Top 10 Onsen to Visit in Japan

Japan is famous for its hot springs, known as "onsen." Here are the top 10 onsens to visit in Japan for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience:

1. Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma)

Renowned for its high-quality water and abundant hot springs, Kusatsu is one of Japan's top onsen destinations.

2. Beppu Onsen (Oita)

Beppu is one of the country's most famous onsen resorts, with a variety of unique hot spring experiences, including mud baths and steam baths.

3. Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido)

Located in Hokkaido, this onsen is famous for its hot spring "Hell Valley" and the healing waters of its various baths.

4. Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa)

Easily accessible from Tokyo, Hakone offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji and numerous hot spring options.

5. Gero Onsen (Gifu)

Known for its "onsen-hopping" culture, Gero is a charming onsen town with open-air baths along the Hida River.

6. Arima Onsen (Hyogo)

One of Japan's oldest onsen resorts, Arima offers both golden (kogane-no-yu) and silver (gin-no-yu) hot springs.

7. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo)

A picturesque onsen town with seven public bathhouses and a relaxed atmosphere.

8. Dogo Onsen (Ehime)

Japan's oldest onsen, it served as the inspiration for the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away."

9. Nyuto Onsen (Akita)

Nestled in the mountains, Nyuto Onsen offers a rustic and tranquil onsen experience, surrounded by nature.

10. Ibusuki Onsen (Kagoshima)

Known for its unique sand baths, where visitors are buried in naturally heated sand for relaxation.

These onsen destinations offer a range of experiences, from luxurious resorts to traditional ryokans (inns) with communal baths. Whether you're looking for healing properties or a scenic escape, Japan's onsen towns have something to offer every traveler.