{"id":25712,"date":"2020-02-27T10:00:19","date_gmt":"2020-02-27T10:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=25712"},"modified":"2026-02-27T09:32:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T09:32:10","slug":"where-to-onsen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2020\/02\/27\/where-to-onsen\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to onsen: our pick of Japan&#8217;s best hot springs"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whether you\u2019ve had a busy day exploring Tokyo a or a long, winding walk along one of Japan\u2019s ancient hiking paths, there\u2019s nothing like rounding off the day with a leisurely dip in a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">naturally-heated<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0pool, called an\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">onsen<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The phrase\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hadaka<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0no\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tsukiai<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">meaning\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">naked communion<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, refers to the breakdown of social barriers \u2013 and the consequent bonding \u2013 that occurs when Japanese people strip off and hop in a hot pool together.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Public nudity\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sound<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a little daunting? Perhaps at first. But this is sort of the whole point: nudity is a great leveller. When everybody is naked, nobody is. <em>Onsen<\/em> bathing has lots of other benefits too, both mentally and physically. It\u2019s good for the skin, circulation, reducing stress and tons more. It really is a beautiful, cherished, <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">vital<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> part of Japanese culture \u2013 and we love it to the point that we believe no trip to Japan is complete without taking the plunge. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Where to onsen<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Japan is home to roughly ten percent of all volcanoes on Earth (it\u2019s safe, they won\u2019t erupt, don\u2019t fret). With so much geothermal activity, the country is absolutely packed with natural hot springs \u2013 over three <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thousand,\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in fact. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s not at all difficult to experience this watery naked bliss on your trip. Almost any destination and itinerary can be easily adapted to feature an <em>onsen<\/em> visit (and you really must).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The tricky part is deciding which kind of experience you\u2019re looking for\u2026<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where to onsen if you<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0like your privacy<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_25827\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25827\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-25827 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1597\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-564x375.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/003-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-25827\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ginyu, Hakone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A <em>ryokan<\/em> is a traditional Japanese inn \u2013 think tatami mats, sliding doors and mossy gardens &#8211; where guests can take a dip in a private <\/span><em>onsen<\/em><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This is a perfect choice for\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">first-timers<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: if you value your privacy and don\u2019t quite feel ready to visit a public spa yet, at many <em>ryokan<\/em> you will be able to visit an on-site <\/span><em>onsen<\/em><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and bathe in relative solitude. Some <em>ryokan<\/em> even <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">provide<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> rooms that come with their own private thermal bath.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of our favourites is Ginyu, in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/hakone\/\">Hakone<\/a>. Every room has a private\u00a0<\/span><em>onsen<\/em><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and with the complex based at an altitude of 420m, the views it offers over the dense forest below are about as spectacular as you\u2019d imagine.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where to onsen if <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019re\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">an adventurous type<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One for the extroverts! One of the most impressive natural hot springs in Japan is Hirauchi Kaichu on the south side o<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">f\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/yakushima\/\">Yakushima Island<\/a> \u2013 the country&#8217;s first World Heritage site.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> For the princely donation of 100 yen, you can cross the sand and clamber over a few rocks to visit the <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">naturally-heated<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> tidal pools. Check the tides before you go, of course \u2013 the pools are underwater at certain times of day!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even without the\u00a0<\/span><em>onsen<\/em><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Yakushima Island is well worth a visit. Loggerhead <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">turtles<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> come ashore to lay eggs in the sand in the summer months, and the local foliage is beyond ancient. One tree, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">J\u014dmon<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Sugi, is estimated to be between two and six\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thousand<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0years old. It\u2019s truly an otherworldly location, and a photographer\u2019s dream.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where to onsen if <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you want to go traditional<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_25718\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25718\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-25718 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"where to onsen\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/kaede-kbys-T6Hist3MRO4-unsplash-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-25718\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@kaedekbys\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kaede KBYS<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring town sitting atop the mountains of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gunma Prefecture. It&#8217;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s famed for having the largest source of hot spring water in Japan: five thousand litres a <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">minute<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The town is built around the central y<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ubatake<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or &#8220;hot water field&#8221;, which is a network of large steaming pools. Unsurprisingly, there are over one hundred <\/span><em>onsen<\/em><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">chose<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wondering where all that geothermal activity comes from? T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">he town sits 1,200m up the side of Shirane volcano! This makes for some stunning views of the surrounding countryside. In the winter months, the town has an excellent ski resort, too.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where to onsen if <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">love the<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0mountains<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you want to discover the real,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">traditional<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Japan, hit the north. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/nyuto-onsen\/\">Nyuto Onsen<\/a> is tucked away in the mountains in the north of the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Tohoku region. This is a part of Japan that&#8217;s <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">less explored<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0by foreign visitors, with only 2% straying that far north. Consequently, Tohoku is where you\u2019ll find some of the most\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">undiluted<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0snapshots of Japanese life.