[Kanto] Introducing Recommended Hot Spring Spots

The Kanto region boasts many popular hot spring areas, and there are even locations that can be reached as a day trip from Tokyo. In Gunma, Tochigi, and Kanagawa Prefectures, you’ll find a wealth of attractive hot spring destinations! Being in the Kanto region means you can easily plan a weekend getaway or a short holiday trip. Here are some of the recommended hot spring spots in Kanto!

1. Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture): The “Yubatake” is a Famous Landmark of North Kanto

Kusatsu Onsen, renowned as one of Japan’s top three hot springs, is a hot spring town located in the mountainous area of Gunma Prefecture. Its symbol, the “Yubatake” (hot spring field), gushes out about 4,000 liters of hot spring water per minute, creating a breathtaking sight! In winter, the steam rising from the town and the illumination at night produce a magical atmosphere.

The traditional “Yumomi” performance, in which water is stirred on wooden planks, is held at Netsunoyu, near the Yubatake. There are about six daily performances featuring Yumomi and dance shows, which are a must-see—and you can even try the experience yourself.

Nearby, you’ll also find highly ranked ryokan such as Hotel Sakurai, Daitokan, and Hotel Hitoshi. These facilities often offer mixed-gender baths suitable for families and couples, as well as accommodations perfect for solo travelers. There are also many Kusatsu Onsen tours and packages available, so be sure to book your trip!

2. Kinugawa Onsen (Tochigi Prefecture): A Picturesque Valley Hot Spring Destination

Kinugawa Onsen is a popular hot spring area located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. Lined along the Kinugawa River flowing through a deep mountain valley, the hot spring town offers a serene escape surrounded by nature.

With numerous ryokan featuring open-air baths, private rooms with in-room dining options, and family-friendly plans, Kinugawa Onsen is a comfortable choice for overnight stays. You can enjoy activities such as river cruises along the Kinugawa or cross the Kinugawa Suspension Bridge to fully appreciate the natural beauty.

Kinugawa Onsen makes for a great family trip and is also ideal for group travel, as some accommodations offer table tennis and karaoke facilities. Accessible by train from Tokyo in about 2 hours, it’s an excellent getaway for residents of the Kanto region.

3. Nasu Onsen (Tochigi Prefecture): A Resort Area in North Kanto and Nasu Highlands

Nasu Onsen, located in the Nasu Highlands of Tochigi Prefecture, is a popular hot spring destination with over 1,300 years of history and the highest volume of spring water production in the prefecture.

The surrounding Nasu Highlands offer beautiful seasonal scenery—azaleas in spring and vibrant autumn foliage—making it a perfect spot to refresh. Numerous attractions, such as Nasu Animal Kingdom, Nasu Highland Park, and Rindou Lake Family Ranch, add to the appeal for families with babies and children.

Highly ranked accommodations like Royal Hotel Nasu and TOWA Pure Cottage, the official hotel of Nasu Highland Park, are conveniently located near popular tourist sites, so be sure to check them out.

4. Hakone Yumoto Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture): A Kanto Classic Accessible as a Day Trip from Tokyo

Hakone Yumoto Onsen is a hot spring town with about 40 ryokan lining the streets in front of Hakone Yumoto Station. With convenient access from Shinjuku via the Odakyu Romancecar (approximately 85 minutes), it’s an excellent destination for a day trip.

Popular day-trip accommodations such as Hakone Yumoto Onsen Hotel Okada and Hakone Yumoto Onsen Tenseien are located in this area, making it easy to explore on foot. Many day-trip plans include private baths, private rooms, and buffet lunches or dinners, allowing you to refresh yourself at your leisure.

There are also budget-friendly lodging options for overnight stays, along with extremely affordable packages on weekdays. Some day spas even operate late into the night, so you can relax at your own pace.

5. Ikaho Onsen (Gunma Prefecture): A Kanto Landmark Known for Its Retro Stone Steps

Ikaho Onsen is a hot spring area famous for its retro stone steps and is one of the signature hot spring spots of Gunma Prefecture, alongside Kusatsu Onsen.

The 365 stone steps on both sides are lined with ryokan and souvenir shops, making it a delightful place to stroll and sample local street food. You can enjoy regional specialties such as Mizusawa Udon (one of Japan’s top three udon varieties), hot spring steamed buns called “Yunohana Manju,” and Shibukawa’s famed “Koganeimo.”

