Steamy Springs: 8 Onsen destinations in Japan you must visit

Shelina Assomull

15 Feb 2018

updated the 20 February 2018 à 14:53

1/8
Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo
This 2-Michelin star spot has been hailed as one of the best onsen destinations in the world. Most hotels in the area have private baths, as well as a public one, which you can access when spending the night.

Photos: Visit Kinosaki
2/8
Yufuin Onsen, Yufu
Yufuin is hot spring central - with a hipster twist. Alongside a host of springs, there are many cute boutiques, cafes and museums. The scenic backdrop of Mount Yufu makes for an unforgettable experience.

Photos: Japan Guide
3/8
Asahidake Onsen, Hokkaido
Snowy landscapes and steaming hot springs will make you feel like your in a winter wonderland here in Asahidake. There is also a large range of snow activities available and many off-piste routes when skiing.

Photos: Japan-guide
4/8
Beppu Onsen, Ōita
The town of Beppu is absolutely booming with hot spring choices. With 8 onsens to choose from, it is the largest concentration of hot springs in Japan. We love the Beppu onsen in particular because of its additional sand baths, steam baths and mud baths.

Photos: Japan Guide
5/8
Arima Onsen, Kobe
If you're looking for authenticity, you need to visit Arima Onsen. The quaint town of Arima comes with all the onsen essentials, such as steaming oil wells and bubbling fountains. Arima is known for its golden and silver water due to high iron content and bubbling clear waters in the other respectively.

Photos: Visit Arima Onsen
6/8
Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido
Hokkaido's most popular onsen destination is Noboribetsu. It hosts eleven different types of thermal waters, all of which are gender-segregated.

Photos: Lonely Planet
7/8
Toyako Onsen, Hokkaido
Alongside Lake Toya and below Mount Usu is the town of Toyako. Hot springs with a view are what you will find here. There are many luxurious resorts to choose from, but day visitors can also use the hot springs for a fee.

Photos: Japan Guide
8/8
Fuji Five Lakes, Fujigoko Onsen,
At the base of Mount Fuji is this Instagram worthy onsen space. Expect spectacular views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kuwaguchiko from the onsen itself.

Photos: Japan Guide

Is a trip to Japan complete without a visit to one of their many spectacular onsen destinations?

An onsen is a Japanese hot spring where bathing takes places. You’ll find that Japan is filled with these traditional hot springs, because the country contains 10% of the world’s volcanoes – which incidentally, play a key role in the formation of hot springs.

Boasting over 3,000 hot springs resorts, Japan is a well known must-visit destination if you’re looking for some bathing relaxation. As if the mouthwatering food, great shopping and beautiful scenery weren’t already reasons to go, this ultra-luxurious onsen spots are now another.

Scroll above to see our pick of phenomenal onsen destinations in Japan you need to visit for a little R&R!

Shelina Assomull

Hidden Gems: 6 Less-travelled cities in Japan that will surprise you

Why saunas & Korean bath houses are great for your health, according to new study

The 5 Best Korean bath houses to visit in Seoul

Childhood Obesity: 10 Useful tips to help your child...