Japan's Hot Spring Popularity Ranking Released: Hakone Takes the No. 1 Spot

On cold days, who wouldn’t want to soak in an onsen in Japan? From the northernmost Hokkaido to the southernmost Okinawa, every region is brimming with magical springs and steeped in the essence of Japanese hot spring culture. In September 2009, the famous Japanese travel magazine 《JALAN》 conducted an online survey ranking the most popular hot spring destinations among Japanese people, selecting the top 50 most beloved hot spring resorts nationwide. Hakone, boasting views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji, claimed the top spot in the rankings.

Hakone, which won first place in the poll, has been a famous hot spring destination since the Edo period. With its surrounding attractions and convenient transportation, Hakone is the easiest hot spring town to visit near Tokyo and also one of the best places for leisure and fun. The hot springs here were discovered in 738 during the Nara period by the monk Shaku Shōjōbō. The original "Sōyu" (General Bath) discovered back then still exists in Yunomine Onsen. In addition to a rich variety of spring types such as simple springs, chloride springs, and sulfur springs, Hakone also offers intellectual treasures like the Little Prince Museum, Hakone Open-Air Museum, and Hakone Glass no Mori Museum.

Take a mountain railway and cable car over the hills, and the vast expanse of Lake Ashi unfolds before you — this is the most beautiful view in Hakone. Sightseeing boats glide across the calm waters, with Mount Fuji in the distance. The charm of Hakone’s hot spring town is equally compelling, offering history, art, recreational facilities, and breathtaking natural scenery with views of Mount Fuji. Overall, Hakone is overwhelmingly loved by visitors. Beyond enjoying the hot springs and embracing nature, Hakone’s ryokan (traditional inns) are also worth savoring. Many long-established hot spring inns have undergone renovations one after another, enriching the lodging options.

Meanwhile, Yufuin Onsen, which came in second place by a narrow margin, is a favorite destination for young Japanese women. Most of Yufuin’s hot springs, part of the Yufu Mountain system, were discovered in ancient times, though the exact dates are not clearly documented. The streets here are filled with a nostalgic atmosphere that captures people’s hearts. At the foot of the majestic Mount Yufu, you’ll find Japan’s nationally renowned accommodations and trendy cafés where you can enjoy a wide variety of pleasures.

In third place is Kusatsu Onsen, known for its traditional "yuamushi" (hot water whisking) ritual. There are various theories about the discovery of Kusatsu Onsen, but the most widely accepted one is that it was discovered in 1193 when Minamoto no Yoritomo went hunting near Mount Asama and noticed steam rising from the valley. Centered around its iconic symbol, the yubatake (hot water field), Kusatsu Onsen is a historic hot spring town in Gunma Prefecture. Its acidic spring water is rich in therapeutic benefits and is hailed as the “onsen that doesn’t require lotion.” In addition to watching the yubatake performance, Kusatsu also offers 18 “rotenburo” (outdoor public baths), available for both locals and tourists to experience the area’s unique charm.

Other notable entries on the list include Noboribetsu Onsen, Beppu Onsen, Dogo Onsen, Kurokawa Onsen, Ishikari Onsen, Arima Onsen, Shirahama Onsen, and Sakunami Onsen. For more details, visit the JALAN website.

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Extended Reading: Renowned Yufuin Onsen in Japan (Provided by Tripass Attractions)