter, the valley transforms as golden and fiery red foliage mix with rising steam—a magical sight. Soaking in the warm waters while gazing at the powerful scenery of Hell Valley melts away your fatigue in an instant.

Location: Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido
Recommended spring type: Sulfur spring

Japan Hot Spring Destination #2: Hakone Onsen

Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone Onsen is a historic and popular hot spring retreat near Tokyo. Here, you’ll find numerous traditional ryokans (Japanese inns), and while soaking in the baths, you can admire spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Especially in autumn and winter, the combination of hot springs and snowy scenery creates a classic Japanese atmosphere that’s hard to leave. Hakone is famous for its sodium bicarbonate springs, known to improve circulation and leave the skin feeling smooth. Beyond the baths, Hakone offers rich cultural experiences at sites like Hakone Shrine and Lake Ashi, blending relaxation with exploration.

Location: Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture
Recommended spring type: Sodium bicarbonate spring

Japan Hot Spring Destination #3: Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs, renowned for its highly acidic sulfur waters. These powerful waters are said to treat various skin conditions and have strong antibacterial properties, making Kusatsu a top destination for therapeutic soaks. With the highest natural water output in Japan, Kusatsu gushes thousands of liters per minute, filling the air with the distinctive scent of sulfur. The town’s symbol is “Yubatake” (hot water field), where steaming waters flow through wooden channels, creating a unique landscape. Don’t miss the traditional “Yumomi” performance, a ritual of cooling the hot waters while preserving their healing properties, guaranteeing total physical and mental rejuvenation.

Location: Kusatsu Town, Gunma Prefecture
Recommended spring type: Acidic spring

Japan Hot Spring Destination #4: Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen, located in Gifu Prefecture, is one of Japan’s top three famous hot springs, celebrated for its gentle waters and a thousand-year history. The alkaline simple spring is colorless, odorless, and highly beneficial for the skin, earning it the nickname “beauty bath.” Many visitors come here seeking not only relaxation but also skincare benefits. Around Gero Onsen, attractions like Gero Onsen Gassho Village showcase traditional Japanese farming life, offering a cultural journey alongside your hot spring experience.

Location: Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
Recommended spring type: Alkaline simple spring

Japan Hot Spring Destination #5: Dogo Onsen

Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture is one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, with over 1,000 years of history. Legend says even ancient Japanese royalty bathed here for healing. The symbol of Dogo Onsen is its iconic Main Building, a historic wooden bathhouse said to have inspired the bathhouse in the animated film Spirited Away. Here, you can not only enjoy the warm, gentle alkaline waters but also immerse yourself in traditional Japanese hot spring culture.

Location: Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
Recommended spring type: Alkaline simple spring

Japan Hot Spring Destination #6: Beppu Hattō (Beppu Eight Springs)

Beppu Onsen in Oita Prefecture is one of Japan’s largest hot spring areas, home to eight distinct hot spring districts known collectively as “Beppu Hattō.” Each district offers unique spring qualities and scenic settings, from ocean-view baths to mountain soaks. Beppu is also famous for its “Jigoku” (hell hot springs), which are too hot for bathing but stunning to view due to their vivid colors and steamy eruptions. Beyond soaking, Beppu’s many bathhouses and hot spring museums invite visitors to dive deeper into the charm of Japan’s onsen culture.

Location: Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
Recommended spring types: Various spring types available

Japan Hot Spring Destination #7: Arima Onsen

Arima Onsen in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, with a history stretching back over a thousand years. It’s famous for two unique types of waters: “Kinsen” (gold spring), rich in iron and salt with a reddish-brown hue, known for relieving rheumatism and neuralgia; and “Ginsen” (silver spring), a clear carbonated spring that boosts circulation and benefits heart health. With both therapeutic and relaxing effects, Arima Onsen offers a perfect balance of healing and indulgence. Plus, its proximity to Kobe means you can also enjoy gourmet dining and shopping during your trip.

Location: Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Recommended spring types: Iron-salt spring, carbonated spring

Further Reading：

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