Okuhida Onsen

One of Japan's three great hot springs. Its smooth alkaline water is renowned as a 'beauty spring.' The onsen town along the Hida River has a nostalgic atmosphere.

Open-air bathing experiences at distinctively colored hot springs in Beppu, such as the Blue Hell, accessible to tourists as part of the Hell Tour. Many facilities offer authentic soaking while functioning as tourist attractions, exemplifying the diversity of Japanese hot spring culture and tourism evolution. Used by approximately 1 million visitors annually.

An open-air bath culture exemplified by nine remote mountain onsen inns in the Oku-Okhotsk valley, Nikko, Tochigi. These intimate facilities offer rustic rotenburo seamlessly integrated with nature. Guests experience bathing amid snow in winter, cherry blossoms in spring, and autumn foliage—embodying Japanese onsen aesthetics. Its difficult access preserves its character as a hidden gem in serene wilderness.

A collective term for six hot spring communities nestled in the northern Hida Mountains near Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. Comprises Shinhotaka, Tochiao, Fukuji, and Shinuhotaka onsen plus three distinctive rotenburo areas. Despite its remote mountain setting, settlements spread along the Kameda River. Particularly beautiful during autumn foliage season, attracting hikers and onsen enthusiasts.

Open-air baths immersed in nature represent the essence of Japanese onsen culture. Bathing while gazing at mountains, streams, ocean, or snowy landscapes offers a sense of unity with nature. This uniquely Japanese wellness practice has garnered worldwide attention.

A hot spring city boasting the highest volume of spring water in Japan. Known for its 'Beppu Hatto' — eight distinct onsen areas — and 'Jigoku Meguri' (Hell Tour), the city has roughly 2,300 individual springs. Diverse tourism experiences leverage these thermal resources in creative ways.