Must-Soak Beauty Hot Springs in Winter: Five Top Spots for Glowing Skin

By MOOK Scenic Spots Chen Wenlin, compiled and reported
 
Japan's natural hot springs are rich in minerals and have long been believed to have skin-beautifying and health-enhancing effects. In particular, those abundant in bicarbonate, sulfate, sulfur, and weak alkaline hot springs with a pH value above 7.5 are known as the "Four Great Beauty Spring Types," and are especially favored by modern people who value health and beauty.

Yufuin Onsen

The top-tier hot spring destination in Japan, "Yufuin Onsen" in Oita Prefecture, not only boasts the third highest volume of abundant spring water in the country but also ranks second in the number of hot springs, making it quite well-known among Japan’s traditional hot spring towns. Travelers praise its “gentle spring quality that leaves the skin feeling smooth,” and some even claim it makes their hair silky and shiny.

Hida Takayama Onsen

The “Hida Takayama Onsen,” said to make your skin feel tender, mostly uses spring water from its own sources and is particularly popular for offering fresh and gently soothing water. Travelers praise the water’s perfect consistency and temperature, making it hard to want to get out.

Yubatake (Sennin) Onsen

Named for the legend that it can “cure 40,000 kinds of diseases,” Gunma Prefecture’s “Sennin Onsen” is said to be different from ordinary hot springs. In addition to having an extremely soft and mild spring quality that nourishes the skin, many travelers also drink the spring water to aid digestion. As a result, you’ll find many drinking fountains along the old streets of the hot spring town. The dual benefit of “both soaking and drinking” makes the effects of Sennin Onsen all the more intriguing.