In Japan, natural hot spring baths called ‘Onsen’ are one of the most popular natural remedies for all types of ailments, both mind, and body. Being a chain of volcanic islands, Onsen can be found in the thousands, spreads all over the country.

There are a great variety of onsens, the most relaxing and often spectacular of which are outdoor hot springs, or ‘Rotenburo.’ They have the best combination of healing properties, mental and physical relaxation and beautiful scenery.

Each onset has a different combination of natural minerals said to offer various healing benefits. This also depends on the region the onset is located in and the geology of the local rocks through which the hot water flows.

Many onsets are separated by gender, but there is some mixed onsen, which can also be both indoor and outdoor. Something to ‘bare in mind’ (pun intended) is that most if not all onsen are nude bathing only.

Usually made from natural materials available to the local area, onsen can be built from marble or granite with decorative wood carvings from Japanese cypress timber.

If you have never tried an onsen or perhaps are unfamiliar with communal nude bathing then you may feel uncomfortable at first. Rest assured, however, once you experience the relaxing and invigoration of a natural healing onsen, you’ll never look back!

Hakone Onsen, Kanagawa

With a history spanning 1200 years, Hakone is one of the oldest onsen hot spring towns in Japan. With a stunning view of Mount Fuji, the town attracts visitors from all over the country looking for an escape from their busy city lives. The Hakone onsen ryokan (Japanese inns) on offer in Hakone range in price and quality, but as long as you choose one with an onsen, you won’t be disappointed! Be sure to visit the oldest onsen hot spring in town, Hakone Yumoto.

Yufuin Onsen, Oita

Only a bus or train ride away from Fukuoka city, the charming onsen town of Yufuin is tucked away in a small mountain valley. The outdoor onsen - rotenburo - of Yufuin is one of the towns’ most scenic features, with views of nature across the valley.

As you walk through the streets of the town, you’ll find many cafes, crafts shops, and small museums.

Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

Equally popular with local and international tourists, Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring resort known for more than the quality of its piping hot spring water. A local tradition is to use large wooden paddles to cool the water when it becomes too hot - Yumomi. Every day visitors can watch a live performance of Yumomi at the Netsu No Yu bathhouse.

Beppu Onsen, Oita

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Another one of the oldest and most famous onsen towns in Japan is Beppu, in Oita. Tucked between the mountains and Beppu Bay, the Beppu hot spring is the top of the list in Japan for ‘gush volume,’ making it the most productive hot spring in the country. There are eight areas that make up the area; Beppu, Myoban, Kannawa, Kankaiji, and Hamawaki. These are collectively known as ‘Beppu Hatto’.

Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto

If you are looking for a charming and well-preserved historic Japanese experience, head for Kurokawa Onsen, located in Kumamoto prefecture.

Sandwiched between the Kuji Mountain range and Mount Aso, this town is protected by a preservation program that maintains its old Japan charm.

For only 1300JPY you can purchase a "Nyuto Tegata”, which is a multiple onsen entry ticket valid for six months. You can use this pass to access three baths at a choice of 24 Japanese inns, or ryokan.

Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo

For an especially unique experience, visit Kinosaki Onsen in the north of Hyogo prefecture. Situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan, the combination of hot spring minerals and fresh sea air will heal and energize you like no other holiday destination.

Watch the locals walking down to the river bathe in their cotton robes or Yukata for a truly special experience.

With seven public onsen hot springs to choose from, you could spend a week here just visiting them all!

Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido

One of the best onsen resorts in Japan for its combination of healing minerals is Noboribetsu Onsen. It contains high amounts of minerals - sulphur, salt, aluminum, mirabilite, melanterite, iron, acidic iron, alkaline, and radium - while producing 10,000 tonnes of hot water daily. And it can get very hot, between 40 and 90 degrees celsius!

Ibusuki Onsen, Kagoshima

One of the only natural steam sand baths in the whole country can be found at Ibusuki Onsen in Kagoshima prefecture. Differing from other regular onsens, the sand bath relieves health issues such as neuralgia, rheumatism, asthma, and gastrointestinal problems. This is the perfect location if you’re looking for a new kind of onsen experience.

Dogo Onsen, Ehime

The oldest hot spring in Japan has over 3000 years of known history behind it. Dogo Onsen Honkan in Matsuyama has been a public bath since 1894. Built like an ancient Japanese castle, the traditional building features a white heron on top of the watchtower. For fans of Japanese anime, watch the film ‘Spirited Away’ to see the clear resemblance of the bathhouse in the movie with the Dogo Onsen Honkan.

Gero Onsen, Gifu

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Only a 45-minute train ride away from Takayama is the Gero Onsen in Gifu. For only 1300 Yen you can visit three traditional onsens of your choice. It has been ranked as one of the best three onsen in Japan, so don’t miss it on your Japan travels.

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Ten Amazing Onsen Hot Spring Towns in Japan you Have to Visit!