Onsen Culture

One of Japan's premier hot spring resort areas, accessible in roughly 90 minutes from Tokyo. Boasting over 20 types of spring water alongside attractions such as Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and the Hakone Museum of Art, it welcomes approximately 20 million visitors annually.

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.

One of Japan's oldest hot springs, mentioned in the ancient chronicle Nihon Shoki. The main bathhouse is a designated Important Cultural Property, famous as the setting of Natsume Soseki's 'Botchan.' It is also said to have inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's 'Spirited Away.'

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.'

One of Japan's 'Three Great Hot Springs' alongside Arima and Kusatsu. Its smooth alkaline simple spring water is renowned as a 'beauty bath.' The hot spring town along the Hida River features foot baths and a free open-air spring. The rustic charm of the Hida mountain village adds to its appeal.

A globally rare natural sand bath experience on the coast of Ibusuki, Kagoshima. The unique style of being buried in geothermally heated sand is said to offer excellent detoxification benefits and has been frequently featured in international media.

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 Japanese public bathing culture dating from the Edo period, serving as community social spaces. With distinctive features like painted Mt. Fuji murals and tile art, sento have been rediscovered by younger generations and international tourists amid retro and sauna trends.

Traditional Japanese inns integrating tatami rooms, kaiseki cuisine, hot springs, and omotenashi hospitality. Ranging from luxury establishments like Kagaya to family-run small inns, ryokan embody Japan's unique hospitality culture in diverse forms.

Eggs cooked in hot spring water or steam, a signature treat at onsen destinations. Each location has its own specialty, from Hakone's black eggs at Owakudani to Beppu's hell-steamed eggs. This uniquely Japanese food culture utilizing geothermal heat is one of the pleasures of onsen tourism.

One of Japan's three oldest hot springs, located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy two types of water: gold spring (iron-rich) and silver spring (carbonate/radium). Beloved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this historic resort sits at the foot of Mount Rokko, just 30 minutes from central Kobe. Historical remains including Taiko's bathhouse ruins add cultural depth.

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 Taisho-era romantic hot spring town in Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture. Wooden ryokan from the Taisho and early Showa periods line both banks of the Ginzan River, and the evening gaslit scenery earns the title 'Japan's most romantic hot spring town.' Famous as a filming location for NHK drama 'Oshin,' the winter snow scene is fantastically beautiful.

A hot spring town in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, with beautiful willow-lined streets and stone arch bridges. The culture of visiting seven public bathhouses in yukata and wooden clogs remains, and the town is known as the setting of Naoya Shiga's literary work. Winter crab cuisine paired with hot springs is a popular luxury of the Sea of Japan coast.

Traditional accommodations at Japan's hot spring resorts. Follow design and operations continuing from the Edo period, characterized by gardens, yukata robes, and kaiseki dining. Promote health through spring water properties, facilitate guest interaction, and feature seasonal cuisine. Over 3,000 ryokans operate nationwide, forming the core of Japanese tourism.

One of Japan's premier hot spring resort areas, accessible in roughly 90 minutes from Tokyo. Boasting over 20 types of spring water alongside attractions such as Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and the Hakone Museum of Art, it welcomes approximately 20 million visitors annually.

One of Japan's oldest hot springs, mentioned in the ancient chronicle Nihon Shoki. The main bathhouse is a designated Important Cultural Property, famous as the setting of Natsume Soseki's 'Botchan.' It is also said to have inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's 'Spirited Away.'

A globally rare natural sand bath experience on the coast of Ibusuki, Kagoshima. The unique style of being buried in geothermally heated sand is said to offer excellent detoxification benefits and has been frequently featured in international media.

Traditional Japanese inns integrating tatami rooms, kaiseki cuisine, hot springs, and omotenashi hospitality. Ranging from luxury establishments like Kagaya to family-run small inns, ryokan embody Japan's unique hospitality culture in diverse forms.

One of Japan's oldest hot springs in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. The main building, constructed in 1894, is a nationally important cultural property and the setting of Natsume Soseki's 'Botchan.' Said to have inspired the bathhouse in Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away,' it attracts visitors from around the world.