The steamy hot springs warm both the body and the heart, and enjoying an onsen is a must during a fall or winter trip to Japan. Recently, the Japanese Rakuten Travel lodging website released its 2017 ranking of popular skin-beautifying hot spring towns in Japan, highlighting the country’s most beloved beauty hot springs (“bijin-tou”) visited by travelers throughout the year. These distinctive hot spring resorts offer a rich and comfortable onsen experience, making them the perfect choice for a hot spring season getaway.
Rakuten Travel explained that Japan’s natural hot springs are rich in minerals and have long been believed to have skin-beautifying and health-enhancing effects. In particular, mineral-rich hot springs with bicarbonate, sulfate, sulfur types, or those with a weak alkaline pH over 7.5 are known as the “Four Great Beauty Spring Types,” highly favored by health- and beauty-conscious travelers.
Topping the 2017 list of popular skin-beautifying hot springs is “Yufuin Onsen.” This traditional hot spring town not only boasts Japan’s third highest volume of abundant spring water but also ranks second nationwide in the number of hot spring sources, making it quite renowned among Japan’s classic hot spring resorts. Travelers have praised Yufuin Onsen, saying, “The spring quality is gentle and makes the skin smooth,” and “My hair also became silky and shiny, which was surprising.”
Coming in second place is “Hida-Takayama Onsen” in Gifu Prefecture. Most of the hot springs here use their own private sources, and are especially popular for offering fresh and gently soothing waters. Travelers complimented Hida-Takayama Onsen, noting that the thickness and temperature of the water were just right, describing it as “extremely comfortable — you won’t want to get out.”
Ranked third is “Yubatake Onsen” in Gunma Prefecture, which earned its name from the legend that it can “cure 40,000 kinds of illnesses.” Unlike typical hot springs, Yubatake Onsen is said to have uniquely soft and mild spring water that nourishes the skin. Additionally, many visitors drink the hot spring water for digestive health, so the old streets of the hot spring town are dotted with drinking fountains. One traveler commented, “After soaking, my skin keeps sweating, staying warm from the hot spring’s heat for a long time.” Another review read, “Not only can you soak in it, you can also drink it — a flawless top-tier hot spring.”
In fourth place is “Takaragawa Onsen” in Fukushima Prefecture. As a naturally flowing hot spring, Takaragawa Onsen allows you to enjoy piping hot and abundant waters all year round. Since the hot spring town is about eight kilometers away from the spring source, it takes about 40 minutes for the water to flow from the source to the baths. During this journey, the water’s quality becomes balanced and softened, resulting in comfortably warm bathing temperatures.
Rounding out the top five is the historic and nostalgic “Yunishigawa Onsen” in Tochigi Prefecture, established in 1573 during the Tensho era. With over 400 years of history, Yunishigawa Onsen features more than 100 open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery while taking in an outdoor hot spring.
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