Aso Onsen

A hot spring resort nestled at the base of Mount Yufu in Yufu, Oita Prefecture. Developed as a tourist destination since the 1960s, it is now one of Kyushu's premier resort areas. While maintaining rustic charm, it features luxury ryokan and art museums. Known for its simple hot spring waters and elegant atmosphere.

A distinctive ryokan management culture in Kurokawa Onsen, Minami-Aso Village, Kumamoto Prefecture. Centered around the communal bath 'Shinyu,' approximately 30 ryokan operate cooperatively. The 'Bath Pass' system introduced in the 1960s allows guests to bathe at multiple ryokan. Praised for balancing atmospheric streetscape preservation with sustainable business practices.

Mountain hot spring in Minamioguni, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture. Over 30 ryokan line the stream in serene surroundings. Preserves Edo-period bathing culture. Unique bathing passport allows visiting multiple springs. Attracts over 1 million visitors annually. Highly regarded domestically and internationally for its understated elegance. Represents traditional Japanese hot spring culture.

A hot spring resort in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, characterized by abundant geothermal resources from the massive caldera and volcanic activity. Diverse water types emerge—acidic, bicarbonate-rich, and mineral-containing springs. Bathing within volcanic landscape creates unique sensations of Earth's vitality. Local medical research institutions continue scientific validation of therapeutic effects.

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.

One of Japan's 'Three Great Hot Springs' in Gunma Prefecture. Roughly 4,000 liters of hot spring water gush per minute from the Yubatake (hot water field), and unique bathing customs include yumomi (water stirring) shows. It consistently ranks among Japan's most popular onsen destinations.

Hokkaido's premier hot spring resort, nicknamed the 'Department Store of Onsen' for its nine different spring types. The Jigokudani (Hell Valley) with rising steam and sulfur scents conveys nature's overwhelming power. Welcoming about three million visitors annually, it excels at hosting international tourists.

A 1,300-year-old hot spring town in northern Hyogo. Seven public bathhouses are scattered along charming willow-lined streets, and the custom of strolling between baths in yukata and geta is the signature experience. Also known as the setting of Shiga Naoya's literary work 'At Kinosaki.'