Kusatsu Onsen
Healing geothermal waters and fun festivals in a secluded mountain onsen resort!
Stroll down charming alleys in your cotton yukata and wooden sandals breathing in the aroma of Kusatsu Onsen, an authentic onsen town in Gunma Prefecture.
Don’t Miss
– The yubatake hot water fields in the center of town.
– Cracking open an onsen tamago—eggs boiled in the hot spring water.
– Satisfying your sweet tooth with traditional onsen manju sweets.
– A trip to Sainokawara Park.
Hells of Beppu
Seven bubbling onsen hell spots with resident alligators
Located in Beppu’s Kannawa and Kamegawa regions, Beppu’s Jigoku—also known as the Seven Hells of Beppu—got the name from the mysterious and temperamental springs here. Water and gas bubbled up from the land so violently that people in ancient times assumed it was cursed.
You can witness the same expulsions of gas, iron oxide-rich steam and bubbling hot mud that have continued to spook guests and locals since the beginning of time.
Don’t Miss
– Experiencing all seven hells, each with distinctive characteristics.
– Trying an egg and pudding steamed in these natural hells.
– A visit to “alligator hell” to view the reptilian residents.
Gero Onsen
Escape to this atmospheric onsen town, well-loved since the 10th century
For centuries, Gero Onsen has been famous throughout Japan as one of the best places to take to the waters. Its fame even spread overseas, bringing illustrious visitors such as Charlie Chaplin, a trip commemorated with a statue in the town. Set aside a leisurely overnight trip—or longer—to Gero Onsen to soak in the hot springs and slip back in time.
Don’t Miss
– Bathing among the rocks beside Hida River.
– Climbing the stone steps to Onsenji to enjoy the view.
– Getting a taste of Shirakawago at Gassho Village.
Noboribetsu Onsen
Soak in healing waters at this top hot spring resort in Hokkaido
Ease into a pool and wash away your pains. The hot springs of Noboribetsu are famous for not only their bounty but also their variety. Natural spring waters flow down from Hell Valley , resulting in naturally created baths and nine types of water.
Don’t Miss
– Soaking in refreshing, mineral-infused pools.
– Shopping and dining in a historical spa town.
– Seeing eerie plumes of steam rise from natural springs.
Hachimantai Onsen
An onsen resort with plentiful, sulphur-rich water, plus trekking, golf, skiing and more nearby
Situated in a lofty mountain range bordering Iwate and Akita prefectures, Hachimantai Onsen is a resort that offers tranquil surroundings, unspoiled beauty, and the relaxing sounds of birdsong while bathing.
Quick Facts
– Spectacular views of Mt. Iwate from onsen (hot springs) in the area.
– A wide range of all-year leisure activities.
Shiobara Onsen
Amazing hot springs in a gorgeous valley
The Shiobara Onsen village lies in a river valley in the northern mountainous part of Tochigi . Its proximity to Tokyo, diversity of baths, and high elevation make it a popular urban escape.
Don’t Miss
– Onsen hopping to experience the village’s diverse baths.
– Hiking along the pristine Hoki River.
Ginzan Onsen
Unwind, relax and step back in time
Founded on the site of a former silver mine in rural Yamagata, Ginzan Onsen Hot Spring caters to discerning guests with a taste for old-world atmosphere.
Traditional inns line the river to create picturesque scenes more evocative of a Taisho period (1912-26) novel than a modern resort. It’s a long way from big city life and well worth the trip.
Don’t Miss
– Stroll along Ginzan River and the town’s pedestrianized streets in your yukata.
– Visit Shirogane Park and cool yourself by its waterfalls.
– Stay overnight and dine at one of Ginzan Onsen’s many hot spring inns.
– Take an outdoor rotenburo bath or enjoy a private kashikiri soak.
