"Top 10 Popular Hot Spring Resorts in Japan for Solo Female Travelers"

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Who says traveling has to be fun only in a group? Solo travel can actually be quite relaxing. Recently, the Japanese Rakuten Travel website released"Top 10 Hot Spring Destinations for Solo Women", recommending must-visit spots where female travelers can enjoy the warmth of hot springs even when traveling alone during the cold winter months.

▲ Dogo Onsen Honkan, which is over 120 years old. (Photo / fromEhime Man Tobu fan page)

Ranking first is Dogo Onsen, located in Ehime Prefecture and one of Japan’s Three Ancient Springs. Dogo Onsen Honkan has become a famous tourist attraction in Japan due to its appearance in Natsume Soseki’s classic novel "Botchan" and as one of the inspirations for the setting of Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece "Spirited Away."

To celebrate its 120th anniversary of renovation, Dogo Onsen Honkan is holding special events this year. In addition to offering specially designed yukata for guests to use inside the facility, there are also attractions in Matsuyama City such as the "Botchan Train," hand baths, and foot baths, allowing visitors to enjoy a slow-paced, relaxing experience in the city.

▲ The walking paths around Lake Suwa offer free foot baths, allowing visitors to enjoy the warmth under their feet while taking in the scenery of Lake Suwa. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

Coming in second is Yamanouchi Onsen in Nagano Prefecture. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Suwa, Yamanouchi Onsen is home to the century-old Kashiwabara Ryokan, which still features a large communal bath (the “Sen-nin-buro”) that visitors can enjoy. Additionally, the area around Lake Suwa is dotted with large hotels, free foot baths, and art museums along the lakeside promenade, making it a popular hot spring destination.

▲ Hakodate Yu no Kawa Onsen, with a view of one of the world’s three great night views. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

In third place is Yu no Kawa Onsen in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Conveniently located near the city center and easily accessible from Hakodate Airport, Yu no Kawa Onsen offers open-air baths where you can soak while admiring one of the world’s three great night views — the stunning Hakodate night skyline. It’s a favorite spot for women seeking healing relaxation embraced by the glow of the city lights.

Top 10 Popular Hot Spring Resorts in Japan for Solo Female Travelers

1st Place: Ehime Prefecture – Dogo Onsen
2nd Place: Nagano Prefecture – Yamanouchi Onsen
3rd Place: Hokkaido – Yu no Kawa Onsen
4th Place: Shizuoka Prefecture – Ito Onsen
5th Place: Tottori Prefecture – Kaisen Onsen
6th Place: Iwate Prefecture – Hanamaki Minami Onsenkyo
7th Place: Kanagawa Prefecture – Hakone-Yumoto Onsen
8th Place: Iwate Prefecture – Hanamaki Onsen
9th Place: Fukui Prefecture – Awara Onsen
10th Place: Kagawa Prefecture – Shodoshima Onsen