Onsen - Natural Hot Springs in Japan

Overview

• Natural hot springs, known as onsen, are abundant and popular across Japan.
• Each region has its share of hot springs and resort towns.
• Hot springs vary based on the minerals in the water, providing different health benefits.
• Onsen are believed to have a relaxing effect on body and mind.
• Can be enjoyed in various settings, including ryokan (traditional inns), hotels, and public bath houses.
• An overnight stay at an onsen ryokan is highly recommended.

Types of Onsen

• Onsen baths come in many varieties: indoor, outdoor, traditional, and modern.
• They are categorized based on the minerals dissolved in the water.
• Different minerals offer unique health benefits.

Popular Onsen Towns

Kanto Region

1. Kusatsu Onsen: Celebrated for its water.
2. Hakone Onsen: Near Tokyo, highly popular.
3. Okukinu Onsen: Remote, near Nikko.
4. Minakami Onsen: Known as an outdoor activity center.
5. Nasu Onsen: Located on the slopes of Mount Nasudake.
6. Manza Onsen: Known for its sulfuric water.
7. Ikaho Onsen: Famous for its stone stairs.
8. Nikko Yumoto Onsen: Located in Nikko National Park.
9. Kinugawa Onsen: Riverside, near Nikko.
10. Shima Onsen: Calm, in a mountain valley.
11. Shiobara Onsen: Along a forested valley.

Hokkaido Region

1. Noboribetsu Onsen: Most celebrated in Hokkaido.
2. Kamuiwakkayu Falls: Natural hot river.
3. Sounkyo Onsen: In Daisetsuzan National Park.
4. Toyako Onsen: Along Lake Toya.
5. Jozankei Onsen: Near Sapporo.
6. Kawayu Onsen: Known for acidic waters.

Tohoku Region

1. Nyuto Onsen: Rustic, in forested mountains.
2. Zao Onsen: Ski resort with acidic waters.
3. Ginzan Onsen: Photogenic town.
4. Tamagawa Onsen: Most acidic waters in Japan.
5. Goshogake Onsen: Single ryokan in the mountains.
6. Takayu Onsen: Sulfurous, in Azuma Mountains.
7. Aoni Onsen: Remote, without electricity.
8. Kaminoyama Onsen: Surrounded by fruit farms.
9. Higashiyama Onsen: Renowned ryokan.

Chubu Region

1. Okuhida Onsen: Large outdoor baths in Alps.
2. Shibu Onsen: Near snow monkeys.
3. Shirahone Onsen: Near Kamikochi.
4. Shuzenji Onsen: On Izu Peninsula.
5. Nozawa Onsen: With ski resort.
6. Gero Onsen: Between Nagoya and Takayama.
7. Yudanaka Onsen: Near snow monkeys.
8. Ito Onsen: Popular on Izu Peninsula.
9. Bessho Onsen: With beautiful temples.
10. Kaga Onsen: Collection of four towns.
11. Wakura Onsen: Large ryokan along a bay.
12. Atami Onsen: Coastal city near Tokyo.
13. Togura Kamiyamada Onsen: Foreigner-friendly.

Kansai Region

1. Kinosaki Onsen: Known for public baths.
2. Arima Onsen: One of the oldest.
3. Shirahama Onsen: With sand beach.
4. Nachi-Katsuura Onsen: Oceanside with large ryokan.

Shikoku Region

1. Dogo Onsen: Historic with a famous bath house.
2. Yunotsu Onsen: At Sea of Japan coast.

Kyushu Region

1. Kurokawa Onsen: Pleasant town along a river.
2. Beppu Onsen: Most hot spring water in Japan.
3. Yufuin Onsen: Trendy, near Beppu.
4. Kirishima Onsen: At the base of Kirishima Mountains.
5. Unzen Onsen: On Mount Unzen, Nagasaki.
6. Ibusuki Onsen: Known for sand bathing.
7. Ureshino Onsen: With smooth waters.
8. Takeo Onsen: With a long history.