Overview
Japan has over 3,000 hot spring resorts, each with unique water properties claimed to cure everything from skin problems to fatigue. This ranking is based on the 2025 Jalan Research Center survey of over 13,000 travelers, organized by region to help you plan your perfect onsen experience.
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National Top 5 (2025)
| Rank | Onsen | Region | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Kusatsu Onsen | Gunma (Kanto) | Strongest acidic waters, Yubatake landmark |
| 🥈 | Hakone Onsen | Kanagawa (Kanto) | Mt. Fuji views, variety of spring types |
| 🥉 | Dogo Onsen | Ehime (Shikoku) | 3,000 years old, Spirited Away inspiration |
| 4 | Beppu Onsen | Oita (Kyushu) | Highest volume in Japan, “Hells” tour |
| 5 | Noboribetsu Onsen | Hokkaido | Hell Valley, 9 different spring types |
Kanto Region
Hot springs within easy reach of Tokyo
🥇 Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma)
#1 in Japan for 2 consecutive years. The Yubatake (hot water field) in the town center produces 32,300 liters per minute—Japan’s highest natural flow rate. The highly acidic waters (pH 2.1) are said to cure everything except heartbreak. The traditional “yumomi” stirring performance is a must-see.
🥈 Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa)
Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone is the most accessible world-class onsen resort. Multiple hot spring villages (Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Kowakidani) offer different water types. Combine with Lake Ashi cruises, the Open Air Museum, and Mt. Fuji views.
🥉 Kinugawa Onsen (Tochigi)
A riverside resort town near Nikko, perfect for combining with temple visits. Known for alkaline waters that leave skin silky smooth. Several ryokan offer outdoor baths overlooking the gorge.
Also Notable
- Ikaho Onsen (Gunma) — Famous stone steps, iron-rich “golden” waters
- Atami (Shizuoka) — Classic seaside resort, ocean-view baths
Kansai Region
Historic hot springs near Osaka and Kyoto
🥇 Arima Onsen (Hyogo)
One of Japan’s oldest hot springs, just 30 minutes from central Kobe. Famous for two types of water: “Kinsen” (golden, iron-rich) and “Ginsen” (silver, clear carbonic). Compact town perfect for a day trip or overnight.
🥈 Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo)
A picturesque town with 7 public bathhouses. Tradition says you should try all seven in one evening, strolling in yukata (cotton robe) and geta (wooden sandals) between them. Famous for winter crab season (November-March).
🥉 Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama)
One of Japan’s three oldest hot springs, located on a white sand beach. Sakino-yu outdoor bath sits right on the rocky shore with waves crashing nearby.
Also Notable
- Nara Onsen (Nara) — Near the famous deer park
- Nanki-Katsuura (Wakayama) — Coastal hot springs, fresh tuna
Chubu Region
Mountain hot springs in the Japanese Alps
🥇 Gero Onsen (Gifu)
#2 in Japan overall. One of Japan’s “three great hot springs” along with Kusatsu and Arima. Alkaline waters famous for making skin smooth and silky. The town offers foot baths along the river.
🥈 Takayama/Okuhida (Gifu)
Mountain hot springs in the Northern Alps. The Okuhida Onsen villages offer dramatic outdoor baths with mountain scenery. Perfect after visiting Takayama’s old town.
🥉 Awara Onsen (Fukui)
The “Hollywood of the Hokuriku” was a favorite of Japanese celebrities in the Showa era. Elegant ryokan, excellent for combining with Kanazawa and Eiheiji Temple visits.
Also Notable
- Yamashiro & Yamanaka (Ishikawa) — Kaga onsen region near Kanazawa
- Shirahone Onsen (Nagano) — Milky white waters in the mountains
Hokkaido
Hot springs in Japan’s northern wilderness
🥇 Noboribetsu Onsen
#5 in Japan overall. The dramatic “Jigokudani” (Hell Valley) produces 10,000 tons of hot water daily with 9 different mineral compositions. Bears, demons, and sulfur fumes create an otherworldly atmosphere.
🥈 Jozankei Onsen
Just 50 minutes from Sapporo, set in a beautiful river valley. Stunning autumn foliage (October) and illumination events. Easy to combine with city sightseeing.
🥉 Yunokawa Onsen (Hakodate)
Oceanfront hot springs with views of the Tsugaru Strait. Famous for the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden where you can watch monkeys bathing in hot springs during winter.
Also Notable
- Tokachigawa (Tokachi) — Rare “moor” hot spring, plant-based
- Sounkyo (Daisetsuzan) — Mountain gorge, ice festival in winter
Tohoku Region
Hidden gem hot springs in the rural north
🥇 Nyuto Onsen (Akita)
#1 Hidden Gem for 3 consecutive years. Seven rustic ryokan hidden deep in the mountains, each with unique milky waters. Tsurunoyu’s mixed outdoor bath is iconic. Accessible from Tazawako Station.
🥈 Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata)
A fairytale-like hot spring town with wooden ryokan lit by gas lamps. Snow-covered winter nights feel like stepping into Spirited Away. Extremely popular—book months in advance.
🥉 Zao Onsen (Yamagata)
Famous for skiing, “snow monsters” (frozen trees), and highly acidic waters. The outdoor bath at Zao Onsen Dai-Rotenburo offers stunning mountain views.
Also Notable
- Naruko Onsen (Miyagi) — Kokeshi doll production, autumn leaves
- Matsunoyama (Niigata) — One of Japan’s three great “medicinal” springs
Kyushu
Hot spring paradise with volcanic activity
🥇 Beppu Onsen (Oita)
#4 in Japan overall. Japan’s most productive hot spring area with eight distinct districts and more hot water than anywhere else on Earth. The “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour) showcases colorful boiling pools. Sand baths available at Beppu Beach.
🥈 Yufuin Onsen (Oita)
Most popular with women travelers. An elegant, artsy resort town with boutiques, cafes, and mountain views. Less “hot spring town” atmosphere, more European village feel. Lake Kinrin’s steaming waters are iconic.
🥉 Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto)
A charming mountain village where a single pass lets you try baths at multiple ryokan. Atmospheric outdoor baths surrounded by nature. No large hotels—only traditional inns.
Also Notable
- Ibusuki (Kagoshima) — Famous sand baths on the beach
- Unzen (Nagasaki) — Hell-like volcanic landscape
- Kirishima (Kagoshima) — Mountain hot springs with hiking
Shikoku
Japan’s oldest hot spring
🥇 Dogo Onsen (Ehime)
#3 in Japan overall. With 3,000 years of history, this is Japan’s oldest hot spring. The main bathhouse (renovated in 2024) inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away. Royalty and literary figures have bathed here for centuries. The town of Matsuyama offers castle views and easy access.
Also Notable
- Kotohira Onsen (Kagawa) — Near Konpira Shrine pilgrimage
- Iya Valley (Tokushima) — Remote mountain hot springs
Tips for Onsen First-Timers
- Wash first — Always shower and rinse thoroughly before entering the bath
- No swimsuits — Traditional onsen are nude bathing only (separate baths for men/women)
- Tattoo considerations — Some onsen prohibit tattoos; look for “tattoo-friendly” options
- Small towel only — Bring a small towel into the bathing area (keep it out of the water)
- Hydrate — Drink water before and after bathing to prevent dehydration