30 Best Onsen Towns Japan Has

With over 27,000 natural hot spring sources scattered across the Japanese archipelago, Japan offers an unparalleled variety of scenic onsen towns and resorts to experience the country’s bathing culture.

As I reflect on my November Japan trip, I spent three weeks in Japan and I sprinkled in three Onsen ryokans and hotels for optimal soaking and relaxation. Before my trip, I extensively researched the best onsen towns in Japan.

During my last trip, I visited Hirayu Onsen in the Hida Takayama area which was the highlight of my stay. Takayama is a popular tourist destination known as “Little Kyoto” near the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama”. It’s also famous for high-quality Hida beef.

Hirayu Onsen is a picturesque mountain town filled with hot springs nestled amidst breathtaking snow-dusted peaks. I stayed at a traditional ryokan with relaxing onsen baths and amazing keiseki meals in our rooms. If you want to know how it’s like staying in a traditional Ryokan with a private onsen bath read about my experience here. The link will be available when the article is live.

Getting away from busy city life and appreciating Hirayu Onsen’s majestic natural surroundings enveloped by mountains was the ultimate retreat experience that I can’t recommend enough to fellow onsen enthusiasts.

30 Best Onsen Towns Japan Has & Why you Need to Visit

Here are some of the Japan’s Best Onsen Towns. I organized them by categories first and then I have them listed with a detailed description so you can pick the onsen towns that are best for you.

Renowned Onsen Town Japan : 

Best onsen towns in Japan For Couples

• Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma) – Highly-therapeutic acidic onsen water with daily yumomi cooling performances Gero Onsen (Gifu) – Riverside baths with moisturizing milky mineral water Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo) – 7 public baths in quaint town welcoming to tattooed guests
• Beppu Onsen (Oita) – Onsen capital offering variety like sand, mud and steam baths
• Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto) – Picturesque town with bath hopping pass system
• Nozawa Onsen (Nagano) – Ski and snowboard by day, soak in free public baths by night
• Shibu Onsen (Nagano) – Spiritually-significant 1300-year old baths promising health and luck
• Ikaho Onsen (Gunma) – Stone stairway lined with traditional inns and baths
• Dogo Onsen (Ehime) – Historic seaside bathhouse since AD 701 inspiring Spirited Away
• Shima Onsen (Gunma) – Perfectly preserved 1100-year old aesthetic free of neon signs
• Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata) – Riverside town especially atmospheric blanketed in snow
• Shuzenji Onsen (Shizuoka) – Hot spring resort beloved by famous haiku poets
• Kawaguchiko Onsen (Yamanashi) – Mt. Fuji views from outdoor baths and saunas

Best Ryokan Resorts with Hot Springs in Japan

• Tsurunoyu (Akita) – 100-year old accommodations and baths nestled in the forest
• Lampno Yado (Ishikawa) – Dramatic hot spring cave pools carved into seaside cliffs
• Suimeikan (Gifu) – Elegant lodging with open-air bath overlooking mountains
• Warakutei (Gifu) – Intimate 8-room lodging tucked deep in the wooded valley
• Shinzanso (Gifu) – Riverside dining and bathing with impeccable hospitality
• Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei (Hokkaido) – Extravagant baths and suites alongside hot spring park

Scenic Day-Trip Worthy Onsen from Tokyo

• Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa) – Mt. Fuji views and dedicated relaxation facilities
• Atami Onsen (Shizuoka) – Centuries-old seaside baths beloved by feudal warlords Yumoto Onsen (Nikko) – Nature-rich baths and hiking trails northwest of Nikko
• Niwa no Yu (Tokyo) – Tranquil urban garden oasis prohibiting children

Most Photogenic & Picturesque Japan Onsen Towns

• Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto) – Riverside lantern-lit traditional townscape
• Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata) – Historic riverside streets picturesque when snow-covered
• Shima Onsen (Gunma) – Perfectly preserved nostalgic streets free of modern signs

Best  Onsen Towns in Japan For Snowy Winter Destinations

• Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata) – Outdoor winter bathing overlooking snow-laden roofs
• Nozawa Onsen (Nagano) – Ski and snowboard powdery slopes by day, soak by night
• Shuzenji Onsen (Shizuoka) – Izu highlands transform into a winter wonderland
• Zaō Onsen (Yamagata) – Outdoor baths adjacent to snow monster sculptures

