Must-Soak Famous Hot Springs in Your Lifetime! Top 10 Japanese Onsens You Can't Miss This Winter

As the weather gets colder and the steamy hot springs offer therapeutic relaxation, you might find yourself yearning to jet off to Japan for an onsen getaway. DailyView Network Thermometer, through the "KEYPO Big Data Keyword Engine," has compiled a list of the 10 most popular hot springs in Japan. After checking it out, quickly decide your destination, book your flight, and go for it!

No. 10, Yamagata Prefecture — Zao Onsen

What do travelers love to do most when visiting Japan in winter? Of course, it’s soaking in hot springs and skiing alike!“Zao Onsen,” located in Yamagata Prefecture in Japan’s Tohoku region, is a renowned hot spring resort and mountain ski destination that fulfills both desires!

Legend has it that this hot spring was discovered in 1900. Sitting at an elevation of 880 meters and surrounded by mountains geographically, visitors here can enjoy a feast for both the eyes and the sense of touch.

Yamagata Prefecture’s Shirabu Onsen and Fukushima Prefecture’s Kōtō Onsen are known as the “Oku-Uchi San Kōtō” (Oku-Uchi is an ancient Japanese geographical term, roughly corresponding to today’s Tohoku region)! The water here is slightly acidic, which helps soothe skin conditions and is also said to have whitening effects!

Here are 5 handy tips for your Japanese onsen trip. (Photo/DailyView Network Thermometer)

No. 9, Oita Prefecture — Beppu Onsen

Do you remember that ultra-wild ad from 2016 promoting the onsen theme park “Yu~enchi”? Whether it was roller coasters, Ferris wheels, or merry-go-rounds, all were infused with hot spring elements, and Beppu’s mayor even promised to build the imaginary park for real if the video got over 1 million views—and it hit that milestone in just 3 days!

Beppu City delivered on its promise and actually built the theme park by the end of July 2017, proving that the Japanese really are limitless. Though the buzzworthy theme park was only open for two days, Beppu Onsen is already a super-famous hot spring destination. It has the highest volume of hot spring output in Japan and is known for its nine hot spring vents and white steam rising, hence also called “Hell Valley Onsen,” which makes it quite the spectacle!

No. 8, Kumamoto Prefecture — Kurokawa Onsen

Besides Kumamon, Kumamoto Prefecture is also famous for Mount Aso, and its volcanic hot springs are especially well-known too. Located about 20 km north of Mount Aso, Kurokawa Onsen was selected by media in 2008 as No. 1 in the “Atmosphere” category of the “Japan Onsen 100 Selection,” and in the 2009 “Michelin Travel Guide Japan,” it was rated with two stars.

What’s this “Atmosphere” category all about? The ryokan (traditional inns) here preserve a strong nostalgic vibe, maintaining the appearance of old folk houses and also adhering to a rule of not setting up large signs. The collective efforts of the entire hot spring town make visitors feel as though they’ve traveled back in time to a leisurely, healing space. Once you visit, it’s unforgettable, and it consistently ranks high on popularity charts!

No. 7, Ehime Prefecture — Dogo Onsen

Ehime Prefecture’s Dogo Onsen attracts not only hot spring enthusiasts but also artistic, culture-loving travelers. Not only is it featured in the work “Botchan” by Japanese literary master Natsume Sōseki, but Studio Ghibli fans who love “Spirited Away” will surely marvel at how faithfully it resembles the Yubaba’s bathhouse!

In recent years, it has also collaborated with Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa and artist Yayoi Kusama, blending elements of hot springs, ryokan, photography, and art. This allows guests to heal both body and mind through the hot springs, while simply staying in the inn offers the chance to appreciate artworks, enriching the color and depth of the travel experience.

No. 6, Hyogo Prefecture — Kinosaki Onsen

Located in Hyogo Prefecture, Kinosaki Onsen is a hot spring resort with a history stretching back 1,300 years since the Heian period. The area is traversed by the Kinosaki River, and the willow trees along the riverbanks swaying in the wind form one of the most iconic scenes of Kinosaki Onsen.

