If you want to heal from daily fatigue or “refresh your mind and body,” a hot spring trip is highly recommended! Japan, a hot spring paradise, is home to many famous and hidden hot springs across the country. Along with onsen information from various regions nationwide, we’ll also introduce ways to enjoy hot spring towns and what essentials to bring for an onsen trip! Use this as a guide to help you choose your perfect hot spring destination.
1. The Appeal of Hot Spring Travel
Hot springs have been loved by the Japanese since ancient times. In the past, they were referred to as “God’s Bath” for their ability to enhance beauty and cure all ailments. This deep-rooted love for hot springs remains unchanged in modern times, with many people going on hot spring trips during their holidays.
The biggest enjoyment of a hot spring trip is the sense of liberation and relaxation when soaking in the hot water. However, the color, scent, and healing properties of hot springs vary widely depending on the location. Even within the same hot spring area, the way one enjoys it and the surrounding scenery can change with the seasons.
This diversity of charm depending on the region and season is perhaps the true pleasure of hot spring travel.
2. How to Enjoy a Hot Spring Town
A hot spring trip is not just about relaxing in the bath. To fully enjoy your getaway, exploring the hot spring town is a must.
A hot spring town is an area filled with local restaurants and souvenir shops that showcase the unique appeal of each hot spring area. Walking through such a town in a yukata (light cotton kimono) creates a sense of being in another world and allows you to fully experience its charm.
Stroll around freely, enjoy the local gourmet specialties, browse through souvenirs and handicrafts, etc. The key to enjoying a hot spring town is immersing yourself in the local atmosphere and discovering its unique character.
3. Hot Spring Conditions in Japan
Japan is one of the world’s leading “hot spring countries,” with over 27,000 sources—ranking among the highest in the world. The discharge volume of hot springs reaches about 2.6 million liters per minute, and there are more than 3,000 hot spring areas across the country.
In Japan, the “Onsen Law” defines hot springs as follows:
The temperature at the time it emerges from the ground must be 25°C or higher
It must contain at least one of 19 specified components in a designated amount
If either of these conditions is met, the spring qualifies as an onsen.
In other words, hot springs greatly differ in temperature and mineral content depending on the location. Particularly, the type and concentration of minerals determine the hot spring’s classification into one of ten categories, which in turn affects the water’s feel, scent, color, and health benefits.
4. Hot Springs in Hokkaido
Hokkaido, with its vast natural landscapes, is known for having the most hot spring areas in Japan. There are around 250 hot spring locations in Hokkaido, making it the second-largest in terms of hot water output, following Oita Prefecture.
Though Hokkaido is the largest prefecture in terms of area, hot spring towns can be found all over—from Wakkanai in the north to Hakodate in the south. Even within the same region, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of spring types, depending on the location.
5. Hot Springs in the Tohoku Region
The Tohoku region is home to many hot springs known as “famous springs” or “hidden springs.”
For example, “Sukayu” in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, is located about 900 meters above sea level in the Hakkoda Mountains. Another unique site is “Kawarage Oyutaki” in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture—a massive waterfall that itself serves as a natural hot spring.
The Tohoku region offers many distinctive hot springs that can’t be found elsewhere. Once you visit, you’ll want to return again and again.
6. Hot Springs in the Kanto Region
The Kanto region is home to the nationally famous hot spring destination Hakone Yumoto Onsen. With convenient access via trains and express buses, it is bustling daily with many tourists.
Other well-known hot spring areas in Kanto include Yugawara Onsen in Kanagawa Prefecture—just like Hakone Yumoto—and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. The Kanto region is notable for its concentration of highly recognized hot spring locations.
7. Hot Springs in the Chubu Region
Among the hot springs in the Chubu region, one of the most popular is Gero Onsen in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture.
Gero Onsen is counted among Japan’s three most famous hot springs and offers breathtaking views, especially with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.
Other must-visit hot springs include Okuhida Onsen-go in Gifu, known for its top-class open-air baths, and Yunoyama Onsen in Mie Prefecture. The Chubu region offers numerous onsen destinations worth experiencing at least once.
8. Hot Springs in the Kansai Region
The Kansai region is filled with renowned and hidden gem hot springs.
Some of the most popular ones include Yunomine Onsen in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture—said to be Japan’s oldest hot spring, Arima Onsen in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture—one of Japan’s top three hot springs, and Kinosaki Onsen in Kinosaki Town, Hyogo Prefecture.
If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend, visiting the hot springs of Kansai is a great choice for a healing experience.
9. Hot Springs in the Chugoku Region
The Chugoku region is made up of five prefectures: Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi.
It boasts a variety of hot springs with different mineral properties, including historically significant ones like Tamatsukuri Onsen in Shimane Prefecture—mentioned in The Pillow Book, and Yuda Onsen in Yamaguchi Prefecture—said to have hosted discussions among late-Edo period revolutionaries.
Hot spring lovers and history buffs alike should not miss the charm of the Chugoku region’s onsen.
10. Hot Springs in the Shikoku Region
Surrounded by abundant nature, the Shikoku region is well known for its high-quality hot springs.
In particular, Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture is widely recognized nationwide and is the most iconic hot spring associated with Shikoku.
Since Shikoku lacks active volcanoes, one unique trait of its hot springs is that the source temperatures tend to be lower.
11. Hot Springs in the Kyushu and Okinawa Regions
Within Japan, the Kyushu region is particularly popular for its hot springs.
If you’re planning a hot spring trip to Kyushu, you absolutely cannot miss the hot springs of Oita Prefecture, Japan’s number one “onsen prefecture,” which boasts the highest hot water output in the country.
And surprisingly, even Okinawa—primarily known as a resort destination—has hot springs scattered throughout the prefecture.
12. Packing List for a Hot Spring Trip
While hot spring trips are fun, preparing what to bring can be surprisingly tricky.
Here is a complete list of items you'll need for a hot spring trip. Use this as a reference when packing.
■ Must-Haves: Essentials List
Smartphone
Wallet
Health insurance card
Charger (for smartphone, tablet)
ID
Health insurance card (duplicate in list)
Regular medication
Change of clothes
Glasses or contact lenses (if needed)
Sanitary products (for women)
Cosmetics (for women)
■ Items Depending on Destination/Accommodation
Bath towel or face towel
Hair dryer
Loungewear
Hairbrush
Razor
Toothbrush set
Shampoo and conditioner
■ Convenient Extras
Portable charger
Rain gear
Guidebook
Camera
Small bag
Cards or games for entertainment
◎ Summary
Across Japan, there are famous and hidden hot springs in every region.
On your days off, heading out for a hot spring trip and soaking in the warm waters will ease both body and mind, relieving stress and fatigue.
On Skyticket, you’ll also find plenty of hotels with private open-air bath guest rooms.
Be sure to fully enjoy a hot spring trip that brings healing to both your body and soul.