Onsens in Japan with Most Unique Variety of Bath Types

• Beppu Onsen (Oita) – Mud baths, sand baths, steam baths and more
• Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido) – Sulphuric baths of 11 unique mineral compositions
• Ibusuki Onsen (Kagoshima) – Outdoor hot sand baths overlooking the ocean
• Kawaguchiko Onsen (Yamanashi) – Outdoor mountain baths, saunas and open-air baths

Onsen Towns in Japan with Ultimate Scenic Bath Locations

• Maguse Onsen (Nagano) – Riverside cliff bath overlooking mountain valleys
• Furofushi Onsen (Aomori) – Dramatic oceancliff baths blessed by winter snowfall
• Takaragawa Onsen (Gunma) – Secluded forest river bath shrouded by maple trees
• Miyajima Onsen (Hiroshima) – Itsukushima Shrine views from open-air baths
• Healthyland (Kagoshima) – Seaside baths watching boats glide across clear blue waters Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei (Hokkaido) – Panoramic vistas of Geiyo Islands and Seto Sea

Most Luxe High-End Japan Onsen Towns & Resorts

• Tsurunoyu (Akita) – Elegant superlative service from Japan’s oldest ryokan chain
• Yunokawa Prince Hotel
• Nagisatei (Hokkaido) – Palatial suites and baths befitting royalty
• Suimeikan (Gifu) – Meticulous hospitality and locally-sourced gourmet dining

Best Onsen Towns in Japan Areas for Beginners & Tourists

• Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo) – English guides and maps provided for over 50 accommodations
• Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa) – Accessible day-trip with immense variety of baths

• Kawaguchiko Onsen (Yamanashi) – Iconic Mt. Fuji views easily accessed from Tokyo
• Dogo Onsen (Ehime) – Historic bathhouse and charming shopping promenade

Best Japan Onsen Towns for Traditional Architecture Lovers

• Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto) – Preserved wood and earthen structures along river
• Shima Onsen (Gunma) – Antique lodgings from feudal era to mid-1900s
• Shibu Onsen (Nagano) – Cluster of 9 historic bathhouses over 1300 years old
• Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata) – Riverside wooden ryokan reminiscent of historic Japan
• Nozawa Onsen (Nagano) – Public baths evoking nostalgic Ghibli anime backdrops

Most Spiritually Significant Onsen Town in Japan for Wellbeing & Luck

• Shibu Onsen (Nagano) – Complete circuit of 9 baths promising lifelong health/luck
• Dogo Onsen (Ehime) – Water said to enhance beauty and vitality Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma) – Highly therapeutic baths to cure any non-romance ailments

onsen towns japan has that is Accommodating to Tattooed Bathers

• Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo) – Public baths/maps welcoming those with body ink
• Senami Onsen (Chiba) – Ocean soaks for tattooed guests near Tokyo Naruko Onsen (Miyagi) – Mixed and private baths allowing discreet tattoo soaks

November is the optimal month for avoiding summer humidity and crowds while not yet being bitterly frigid in much of the country. With thousands of years of communal bathing tradition and culture, Japan offers deeply spiritual soaking experiences unmatched anywhere else globally both in tradition and variety. I hope this exhaustive guide helps you shortlist your must-visit destinations for the ultimate hot spring experience!

The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Best 30 Onsen Towns and Resorts

Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma)

Known for its pungent smelling acidic water sourced from geothermal Mt. Shirane springs, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma is one of Japan’s most therapeutic onsen towns. Daily yumomi water cooling performances showcase the onsen’s extreme heat needing to be regulated for safe bathing. Public outdoor bath Sai-no-Kawara Rotenburo in Sai-no-Kawara Park is a must-visit in Kusatsu along with hiking in spring or skiing local peaks in winter.

Gero Onsen (Gifu)

The milky sulfuric water of Gero Onsen’s riverside baths in Gifu has long been prized since the Edo period for its beautifying properties. Rich in moisturizing minerals, bathing in the area’s hot springs leaves skin smooth and rejuvenated. Visitors can visit public indoor and open-air river baths as well as free foot baths scattered around town, perfect for a post-sightseeing soak. Both traditional ryokan and large resorts provide accommodation with private bath access.

Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo)

Despite the traditional atmosphere of wooden buildings and yukata-clad travelers, Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo breaks the mold by openly allowing and catering to visitors with tattoos across its 7 public baths. Each unique onsen spring can be accessed for free by guests staying at one of over 50 local ryokan, making enjoying the area’s springs easy. In addition to bathing, partake in sutra copying, green tea picking, zen meditation and more complete with English-speaking staff.

Beppu Onsen (Oita)

With over 2,000 hot spring sources in 8 distinct areas, no town embodies Japan’s onsen obsession more than Beppu Onsen in Oita Prefecture. Nicknamed the “9 Hells” for their boiling waters, be sure to join walking tours to experience rare varieties like therapeutic mud baths, refreshing sandy baths, and rejuvenating steam baths that make Beppu a bather’s heaven. Accommodations leverage mineral waters sourced from 8 underground spring types for their private baths.

Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto)

Nestled amongst verdant forested mountains, Kurokawa Onsen charms with its preserved traditional townscape complete with lantern-lit ryokan lining the river. The area features over 20 hot springs, primarily accessed through luxurious accommodations ranging from affordable ryokan to upscale resorts. Unique to Kurokawa is the onsen pass system – for ¥1,300 you can get a wooden token granting access to 3 baths of your choice out of dozens, each with their own variety and aesthetic.

Nozawa Onsen (Nagano)

Boasting 13 free-to-enter public hot spring baths, Nozawa Onsen provides both winter sports excitement and ample opportunities for therapeutic soaking. By day ski and snowboard Nozawa’s renowned powdery slopes and by afternoon unwind at one of the area’s unique soto-yu bathhouses tucked amongst the snow. The charming buildings housing each communal onsen feature traditional architecture recalling the sets of beloved Ghibli films.

Shibu Onsen (Nagano)

Dating back over 1300 years, Shibu Onsen’s 9 public “outer baths” promise luck in money, relationships and life to visitors completing the circuit during their stay. In addition to spiritual sightseeing, the town offers gorgeous mountain landscapes ripe for exploration via skiing, hiking and more. Free access to communal baths, deeply rooted heritage, and spiritual promise make little Shibu Onsen a must-visit.

Dogo Onsen (Ehime)

First enjoyed over 1000 years ago for its therapeutic mineral waters, Dogo Onsen carries cultural cachet from visits by Japanese emperors and serving as the inspiration for Miyazaki’s acclaimed Spirited Away film. The main 1894 public bathhouse building blends traditional and modern design across indoor and outdoor bathing areas. Over 40 surrounding lodging facilities also provide access to the treasured hot spring water.

Shima Onsen (Gunma)

At over 1100 years old, perfectly preserved Shima Onsen charms with its lack of modern developments – you won’t find towering hotels, convenience stores or neon signs in this nostalgic town. Historic lodgings range from 70s-style ryokans to buildings dating back to Japan’s feudal era for a truly atmospheric visit. Bath offerings leverage the area’s natural iron-rich hot spring water for relaxation.

Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata)

In the riverside hot spring area of Ginzan Onsen, wooden ryokan buildings line the Ginzan River for a fairy tale-esque scene brightly lit by lanterns each evening. Blanketed in shimmering white snow come winter, outdoor winter bathing while surrounded by the town’s frozen-in-time architecture makes for an unbeatable travel memory.

Shuzenji Onsen (Shizuoka)

This hot spring resort in Izu highlands offers scenic views year-round that were the muse of famed haiku poets centuries ago. In winter the area transforms into a snow-covered retreat perfect for steamy soaks and huddling around a kotatsu before visiting the many Buddhist temples nearby. Stay at a traditional ryokan, choose from 4 public bathhouses, or relax streamside at one of the footbaths.

Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa)

Just a train ride away from Tokyo, Hakone makes for the ultimate natural escape in Kanagawa boasting dormant volcanoes and over 19 distinct hot spring resort facilities. In addition to bathing in mineral-rich alkaline water, enjoy an unmatched variety of experiences: open-air baths, private reservable baths, amusement waterparks, and dedicated relaxation complexes like Tenzan Tohji-kyo with over 9 types of baths.

