20 Most Beautiful and Popular Onsen Towns in Japan with Recommended Ryokan for a Blissful Onsen Experience – Updated for 2025

Want to visit a Japanese onsen, but where should you go? Today, Chillpainai has compiled 20 of the most beautiful Japanese onsens. We have compiled the most popular onsen towns and recommended ryokan accommodations for you to book and enjoy a relaxing onsen. Where are they? Let's go see.

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Onsen in the Kanto Region (Near Tokyo)

1. Kusatsu Onsen at Gunma

Let’s start with the Kanto region, or the area near Tokyo, with Kusatsu Onsen, located in Gunma Prefecture. This onsen is the largest in Japan and is consistently ranked as one of the best, often appearing in top rankings year after year. Kusatsu is known for its excellent hot spring waters and offers a wide range of public baths and ryokan (traditional inns) for guests to enjoy.

How to get there: Take a train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, then transfer to a JR bus for about 30 minutes.

Kusatsu Onsen Daitokan (recommended hotel)

Price: Starting at 8,000++ baht/night
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/uSJT7m2yQfm2bD9w7

Book here

2.Hakone Onsen at Kanagawa

Hakone, one of the most popular tourist destinations, is famous for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, the beautiful Lake Ashi, and popular attractions like Owakudani Valley. Hakone is also a renowned hot spring town filled with public baths and ryokan (traditional inns), making it a perfect destination for travelers looking to enjoy a relaxing onsen experience.

How to get there: You can take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station, which takes around 85 minutes, or take a bus from Shinjuku Station, which takes about 2 hours.

Reccomended hotel at Green Plaza Hakone

Price: Starting at 8,000++ baht/night (including dinner and breakfast)
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/Diu7j2X7vdoB4ohT7

Book here

3.Nikko Yumoto Onsen at Tochigi

Another popular destination near Tokyo is Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its stunning autumn foliage spots. Nikko is also home to a small hot spring town hidden amidst beautiful nature and close to Lake Yunoko. Although the area doesn't have many onsen, you can be sure that a visit here will offer you peace, tranquility, and a chance to truly relax and enjoy the beauty around you.

How to get there: From Nikko Station, take a bus for about 80 minutes.

Recommended hotel at Okunikko Yumoto Onsen Shiunsou

Price: Starting from 4,900++ baht/night (including dinner and breakfast)
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/JkomYjUK3iwwk78h9

Book here

4.Kinugawa Onsen at Tochigi

Near Nikko, there's an ancient hot spring town that has been around since the Edo period (1603-1868). The Kinugawa River flows through the center of the town, with numerous ryokan and hotels located along the riverbank. If you visit during the autumn foliage season in October, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of vibrant fall colors.

How to get there: Take a train from Asakusa Station in Tokyo to Kinugawa Station. The journey takes about 2 hours.

Recommended hotel at Kinugawa Onsen Hotel

Price: Starting at 8,800++ baht
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/DTGP6Ee2iDRQPAvV6

Book here

Hot springs in the Kansai region (near Osaka)

5. Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo

Next, let’s head to the Kansai region near Osaka, where you'll find Kinosaki Onsen, an ancient hot spring town filled with old houses lined along a small river, with weeping willow trees gently swaying in the wind. It’s beautiful during the day, but even more stunning at night.

How to get there: Take a train from Osaka Station to Kinosaki Onsen Station, which takes about 3 hours.

Recommended hotel at Kinosaki Onsen Koyado Enn

Price: Starting at 10,000++ baht
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/ks7Kdkz6KBU1EMLe9

Book here

6.Arima Onsen at Kobe

Arima Onsen is an ancient hot spring town with a history of over a thousand years, located in Kobe, not far from the city center. It’s easy to travel to and can be visited as a day trip from Kobe or Osaka. The town is small, featuring ryokan (traditional inns), public baths, temples, shrines, and museums for you to explore.

How to get there: Take a train from Shin-Kobe Station to Arima Onsen Station, which takes about 26 minutes.