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Situated in the serene landscape of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Nyuto Onsen features eight traditional ryokan bathhouses. The bathing here varies between mixed gender and segregated; the latter is the norm across Japan, the former is a rarity. It&#8217;s particularly beautiful here in the winter months, with heavy snowfall and brilliant winter hues really amping up the magic.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where to onsen if <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you want to see the sights<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hakone sits on Japan\u2019s \u2018Golden Route\u2019 between Tokyo and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/kyoto\/\">Kyoto<\/a>, and is consequently super easy to get to. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The town is renowned as a famous resting and bathing point for people heading to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/tokyo\/\">Tokyo<\/a> to see the Shogun centuries ago.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s a great place to stop for a <em>ryokan<\/em> stay, to sample hot springs, the outdoors \u2013 and, of course, to capture the perfect view of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/mount-fuji\/\">Mount Fuji<\/a>. If you\u2019re keen to spend a day gulping down <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lungfuls<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of crisp country air, check out the forested views around Lake Ashi and the Hakone Open Air Museum, too.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where to onsen if you want an ocean view<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_25824\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25824\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-25824 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-564x375.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-1200x798.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DSC_0303-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-25824\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lamp no\u00a0Yado\u00a0Ryokan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Head to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/noto-peninsula\/\">Noto Peninsula<\/a> to find the Lamp no\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yado<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Ryokan, which offers an\u00a0<\/span><em>onsen<\/em><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> with one hell of a location. Picture yourself in a hot pool, incense on the breeze, with a view of ocean waves rolling on the shore, breaking and foaming over rocks, and swirling in a hundred little rock pools. Not bad, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">eh<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This traditional inn sits on the Japan Sea Coast, and from wherever you are on the premises \u2013 pools, restaurant, bedrooms \u2013 you&#8217;ll have a remarkable view of the waves. The wider area itself is charming, too, with a quaint, classic architectural style giving the feeling of being transported into a storybook.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where to onsen if you like your history<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Said to have inspired the much-loved Studio Ghibli film <em>Spirited Away<\/em>, Matsuyama\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Onsen on Shikoku is one of Japan\u2019s most famous and iconic buildings. People have been bathing in the waters of the <em>onsen<\/em> for over a thousand years. Legend has it that the hot pools once cured a minor deity named Sukunahikona no Mikoto of a grave illness \u2013 filling him so fill of pep that leapt up and danced on the spot. Today you\u2019re unlikely to bump into a hand-jiving god, although it\u2019s not without its special guests \u2013 Japan\u2019s Imperial Family are known to frequent the spa.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where to onsen <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">if <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you\u2019re a\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">skier<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10297\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/powder.jpg\" alt=\"Powder snow skiing\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/powder.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/powder-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/powder-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/powder-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/powder-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/powder-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/nozawa-onsen\/\">Nozawa Onsen<\/a> is the oldest ski resort in Japan, evident in the ornate, elaborate design of its buildings \u2013 some of which have stood in the mountain valley for hundreds of years. Great for skiing, the area offers quality snow, good runs and a giant slice of Japanese culture. It&#8217;s free from the music-pumping bars and giant hotels that can detract from the tranquillity in larger ski resorts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The town is also renowned for its hot springs, which are to-die-for after a day on the slopes. Located just three hours northwest of Tokyo, Nozawa Onsen&#8217;s central location makes it perfect to add onto a wider trip across the country. If a hot bath after a long day of carving powder sounds like your idea of a good time (and if it doesn\u2019t, what are you <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thinking<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?)<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you\u2019re going to love it here.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where to onsen <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">if <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019re as\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">onsen<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">-mad as we are<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A lot of spa towns allow people to enjoy\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">onsen<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">meguri<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013 walking between different\u00a0<\/span><em>onsen<\/em><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. That\u2019s exactly what you can do in the town of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/kinosaki-onsen\/\">Kinosaki Onsen<\/a>: don a\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">yukata<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0(a light summer kimono), pull on a pair of wooden\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">geta<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and clip-clop around the town dipping in and out of the hot spring baths. Kinosaki stands out because of its seven \u2018mystic\u2019\u00a0<\/span><em>onsen<\/em><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, each of which is wreathed in myth and legend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What\u2019s extra exciting about <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kinoksaki<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is that all along the river that winds through town, there are retro game centres (think old style slot machines and air gun shooting), and snack shops selling ramen, yakitori, beer and more. It really is a great place for a ryokan experience \u2013 it\u2019s got everything.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">So, t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hinking of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/\">visiting Japan<\/a>? Keen to incorporate a <em>ryokan<\/em> stay or <\/span><em>onsen<\/em><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> visit into your trip? Just give one of our travel consultants a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/contact-us\/\">call<\/a> and we can chat through your options together!<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25712\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! Whether you\u2019ve had a busy day exploring Tokyo a or a long, winding walk along one of Japan\u2019s ancient hiking paths, there\u2019s nothing like rounding off the day with a leisurely dip in a\u00a0naturally-heated\u00a0pool, called an\u00a0onsen. The phrase\u00a0hadaka\u00a0no\u00a0tsukiai,\u00a0meaning\u00a0naked communion, refers to the breakdown of social barriers \u2013 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":171,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2362],"tags":[1970],"class_list":["post-25712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-places-and-where-to-stay-in-japan","tag-onsen"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25712","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/171"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25712"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25712\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34763,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25712\/revisions\/34763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}