The Complete Guide to Onsens in Japan
With over 27,000 natural hot spring sources, Japan has a rich history and culture of communal bathing dating back centuries. Onsens are not just a way to relax and unwind; they're also famous for their healing and therapeutic properties, attracting visitors across the globe to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters. Many onsen towns are also so deeply integrated into Japanese history that an onsen visit is one of our top recommended cultural experiences.
If you've started to explore Japanese culture's rich traditions, you may have come across the term onsen. But the term onsen can be confusing, so if you're not sure exactly what it is, fear not; we're here to fill you in!
Onsen is a term that's used interchangeably in Japanese for both an object and a location. Basically, onsen means "natural hot spring" in Japanese, and what makes an onsen an "onsen" is its water source.
In Japan, folks refer to the literal bathing facilities and towns built up around these hot spring water sources as onsen, which is why you have onsen towns.
Onsen towns, rich with hot spring water sources, are also referred to by adding the "onsen" tag to the end of the location's name. For example, Mt. Zao in Yamagata is home to Zao Onsen; there's Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata, Arima Onsen in Hyogo, and Dogo Onsen in Ehime, to list a few.
And the difference between an onsen and a sento? That's simple; what makes the sento different from the onsen is what goes into the water and where it comes from. Sento water is heated water, a big bath potentially with minerals added later.
To be classified as an "onsen", the water has to be natural volcanic spring water. The water must also be at least 25°C at the source and meet one of 19 potential criteria related to its mineral content levels.
Essentially though, the rules around visiting an onsen and a sento are the same.
To start, make sure you're in the correct gender bath. If you've made a mistake here, chances are you'll be able to figure that out pretty fast! Many onsen use Japanese characters to identify which bath is for which gender. If you can, just follow the signs saying "男" for men and "女" for women.
No swimsuits, you have to be nude. There may be exceptions to this rule for one-off mixed baths or amusement park-style onsen facilities, but generally, it's nude or nothing. If you're shy, rent private baths available for booking (known as kashikiri), or go super early in the morning.
The onsen is for relaxing, not washing, so you must clean yourself before entering the bath. The facilities have small showers and stalls to use just before you hop in. For more information on where to begin your onsen experience, be sure to read our beginner's guide to onsen culture.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned onsen-goer, exploring some of Japan's most iconic traditional onsens like the ones below is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in your Japan experience while indulging in a little well-deserved rest and relaxation.
In Gunma prefecture, you'll find the stunning Kusatsu Onsen. One of its most unique features is the yubatake, or "hot water field", where the water is cooled before it is distributed to the various baths, blanketed in steam; this open water field is a great place to marvel at the natural wondrous beauty that is the onsen.
In nearby Gifu prefecture is Gero Onsen, a popular hot spring resort area that was referred to as one of Japan's three best hot springs in the Edo Period (1603-1868). This onsen's hot spring water is sourced from the Hida River and contains sulfur and other minerals believed to have healing properties. Its unique open-air hot spring bath is surrounded by lush greenery, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
To soak in some history, head to Ehime prefecture’s Dogo Onsen. This legendary destination has been frequented by Japan's most prestigious guests, including the Imperial Family. The unique architectural design and traditional interior are said to have inspired the Studio Ghibli animated film "Spirited Away", with its maze of passages, stairways, and rooms that witness the hustle and bustle of bathers and staff alike.
Heading up to Japan's rugged northern region of Hokkaido? Noboribetsu Onsen is a famous hot spring resort known for its sulfuric water and unique, “hellish” scenery. The resort's Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is filled with boiling springs and volcanic activity. You can walk through the valley and see the sulfurous steam vents creating an otherworldly, steamy sight to behold.
On the other end of the map is Kyushu's Kurokawa Onsen, a small town in the mountains of Kumamoto prefecture. What makes the experience more special is the fact that the town has made a concerted effort to maintain a pleasant, traditional atmosphere, so you won't find any towering concrete hotels, neon signs, and bold colors here. Instead, you'll find a townscape celebrated in natural colors and materials, wooden buildings, earthen walls, and stone steps. There's even a river flowing through to complete the scenic picture.
For more information on these stunning destinations and to uncover more onsen escapes, check out our piece on the most iconic traditional onsen in Japan.
If you've got tattoos and you've been planning a visit to Japan, there's a good chance you've heard the warnings about flashing your inked skin in public. Traditionally, many onsen and hot spring destinations have been hesitant to allow people with tattoos to enter due to their association with organized crime in Japan.
However, some onsen facilities are starting to change. There is a selection of tattoo-friendly onsens and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) you can visit across Japan without worrying about what's on your skin.
An easy weekend trip from Tokyo is Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan in the lush surroundings of Gunma Prefecture; this traditional ryokan inn combines old-world Japanese style with modern comforts; think tatami mat floors with western bedding. But the best feature is the facility's in-room baths for complete bathing privacy.
Kinosaki Onsen, in the north of Hyogo Prefecture, is a cute onsen town that mixes traditional style with more contemporary philosophies and boasts a history that's 1,300 years old. You can slip on a yukata (Japanese summer kimono), stroll the classic streets and hop between the town's seven public baths, all tattoo-friendly!