Recommended hhotel at Arima-Onsen Kinzan

Price: Starting at 17,000 baht/night
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/befxWEyqH8ZnGADc9

Book here

7.Shirahama Onsen at Wakayama

Shirahama Onsen is a seaside hot spring with over a thousand years of history, located in Wakayama Prefecture, about 100 kilometers from Osaka. The highlight of this onsen is its location by the beach, featuring a long stretch of white sandy beach, approximately 500 meters long. The town offers hot spring baths where you can soak while enjoying stunning sea views. There are also many hotels and ryokan (traditional inns) to choose from for your stay.

How to get there: From Osaka, take a train for about 2.5 hours, then transfer to a bus to the beach, which takes about 10 minutes.

Recommended hotel at Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel

Price: Starting at 5,000 baht/night
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/WYZJMkuinKsTqMYa6

Book here

Onsen in Chubu Region
8. Gero Onsen, Gifu

Recommended hotel at Gero Onsen Yamagataya

Price: Starting at 6,000++ baht/night
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/JWv8KHhS1qke1xjG7

Book here

9.Hirayu Onsen at Gifu

Hirayu Onsen, one of Japan's most beautiful hot springs, is a must-visit destination. Located near Takayama and the Kamikochi National Park, this mountain onsen town offers a wide range of ryokan (traditional inns) and bathhouses to choose from. Whether you visit in winter, spring, or autumn, the natural beauty of the surroundings makes it stunning at any time of the year.

Getting there: From Takayama, take a bus for about 53 minutes, or from Kamikochi, it's a 25-minute bus ride to reach Hirayu Onsen.

Recommended hotel at Hirayukan

Price: Starting at 4,300 baht/person
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZsGpJD6RZADSVB7v7

Book here

Hot Springs in Tohoku Region
10. Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata

Ginzan Onsen, a dream onsen destination for many, is located in Yamagata Prefecture. This picturesque onsen town is nestled among the mountains, where the architecture features charming three-story white buildings with wooden accents, creating a timeless, classic atmosphere. It’s especially magical in winter when the town is blanketed in snow and the soft glow of lights at night adds to the town's enchanting beauty.

Getting there: Take a train from Tokyo to Oishida Station, which takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. From there, it's a 35-minute bus ride to Ginzan Onsen.

Recommended hotel at HONKAN KOSEKIYA

Price: Starting at 8,800++ baht (including dinner and breakfast)

GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/z3wtpt3JhQUgM8aC6

Book here

11.Owani Onsen at Aomori

Owani Onsen, a charming little hot spring town with over 800 years of history, is located in Aomori Prefecture, surrounded by mountains and rivers. The town becomes even more magical in winter, when heavy snowfall blankets the streets, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a painting.

Getting there: Take a train from Aomori to Owani Onsen Station, which takes about 1 hour.

Recommended hotel at Shiki no Yu Fujiya Hotel

Price: Starting at 4,300++ baht
GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/gYrvfk2kofCewfiRA

Book here

12.Zao Onsen at Yamagata

Zao Onsen, located in Yamagata Prefecture, sits at an altitude of 880 meters and is not only famous for its hot springs but also for being a popular ski resort. During winter, skiers flock here to soak in the relaxing hot springs after a day on the slopes.

Getting there: Take a train from Tokyo to Yamagata, which takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes, and then catch a bus for an additional 40 minutes to reach Zao Onsen.

Recommended hotel at Zao Onsen Ryokan Kinosato

Price: Starting at 8,000++ baht/night (including dinner and breakfast)

GPS : https://maps.app.goo.gl/MkH2eSARgaYW7W6u9

Book here

Onsen in Kyushu
13. Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture

Beppu, located in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island, is Japan's most famous hot spring city. The main highlight of Beppu is its "Hell" hot springs—eight unique, visually striking hot springs known as the "Jigoku" (Hell). These include Umi Jigoku, Oniishibozu Jigoku, Shiraike Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, Oniyama Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku, and Yama Jigoku. Each one offers a distinct appearance: some are crystal-clear like ocean water, others are bubbling mud pools, while some have a striking red hue, almost like blood. If you're a fan of onsens, Beppu is a must-visit!

Getting there: From Fukuoka, take a train to Beppu, which takes about 1.5 hours.