However, there’s another reason why Kinosaki Onsen is “famous”—in 2014, a Hyogo Prefecture assemblyman named Norimoto Ryutaro broke down in tears during a press conference after admitting to misusing public funds 344 times (including trips to Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Kinosaki Onsen, sometimes even bringing his mother along), earning him the nickname “The Sobbing Assemblyman.” Although he was later found guilty, the incident unexpectedly made “Kinosaki Onsen” a household name.

No. 5, Gunma Prefecture — Kusatsu Onsen

When talking to Japanese people about the most famous place in the Kanto region, many will recommend “Kusatsu Onsen,” which has topped the “Japan Onsen 100 Selection” for 14 consecutive years. With excellent water quality and a long history, the hot spring town centers around the misty “Yubatake,” and its wooden ambiance gives off an authentic “THE hot spring town” vibe. The movie “Thermae Romae 2” was also filmed here!

Kusatsu Onsen also continues the unique Edo-period bathing methods of “time bathing” and “yu-nagashi.” Time bathing refers to having a “yucho” (bath manager) giving instructions, and everyone follows their chant while soaking, as studies show that three minutes in these waters provides the best relaxation and healing effects—hence the tradition. As for “yu-nagashi,” it involves using large wooden sticks to stir the hot spring water to cool it down.

No. 4, Hyogo Prefecture — Arima Onsen

Located in Hyogo Prefecture, Arima Onsen is known as one of Japan’s “Three Famous Springs” alongside Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture and Yugawara Onsen in Gifu Prefecture, and is also listed among the “Japan’s Three Ancient Springs” together with Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture and Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture.

There are many legendary tales surrounding this place. It’s said that two Japanese deities, “Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto” and “Sukunabikona-no-Kami,” visited the area and found three injured crows that recovered after soaking in a puddle of water, making it famous. Here you’ll find the iron- and sodium-rich “Golden Spring” and the carbonated “Silver Spring.” The former is moisturizing, while the latter boosts blood circulation.

No. 3, Kanagawa Prefecture — Hakone Onsen

As an extremely famous hot spring town, “Hakone Onsen” certainly doesn’t slack off in terms of scope and scale. Development began gradually in the 17th century, with Yunomine, Tōnosawa, Dōnomiya, Miyanoshita, Kiga, Shimo-Kanagawa, and Ashinoko being the first seven developed hot springs, known as the “Hakone Seven Springs.” It later expanded to the Hakone Seventeen Springs and in recent years has even grown to include the Hakone Twenty Springs.

There are over 300 hot springs in the region, big and small, and the popularity of Hakone's hot springs continues to grow. Hakone’s hot springs come in 14 different types, and are highly effective for issues such as nerve and muscle pain, arthritis, frozen shoulder, cold hands and feet, and fatigue recovery. With both high quality and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder their online presence is so strong.

#2 – Yamagata Prefecture: Ginzan Onsen

During the Edo period, this area in Yamagata was a resting spot for many silver miners. However, as the mining industry declined, the population plummeted, and what was once a bustling street fell into quiet decay. It wasn’t until the early Showa period that a hot spring source was discovered here, revitalizing the area and establishing its reputation as a “hot spring resort town.”

Winter is the most beautiful time to visit Ginzan Onsen. As Yamagata is a heavy snowfall region, when the cold sets in and snow blankets the town, it transforms into a fairytale-like dream world. Soaking in the warm, soothing hot springs is an absolutely wonderful experience. And for hardcore fans of Japanese dramas, you might know this is also the hometown of the drama “Oshin.”

#1 – Shimane Prefecture: Tamatsukuri Onsen

Taking the top spot as Japan’s most popular hot spring this time is “Tamatsukuri Onsen” in Shimane Prefecture. Not only is it an ancient hot spring with a history of over a thousand years, but it has also become a magnet for beauty-conscious girls looking to boost their “girl power”!

The spring quality of Tamatsukuri Onsen is classified as a sulfate-chloride spring and is hailed as the “toner hot spring.” After soaking, your skin becomes smooth and bright. Rich in minerals, it’s truly a “beauty-enhancing hot spring.” On top of that, the Tamatsukuri Onsen area also features stylish cafes and the “Tamayu Shrine,” known for bringing good relationships—making it the perfect destination for Japanese girls planning girls' trips with their best friends.