Shuzenji Onsen
Shuzenji Onsen,a dense warren of inns and ryokans on both sides of a small river, is one of the oldest and most famous onsens in the Izu peninsula, but unfortunately has precious little to recommend it.
Independent onsen reviews, hot spring recommendations, Japanese onsen photos, guided onsen spa tours.
Arima Onsen
Perhaps the best onsen close to Osaka, Arima Onsen offers two main baths -- Kin no Yu (Gold Bath, 金の湯) and Gin no Yu (Silver Bath, 銀の湯). Kin no Yu has nice, hot rusty ochre water due to a high concentration of iron and other minerals; whereas Gin no Yu has water of a more unusual type: Radium. Though locals will swear by its healing powers, treat Gin no Yu (like all onsen!) with some respect, and decide for yourself whether you're up for self-dosing with radiation therapy.
Yunomine Onsen
Yunomine Onsen is a quiet, peaceful onsen town whose jewel is the humble Tsubo Yu, a small, extremely hot spring where pilgrims along the Kumano Kodo path would stop to purify themselves before their final approach into Hongu Taisha Shrine.
Watarase Onsen
Watarase Onsen is a large, relatively new onsen, restaurant, and hotel complex on the site of Watase Onsen spring. While it lacks the authenticity of some of the nearby onsen (which have been around for centuries), Watarase Onsen offers bathers some treats that should not be overlooked. Its expansive 6-bath rotenburo system is said to be large enough for 1000 people to bathe, though you'll likely feel like you have plenty of room even if there's only 100. Better yet, Watarase Onsen is one of the few places to offer higaeri (day use) kashikiriburo (private, reservable) rotenburo (outdoor
Ryuujin Onsen
Arguably the best onsen in all of Japan. Known as one of the three "Beautiful Woman Baths," Ryuujin Onsen was where the Wakayama feudal lord came to bathe when he needed to relax.
Kawayu Onsen
This beautiful, idyllic onsen town is known for the proximity of the volcanic heat, which warms the riverbanks so nicely that one can bathe by digging one's own bath right beside the river.
Atami Onsen
Atami Onsen is within easy reach of Tokyo by train, making it a fun day trip or weekend getaway.
Kawazu-Nanadaru Onsen
This lovely Shizuoka onsen town has a number of hotels, minshuku, and spas sprinkled about, but you'll probably want to check out the very unique matchaburo (green tea bath) at the Tsuribashi-sou (つりばし荘).
Shiro no Yu
Shiro no Yu Onsen is a secret gem tucked up in the mountains of Kirishima.
Dougo Onsen
Dougo Onsen (道後温泉), located in the island of Shikoku, is considered to be one of Japan's oldest onsen, and it is also one of Japan's most beloved and most famous, thanks to its appearance in numerous works of literature, such as Natsume Souseki's Botchan and more recently, as the inspiration for Miyazaki Hayao's Spirited Away.