Recommended hotel at Uminohotel Hajime

Price: Starting at 4,900++ baht/night

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5hyanuVRvW1rEHvx7

Book here

14. Yufuin Onsen, Oita

Not far from Beppu is the charming onsen town of Yufuin, surrounded by rivers and mountains. This popular destination is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Kyushu. For the ultimate experience, hop on the retro-style Yufuin no Mori train—its green design and nostalgic vibe will take you on a scenic journey. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by a quaint town nestled amidst mountains, with horse-drawn carriage rides, a signature attraction of Yufuin, available near the station. Even the station itself offers foot baths for visitors! If you're looking for relaxation, book a stay at one of the cute onsen resorts here, where you can soak in hot springs while enjoying the stunning mountain views—pure bliss.

Getting there: From Fukuoka, take a train to Yufuin, which takes around 2 hours and 12 minutes.

Recommended hotel at Ryokan Sagiritei

Price: Starting at 7,600++ baht/night

Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/DPLiV9iS4sJwfGGd9

Book here

15. Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto

When it comes to famous onsen towns in Kyushu, Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture is definitely at the top of the list. Surrounded by lush forests, rivers, and mountains, this onsen town is a dream destination for many. With over 30 ryokan (traditional inns) and 28 outdoor hot spring baths, Kurokawa offers a peaceful retreat into nature. Visitors can purchase the Onsen Hopping Pass (or Nyuyou-Tegata) for 1,500 yen, which allows you to enjoy three different onsen baths within six months. The pass is a cute round wooden token and can be purchased at the tourist information center. After visiting your three onsens, you can keep the pass as a souvenir or even hang it at one of the town’s shrines!

Getting there: From Hakata Station, Tenjin Bus Center, or Fukuoka Airport, take a bus to Kurokawa Onsen. The journey takes about 2 hours and 16 minutes.

Recommended hotel at Yamabiko Ryokan

Price: Starting at 11,000++ baht/night

Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/j9S6QS4SL3dweAMfA

Book here

16. Kirishima Onsen, Kagoshima

Kirishima Onsen, another famous onsen in Kyushu, is located in Kagoshima Prefecture, set atop the Kirishima hills. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of Kagoshima Bay and the iconic Sakurajima volcano. What makes this onsen unique is its high-quality sulfuric waters, known for their skin benefits, especially in improving elasticity and promoting a youthful glow. Whether you choose to stay at one of the ryokan or visit a public bathhouse, you can enjoy soaking in the healing waters during the day.

Getting there: It’s recommended to rent a car from Kagoshima, which takes about 50 minutes to reach Kirishima Onsen.

Rocommended hotel at Kirishima Kokusai Hotel

Price: Starting at 4,500++ baht/night

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HLu2QG2qaCGieSi69

Book here

Onsen Hokkaido
17. Jozankei Onsen, Sapporo

Let’s head to Jozankei Onsen, one of the most popular hot springs in Hokkaido, located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Surrounded by mountains, with the Toyohira River flowing through the town, Jozankei is especially stunning in autumn when the foliage turns into vibrant shades of red and gold. The town is home to numerous shops, restaurants, ryokan (traditional inns), and public bathhouses, offering plenty of options for relaxation and exploration. It’s also conveniently located near Sapporo, making it perfect for a day trip—ideal for those looking to escape the city for some peaceful onsen time.

Getting there: From Sapporo Station, take the Jotetsu Bus, either Line 7 or Line 8, directly to Jozankei Onsen. The journey takes about 75 minutes, with buses departing every hour.

Recommeded hotel at Jozankei View Hotel

Price: Starting at 4,000++ baht/night

Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/VzhHhHdJU2Hujm8z5

Book here

18. Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resorts, known for offering 11 different types of hot spring waters. It’s widely regarded as one of Japan’s best onsen destinations. The town is filled with a variety of accommodations, from hotels to traditional ryokan, making it a great spot to relax and unwind. The unique mineral-rich waters here are said to have numerous health benefits, attracting visitors from all over Japan and beyond.

Getting there: Take a train from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station, which takes about 1 hour. Then, take a bus for about 15 minutes to reach the onsen town.

Recommended hotel at Noboribetsu Onsen Dai-ichi Takimotokan

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