
A Guide to Japan's Best Winter Hot Spring Destinations
In Japan, bathing in hot springs (locally known as onsen) is so loved it's practically a national sport. The country's volcanic makeup, mountainous landscapes, and rich tradition of hospitality make it the best possible destination for hot spring exploration.
While you can visit hot springs throughout the year, it's fair to say that visiting in winter elevates the experience. There's nothing quite like soaking in an outdoor bath in the crisp winter air, watching the snowflakes as they evaporate before hitting the steamy water. To help you plan your next winter escape, here are five onsen destinations to get you inspired.
1. Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata

Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata is a charming hot spring village nestled deep within the mountains. Running along the town's central river are rows of meticulously maintained ryokans. These ryokans, with their softly lit lanterns lining the cobblestone streets, cast a warm and inviting glow, creating a nostalgically romantic atmosphere and making it one of the nation's most famous hot spring destinations — especially in winter.
The contrast of the hot, mineral-rich waters against the cold air of an open-air bath is both invigorating and relaxing, and most hotels here have one. There are also two public baths in the town center. Legendary architect Kengo Kuma designed Shirogane-yu, one of the public baths. Omokage-yu is another public bath that can be rented out for private use (temporarily closed). Many of the town's ryokans also open their baths to visitors during the daytime.
Check out our guide to Ginzan Onsen.
Where to stay at Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen Notoya Ryokan is the embodiment of what makes Ginzan Onsen so great. This ryokan was first established in 1892 and is overflowing with heritage charm. It's positioned in the heart of Ginzan Onsen, making it easy to access the rest of the area on foot. Cozy and inviting, the facility has all the things you'd need for a perfect Ginzan stay: traditional Japanese-style rooms, hot spring baths, and an on-site restaurant offering excellent local cuisine.
2. Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo


Kinosaki Onsen, situated in Hyogo, is a serene and picturesque hot spring town that transforms in winter. If you're thinking about combining ski adventures with your onsen time but want to avoid the crowds, one suggestion might be to visit the town of Kannabe; here, you can try nighttime skiing in the highland countryside, just 40 minutes by car from Kinosaki Onsen.
Kinosaki Onsen’s guests stroll the streets while clad in yukata, bath-hopping between ryokans and public facilities. The town is home to a number of ryokans, many of which have their own baths. Another plus of the town is that most baths here are tattoo-friendly. There are plenty of public baths, too, with all of the hot springs within walking distance of one another; try increasing your luck by completing the practice of soto-yu meguri, which involves visiting all seven bathhouses. The seven baths are named Satono-yu, Jizo-yu, Yanagi-yu, Ichino-yu, Goshono-yu, Mandara-yu, and Kono-yu. Each bathhouse has its own unique features, and we break it down for you here.
Where to stay in Kinosaki Onsen



Kawaguchiya Kinosaki Riverside Hotel is a great choice for those who want easy access to the town's most stunning locations, western and Japanese-style spaces, and the option of a succulent wagyu beef dinner. Ideal for families and traveling groups, this hotel has large, spacious rooms with the capacity to host up to six guests per room. If you're feeling extra luxurious, there are also rooms with their own private open-air bath.
3. Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido


For a real “deep Japan” winter experience, head up to Japan's rugged northern island of Hokkaido to explore a landscape filled with sky-high mountain peaks and impossibly heavy dumps of snow punctuated by steaming hot volcanic pits. There's one place to get it all — Noboribetsu Onsen.
Located in the southwest corner of Hokkaido and surrounded by captivating wilderness, this locale is a hot spring paradise renowned for its remarkable geothermal activity and diverse range of mineral-rich waters. The best place to fully grasp the power of Noboribetsu is by visiting Jigokudani (Hell Valley), an active volcanic area with dramatic landscapes of bubbling hot springs and steaming craters set amid a snowy backdrop.
Wintertime activities in the area include snowshoeing, winter hiking, and enjoying local cuisine in cozy restaurants. But the town itself is a delight to explore in winter. Here, you'll find quaint streets lined with traditional ryokans and stores, but the biggest drawcard is the town's charming inns.
Check out our guide to Noboribetsu Onsen here.
Where to stay in Noboribetsu Onsen


Book a night at Kashoutei Hanaya to get the real, local inn experience. Besides the Japanese and western rooms, this cozy inn also mixes traditional Japanese elegance with contemporary style; think tatami-mat flooring with minimalist but plush western beds, moodily backlit by soft, golden light. The facility also has an on-site restaurant serving up excellent banquet cuisine, and it's ideally positioned just one kilometer from Jigokudani Valley — from which the inn sources its 100% free-flowing, mineral-rich sulfur spring water.
4. Shibu Onsen (Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen) in Nagano


Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps of Nagano, Shibu Onsen is an historic and tranquil hot spring village that's loved for its enchanting, snow-covered charm during winter. Its streets are lined with beautifully preserved ryokans (some dating back centuries), creating a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.
More than its stunning, snow-dusted landscape, though, there's something else that draws flocks of visitors this time of year. This onsen town is associated with the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques enjoy warm baths in the natural spring water.
Beyond the monkeys and hot springs, there are plenty of winter activities near Shibu Onsen like Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, an excellent place for a spot of skiing just 30 minutes away by car. For those who want a little of everything — adventure, local sights, and soothing hot springs — Shibu Onsen ticks all the boxes.
Where to stay in Shibu Onsen



Yudanaka Onsen Yorozuya is a great choice for those wanting a classic Japanese stay with a dash of historical elegance. This ryokan has spacious and light-filled traditional Japanese rooms big enough to fit groups of up to six guests. The hotel also has an incredible outdoor hot spring that's especially scenic in the evenings. As part of your stay, be sure to take advantage of the hotel's multi-course dinner and classic Japanese breakfast options.
5. Zao Onsen in Yamagata

Zao Onsen is nestled in the snowy mountains of Yamagata just on the cusp of Miyagi, and it's a captivating destination that truly comes to life during winter. The area is renowned for its juhyo, a unique natural phenomenon that only occurs in a few ranges of northeastern Japan where rime frost builds up on trees. As the trees accumulate windblown patterns of snow and ice, they transform into magnificent sculptures that dot the snow fields. With its local charm and exceptional skiing opportunities, Zao Onsen offers a winter experience like no other.
After a day on the slopes skiing or admiring the “snow monsters” (as the rime-covered trees are locally known), you can unwind in the area's natural hot springs. The milky, sulfur-rich waters provide a perfect respite from the winter chill. The town itself exudes a charming atmosphere with traditional inns and restaurants serving hearty Japanese cuisine.
Check out our guide to Zao Onsen Ski Resort here.
Where to stay in Zao Onsen


Zao Onsen Ryokan Wakamatsuya is one of the best places to stay when visiting Zao Onsen. This long-established inn is loved locally for its excellent Japanese cuisine and hot springs filled with mineral-rich water directly sourced from the free-flowing hot springs on the mountain. The hotel has traditional rooms and more modern Japanese-western fusion rooms; the latter comes with familiar furnishings like a western-style bed. Some rooms can accommodate up to six guests, making it a great choice for those traveling as a family or in groups.