Atami Onsen (Shizuoka)

Atami Onsen’s seaside location provides hot spring water high in salt and minerals said to heal skin irritation, just an hour train ride from Tokyo. Boasting ancient origins tied to Japanese legends, the area provides a peaceful hot spring experience centered around oceanfront ryokan with private open-air baths and infinity pools overlooking the scenic bay.

Yumoto Onsen (Nikko)

This nature-surrounded hot spring area offers steamy soaks along with verdant landscapes perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Just north of Yumoto you’ll find bubbling marshlands where geothermal waters percolate to the surface. Nearby Lake Yunoko, Yudaki Falls, and walking trails like Senjogahara add gorgeous scenery to time spent unwinding in therapeutic waters.

Niwa no Yu (Tokyo)

A rare urban oasis in busy Tokyo, Niwa no Yu spa prohibits children maintaining an atmosphere of total tranquility. While waters aren’t from natural springs, facilities impress with multiple bathing areas surrounded by an authentic Japanese garden for a miniature retreat from city life. Visitors can relax knowing it enforces swimsuit policies, so the sexes can enjoy bathing simultaneously without discomfort.

Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto)

Nestled amongst verdant forests, Kurokawa Onsen is beloved for its painstakingly preserved traditional town center of wooden buildings and earthen structures stretching along the riverbank. Illuminated at night by lanterns, it achieves an ethereal beauty further enhanced when admired while soaking in one of the many open-air baths interspersed around town.

Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata)

Extremely atmospheric when covered by winter snowfall, Ginzan Onsen charms with riverside streets lined with wooden ryokan buildings evoking historic Japanese aesthetics. While scenic year-round, it becomes truly postcard-perfect in the colder months when the rock-lined Ginzan River appears crystallized in ice – the optimal backdrop for outdoor soaking.

Shima Onsen (Gunma)

At over 1100 years old, perfectly preserved Shima Onsen charms with its lack of modern developments – you won’t find towering hotels, convenience stores or neon signs in this nostalgic town. Historic lodgings range from 70s-style ryokans to buildings dating back to Japan’s feudal era for a truly atmospheric visit. Bath offerings leverage the area’s natural iron-rich hot spring water for relaxation.Beppu Onsen (Oita)

Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido)

Home to Hell Valley’s otherworldly volcanic landscape, Noboribetsu Onsen leverages some of Japan’s most varied and effective hot spring water. Boasting 11 kinds tailored to specific therapeutic effects, bathe in hypoallergenic gold spring water or nourishing skin-enhancement waters along with colorless, clear and yellow varieties prized for ages.

Ibusuki Onsen (Kagoshima)

Best known for suna-yu, or hot sand baths warmed by underground springs, Ibusuki Onsen overlooks the ocean allowing peaceful views while buried chest-deep in naturally heated sand. After your sand soak, explore local sites like the 1150-year old Tatsugo Shrine, monkey park and fruit orchards. Overnight accommodations range from affordable to 5-star resort luxury.

Kawaguchiko Onsen (Yamanashi)

This scenic area offers both outdoor and indoor bathing options leveraging potassium-rich waters enriched from venting Mt. Fuji volcanism below the lake’s surface. Take relaxing soaks while admiring majestic mountain views or sweat out toxins in co-ed indoor saunas. Nearby sites like Mt. Fuji itself, Fuji-Q Highland amusement park and the Music Forest museum add entertainment.

Tsurunoyu (Akita)

Regarded as one of Japan’s most luxurious onsen ryokan chains, Tsurunoyu provides quintessential Japanese hospitality refined over 300 years by the manager family lineage. Their forest-encircled ryokan marry exquisite service with elegant indoor and open-air baths, multi-course dining showcasing seasonal ingredients and rooms outfitted in tasteful traditional decor.

Lamp no Yado (Ishikawa)

This architectural marvel in Ishikawa’s Noto Peninsula offers once-in-a-lifetime views from its seaside cliff-carved cave baths. Rock pools of varying temperatures provide variety while gazing out at the Sea of Japan through floor-to-ceiling windows. Equally impressive cuisine centered around seafood and Noto Peninsula delicacies completes the luxurious experience.