In Chiba, just outside Tokyo, Yamato no Yu is a stunning onsen facility that effortlessly melds the art of traditional onsen bathing with the styles and charms of modern design. It's actually located not far from Narita airport, so if you're looking for a last-minute send-off, this could be the ideal place.
Hakone's Yumoto Onsen Tenseien is a much-loved hot spring resort with a seven-decade-long legacy and some of the best onsen water around Tokyo. If you want an easy Tokyo onsen escape, Tenseien is a top pick. The facility utilizes the mineral-rich springs of Yumoto Onsen across 12 impressive fully-equipped private baths perfect for bathing in privacy and not worrying about tattoo etiquette.
For a more comprehensive list of tattoo-friendly onsen options, bookmark our guide.
On the hunt for classic Japanese luxury? You can't overlook a stay at an onsen ryokan. Ryokan are traditional Japanese inns and the perfect combination of indulgence and cultural immersion, with their natural hot spring baths, kaiseki cuisine, and authentic decor.
Beautiful views, exquisite food, and a soul-invigorating soak — there's no better way to "do as the locals do". To know where to begin, the following are some of the best, most luxurious onsen ryokan in Japan.
Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei is in the charming town of Kinosaki in Hyogo Prefecture, renowned for its hot springs and historic streets.
If you're seeking an authentic experience, you'll find it within the traditional walls of this ryokan. Once you step inside, you'll discover the perfect blend of time-honored Japanese hospitality, natural hot spring baths, and exquisite cuisine, all dating back to the facility's establishment in 1869.
You'll find one of Japan's most famous hot springs at Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama. Sink into the property's indoor and outdoor hot spring baths and a sauna and steam room, all of which are fed by natural hot springs. Once you've emerged from your cocoon of bliss, decompress in the property's traditional Japanese-style guest rooms, each decorated with tatami flooring, shoji screens, and futon beds. Your body and soul will thank you for it.
If you want something closer to Tokyo, Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture is a great choice. Fufu Atami offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains, a sanctuary by the sea. Enjoy traditional Japanese-style accommodations and relaxing onsen, which boasts access to activities and experiences, including a spa, traditional tea ceremonies, calligraphy lessons, and sake tastings. You'll be spoilt for culinary choices when it comes to fine dining. Fufu hosts multiple onsite restaurants, including authentic kaiseki, teppanyaki grill, and sushi.
For those visiting Kyoto and looking for a tranquil escape, it's worth visiting Monjusou Shourotei, an inn with Sukiya-style architecture standing on the tip of Cape Monjudo. This upscale Japanese ryokan is situated in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, a historical area known for its temples. Grounded by the warmth of wood tones, each room is designed in the traditional Japanese style, where guests can enjoy the surrounding terrace and Japanese garden that you can view from every angle.
Read our guide to the most luxurious onsen ryokan in Japan for more high-end onsen inspiration.
While some of the nation's most well-known onsen locations are outside Tokyo, those just visiting the nation's capital don't have to miss out. One of the best ways to take advantage of the onsen experience in Tokyo is by booking a night or two at one of the city's many onsen hotels.
From cozy indoor baths, open-air baths, foot baths, and hot mist saunas, there's a wide range of onsen-inclusive hotel options for travelers, families, and workers staying in Tokyo.
Time spent at Yuen Bettei Daita in the hipster neighborhood of Shimokitazawa will make you feel like you're worlds away from the city, despite being just a few stops from Shibuya. Based on the concept of "a Hakone hot spring in Tokyo", the alkaline onsen water is actually sourced from natural springs in Hakone. The Japanese inn has 35 guest rooms ranging in size, with some accompanied by a terrace area while others have a private open-air bath and garden view.
Set in central Tokyo, Yuen Shinjuku is a luxury Japanese inn that features a rooftop hot spring onsen. While gazing out at the sprawling Tokyo city skyline, guests can soothe their bodies and minds in the Hakone-sourced alkaline water. For dining, Yuen Shinjuku's restaurant "Kakatojo" on the ground floor is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Specializing in teppanyaki and tempura, guests can expect traditional Japanese, including grilled meat, sashimi, seafood, and set meals.
If you're staying on the eastern side of the city, Dormy Inn Express Asakusa or Ryoun no Yu Onyado Nono Asakusa offers a relaxing stay in the heart of downtown Tokyo. This ryokan-style hotel features a restaurant, a sauna, and a hot spring bath. You'll also find an ashiyu or foot spa bath where you can soak and revitalize your feet, which you will appreciate after a long day of exploring this fascinating corner of Tokyo.
Ready to go a little deeper? Read our full guide to the best hot spring hotels in Tokyo right here.
For those who really want to know where to go, always following the locals is the most failsafe method. According to our statistics, these five spots — chosen by local Japanese travelers in 2022* were the most popular onsen hotels in the country.
*This ranking is based on the total number of per-guest stay nights booked through Rakuten Travel between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022.*Criteria: top 50 hot spring resorts with a designated number of facilities, based on the number of per-guest stay nights.