Shibu Onsen Historic Bath Houses & Modern Hotel Coexistence

A voluntary cooperative management system among multiple ryokan in Kurokawa Onsen, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture. It maintains individual ryokan autonomy while establishing shared landscape standards and preventing excessive commercialization. Established in the 1970s, this model functions as an experimental solution to the tension between commercialization and regional preservation that onsen communities face. It now serves as a cutting-edge organizational innovation model referenced by hot spring resorts nationwide.

Hot spring village in Nozawa, Nagano Prefecture. Thirteen community-owned free outdoor baths (called 'yushiya') scattered throughout the village create a unique shared bathing culture used by locals and tourists alike. An Edo-period communal hot spring management system continues functioning today. The entire onsen town operates as an integrated healing community, forming the core of local identity.

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.'