Suimeikan (Gifu)

A refined world of relaxation awaits at this elegant mountain inn destination overlooking the pristine Nakasendo Trail. Meticulously prepared multi-course Japanese cuisine made from local Hida ingredients coupled with hospitality perfection has earned it inclusion in Relais & Chateaux luxury owner circles. Guests never want to leave its open-air hilltop bath offering sublime mountain vistas.

Warakutei Onsen (Gifu)

Tucked deep within Gifu’s wooded mountains, this ultra-exclusive getaway caps guests at just 8 across 4 buildings for an intimacy unmatched by even stellar luxury hotels. Staff act as your personal butlers in this hidden valley seemingly worlds away providing customized relaxation supported by hyperlocal cuisine sourced on-property and from neighboring mountain villages.

Shinzanso (Gifu)

From the moment you sit down to their Michelin-starred chef’s seasonal degustation dinner to the final farewell, Shinzanso intimately pampers every guest with Hida region omotenashi (hospitality). Their riverside open-air bath encourages lingering with its views of mighty Mount Hotaka while enjoying the solitude of their ultra-private venue.

Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei (Hokkaido)

This extravagant northern resort promises an unforgettable escape where relaxation is raised to an art form. Palatial suites equipped with private open-air baths and infinity pools overlooking the Seto Sea set the stage for indulgent evenings admiring Hokkaido’s wild beauty. Days spent sailing nearby islands, walking in lavender fields or sampling gourmet seafood complete the opulent experience.

Maguse Onsen (Nagano)

Dramatically situated along cliffs stacked high above mountain valleys, Maguse’s riverside baths encourage awe for nature’s soaring beauty in tandem with therapeutic relaxation. Nearby hiking courses through Nakasendo Pass forests deliver adventure and discovery during summer/autumn while winter snowstorm vistas inspire unmatched coziness. Sparse amenities encourage total surrender to the senses.

Furofushi Onsen (Aomori)

Perched along unpredictable ocean cliffs, Furofushi’s outdoor baths provide a dose of excitement balanced by calming views across wintery seascapes. Nearby apple groves sprinkled with snow satiate cravings for hot cider in cold months while illuminations sparkle when darkness falls early. With limited indoor spaces, the secret joy of Furofushi lies in embracing nature’s seasonal whims.

Takaragawa Onsen (Gunma)

Tucked within Maple Valley’s dense autumn foliage, Takaragawa’s riverside outdoor baths shower visitors in colorful leaves floating on wispy clouds of nature’s steamy water. Wintertime snowfall grants crystal reflections of textured wooden surrounds and nearby cabins exuding rustic charm. With mixed gender bathing, its secluded setting spellsbinding in any season.

Miyajima Island Onsen (Hiroshima)

Offering equal parts cultural and wellness respite, Miyajima Island Onsen tempts with outdoor baths overlooking the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and Inland Sea’s glittering waters. The adjacent island town provides enlightening temple visits alongside tempting street foods like momiji manju sweet pastries ideal while strolling tree-lined boulevards dressed in charming rented kimonos.

Healthyland (Kagoshima)

With cliffside pools literally hanging over the East China Sea paired with unbroken ocean vistas, Healthyland’s sensational seaside setting intensifies the thrill of open-air soaking. Catch waves crashing along the beach in between dips or admire scenes unchanged since medieval times when samurai practiced archery skills on neighboring ranges.

Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei (Hokkaido)

In addition to private suites with open-air baths and pools overlooking the sea, this northern Hokkaido resort also houses an entire hot spring amusement park perfect for family fun or reminiscing childhood. Milk from local farms makes special appearances in baths or visit the unearthly blue “sky bath” giving the sensation of floating amongst clouds.

Shibu Onsen (Nagano)

Dating back over 1300 years, Shibu Onsen is home to 9 public “soto-yu” bathhouses scattered amidst quaint streets promising luck to visitors that complete the circuit during their stay. In addition to spiritual sightseeing, the town offers gorgeous mountain landscapes ripe for skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and more. Free communal bath access, deeply rooted cultural heritage, and spiritual promise make little Shibu Onsen a must-visit.

