Shibu Onsen

One of Japan's premier hot spring resorts in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture. With over 32,300 liters per minute of natural spring water, it boasts Japan's highest output. The resort centers on the yubatake hot water field, and the traditional yumomi practice of cooling hot water with wooden paddles is famous. Its strongly acidic waters have high bactericidal properties.

A mountain hot spring resort in Minami-Oguni, Kumamoto Prefecture, with approximately 30 traditional inns lining a charming street. The 'yumeguri' practice of visiting multiple inns with different spring qualities is popular, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Known as a hybrid resort preserving Edo-period atmosphere while offering modern services, it represents Japan's hot spring culture.

An ancient hot spring in Nozawa Onsen village, Nagano Prefecture, featuring 13 public bathhouses scattered throughout town and available free to residents. Managed as communal assets since the Edo period, they remain central to community identity. Also known as a ski resort, attracting approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. It exemplifies the relationship between Japanese hot spring culture and local society.

A coexistence model of historic wooden bathhouses and modern hotels in Shibu Onsen, Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture. While maintaining hot spring inn culture from the Edo period, it achieved modernization responding to late 20th-century tourism demand. Historic bathhouses in the town center remain active, exemplifying balanced thermal tourism merging tradition and innovation.

A collection of hot spring resorts on the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, including Wakaura Onsen and Wajima Onsen. Featuring open-air baths with views of the Japan Sea, tourism increasingly combines hot spring bathing with agricultural experiences and home-stay culture. Attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually, it functions as an important regional tourism industry.

A representative hot spring resort of the Izumo region in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Known for skin-beautifying properties since mythological times, counted among Japan's oldest onsen. Positioned along the Hii River, it retains classic hot spring town atmosphere. Features gentle sulfate waters, renowned for skin-friendly properties. While lesser-known nationally, it is deeply cherished locally.

A hot spring resort in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, preserving the Edo-period hot spring lane with nine stone-built communal baths still in use. Many historical structures remain, creating townscapes harmonizing vintage inns with contemporary facilities. The tradition of 'bath-hopping'—visiting all nine baths—continues, offering authentic nostalgic onsen experiences.