One of the popular accommodations, Hotel Tenbō, features a sprawling 1,000-tsubo property with 12 different types of baths for both men and women, offering a diverse range of bathing experiences.

6. Shiobara Onsen (Tochigi Prefecture): A Renowned Hot Spring Area Lining a Scenic Valley

Shiobara Onsen is a hot spring area located along the Houki River in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture. With 11 hot spring spots offering six different types of hot spring water, you can choose the one that suits your needs based on various therapeutic properties. There are around 60 lodging facilities where you can enjoy these diverse hot springs.

In autumn, the area is renowned for its fall foliage, and you can enjoy kayaking or canyoning on the Houki River. In winter, activities like skiing and snowboarding at Hunter Mountain Shiobara are available.

Popular accommodations such as “Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel New Shiobara” frequently offer affordable plans on weekdays. With multiple natural hot springs on the premises, you’re encouraged to experience them for yourself.

7. Yugawara Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture): A Popular Spot Overlooking the Lush Sagami Bay

Yugawara Onsen is a hot spring area facing Sagami Bay. It has been frequented by figures such as those mentioned in the Man'yōshū and literary giants of the Meiji era like Natsume Sōseki and Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, who visited and wrote about the area.

The area features numerous attractions, including the foot bath facility at Manyo Park, the Yugawara Ume Grove with around 4,000 plum trees in bloom, and Hoshigaya Park Satsuki no Sato, where you can enjoy stunning views with 50,000 satsuki camellias.

Among the top-ranked accommodations are “Hotel Akane,” where you can enjoy an open-air bath while gazing at the starry sky from a hillside, and the upscale, historic ryokan “Fujitaya,” originally established in the Meiji era. These make for an elegant hot spring getaway.

8. Gora Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture): A Recommended Hub for Hakone Sightseeing

Gora Onsen is a hot spring area located around Gora Station—the terminus of the Hakone Tozan Railway. The hot spring inns lining the slopes of Mount Souun offer picturesque views and a charming atmosphere.

Surrounded by attractions such as Gora Park, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and the Pola Museum of Art, Gora Onsen serves as an excellent base for sightseeing. The nearby Hakone Tozan Cable Car at Gora Station also provides easy access to Lake Ashi, making it a convenient stop.

Popular accommodations here include “Kino no Yu Yukigetsuka,” which offers open-air baths in every room right in front of Gora Station, as well as the hidden luxury inn “Enkan no Mori” for those seeking a more private retreat.

In addition to numerous hot spring inns, there are also options that participate in the “Go To Travel” campaign, offer buffet plans, and cater to solo travelers or groups—so consider booking your stay!

9. Minakami Onsen (Gunma Prefecture): A Hot Spring Area Along the Tone River Valley

Minakami Onsen is located along the upper reaches of the Tone River and is home to over 20 ryokan, hotels, and pensions near JR Minakami Station. The area in front of the station is lined with souvenir shops and gourmet restaurants, making it a great place to stroll and sample local snacks.

Situated at the foot of Mt. Tanigawa, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, you can also enjoy sightseeing via ropeway. Other attractions include the “Michi-no-Eki Minakami Suikikikan” with its aquarium and climbing wall, and the Minakami Highlands Ski Resort, offering winter activities.

Additionally, some accommodations, like “Daikokukan,” allow pets and even feature indoor playrooms for dogs—so you can relax even on rainy days with your furry friend.

10. Shima Onsen (Gunma Prefecture): A Hidden Gem in North Kanto

Shima Onsen is a hot spring area located around the Shima River. It is said to have been discovered in ancient times, making it one of the nation’s oldest hot spring resorts and the first designated national recreation hot spring area. Known for its benefits in treating digestive issues and improving skin condition, it’s particularly recommended for women.

For sightseeing, attractions such as Oku-Shima Lake, Hyugan Mikyakushidō, and Ogura Waterfall allow for a leisurely time in nature.

Also, you can experience a stay at “Sekizenkan,” a hot spring inn reminiscent of the maid’s quarters from the film Spirited Away. This historic inn, with over 300 years of history and recognized as Japan’s oldest wooden hot spring building, offers retro guest rooms in the traditional “tuberculosis” style—definitely worth a night’s stay.

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[Kanto] Introducing Recommended Hot Spring Spots