Ikaho Onsen (Gunma)

Boasting 1200 years of history, Ikaho Onsen is fittingly accessed by climbing its 365 famous stone steps lined with nostalgic shops and traditional inns. Natural spring water sourced from nearby Mt. Haruna is available in “gold” and “silver” varieties, each with different mineral compositions said to promote wellness. The area also offers scenic vistas of surrounding Lake Haruna and its iconic floating “Oshino” torii gate.

Dogo Onsen (Ehime)

Regarded as one of Japan’s oldest onsen dating back over 1000 years, Dogo Onsen spotlights its main public 1894 bathhouse seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary design across 3 floors of indoor/outdoor pools. Beloved by royalty and serving as inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s globally famous Spirited Away film, Dogo also offers over 40 surrounding lodging options with access to the treasured therapeutic mineral waters.

Shuzenji Onsen (Shizuoka)

Boasting visits from 17th-century haiku poetry masters enamored by its scenic seasonal beauty, Shuzenji Onsen town offers relaxation drawing from lush natural surroundings. 4 distinct public hot spring bathhouses available alongside charming ryokan suite accommodations capture the atmosphere that compelled historical creatives to extoll its richly inspiring landscape through verse still celebrated today.

Kawaguchiko Onsen (Yamanashi)

Leveraging mineral-rich spring water warmed by underlying volcanic thermals from iconic Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchiko Onsen town offers both open-air and indoor bathing facilities. Options range from large traditional gender-separated indoor pools to smaller exposed baths and dry saunas bordering Lake Kawaguchi itself. Nearby outdoor adventures, museums and amusement parks add recreational variety.

I stayed at a traditional Ryokan hotel that i recommend. The best part was the view of Mt Fuji from our room and the

Tsurunoyu (Akita)

Regarded as Japan’s oldest hot spring ryokan with over 300 years of hospitality heritage, Tsurunoyu provides quintessential refinement perfected across generations in wooded Akita. Their estate’s treasured iron spring water fills both private outdoor mountain baths and large indoor pools for guests indulging in gourmet seasonal dining and peaceful rooms blurring lines between outdoors and in.

Senami Onsen (Chiba)

Catering to urbanites seeking a quick escape from Tokyo without sacrificing onsen access, Senami offers huge open-air ocean baths where tattooed guests can discretely soak while admiring seaside vistas. Nearby cafes specializing in local seafood complete the laidback seaside town atmosphere just 70 minutes from the bustling city center by rail.

Naruko Onsen (Miyagi)

With over a millennium of soaking culture forged by nobility, monks and warlords, Naruko Onsen town plays host to over 80 lodging options ranging from no-frills to all-inclusive extravagance. Highlights include one rare mixed gender bath alongside private reservable suites and even entire secluded rental cottages for families wanting a hot spring hideaway vacation.

Yamato no Yu (Gunma)

A rare onsen oasis allowing tattooed and foreign guests near Tokyo, Yamato no Yu provides tranquil indoor and outdoor bathing leveraging mineral-rich Kinugawa River spring water. Private reservable family suites allow groups with kids, couples and solo bathers 2 hours of dedicated soaking and steam room access at affordable rates. Their baths avoid chemicals using traditional wood filtration achieving soft, smooth water.

Mikokuyu (Tokyo)

Easily accessed within Tokyo’s 23 ward area, this neighborhood onsen frequented by locals provides authentic communal bathing without restrictions on tattoos or foreign guests. Their facilities impress with a dedication to cleanliness and relaxation from busy city life complemented by affordable pricing, lending an air of welcome inclusion.

Kurama Onsen (Kyoto)

Nestled in the mountains outside Kyoto, this hot spring town charms with its dedication to wellness traditions spanning centuries. Their highly-regarded waters are leveraged for private and communal bathing at 10 distinct facilities spread along the picturesque valley town hosting millions of annual visitors. Relaxation therapies also integrate local crafts like creating your own signature essential oil blends.

Tenzan no Yu (Kyoto)

Mere minutes from downtown Kyoto, Tenzan no Yu offers relaxing hot spring bathing embracing traditional elements like zen meditation spaces alongside modern conveniences including spa treatments. Their baths range from luxuriously aromatic to powerfully therapeutic while taking care to welcome guests regardless of age, tattoos or language barriers for quintessential hospitality