This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Soaking in an onsen is one of Japan’s most memorable experiences, where natural beauty, cultural rituals, and relaxation come together to rejuvenate both body and mind.

An outdoor Japanese onsen at Musouen Hotel, surrounded by large rocks, green bushes, and a bamboo fence. Steam rises gently from the clear hot spring water, with a wooden bucket resting at the pools edge.

What Is an Onsen?

Onsen (温泉) means “hot spring,” and in Japan it refers to baths filled with natural geothermal waters. These springs contain minerals such as sulfur, sodium, and iron that are said to soothe muscles, improve circulation, and promote healthy skin.

Onsens are everywhere across Japan, especially in areas with volcanic activity. Some are tucked in mountain valleys, others overlook the ocean, and many are attached to traditional ryokan inns. Prices vary, but you don’t always need to stay overnight as many facilities welcome day visitors.

It’s important to note that onsens are regulated under Japanese law to ensure water quality. The Ministry of the Environment officially recognizes thousands of springs, and each claims unique health benefits.

Onsen in Japanese Culture

A wooden indoor hot spring bath with large windows overlooks snowy trees outside, letting in natural light and creating a warm, serene atmosphere—an ideal retreat featured in the Zao winter guide.

Bathing is more than relaxation—it’s part of Japan’s spiritual and cultural fabric. Ancient texts like the Kojiki and Manyoshu mention hot springs, and purification rituals in both Shinto and Buddhism highlight the healing role of water.

Even animals have been spotted enjoying the warmth. At Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, wild macaques soak in outdoor baths in winter, delighting visitors from around the world.

Best Onsen Towns in Japan

A cityscape with numerous buildings emitting white steam, surrounded by green hills and partially obscured by fog or low clouds—a scene straight from a Beppu Onsen Travel Guide. Dense greenery fills the foreground.

With so many to choose from, these six regions are among the most famous:

Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉), Hokkaido

Known as the “department store of hot springs,” Noboribetsu offers seven different mineral waters. The milky, sulfuric baths were first used by the indigenous Ainu people.

Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉), Gunma

One of Japan’s most popular hot spring towns, Kusatsu is famed for its powerful sulfur springs. Don’t miss the Yubatake, where thousands of liters of steaming water gush out every minute.

Atami Onsen (熱海温泉), Shizuoka

Just 35 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train, Atami combines coastal scenery with 1,000 years of bathing history. Even shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu was a loyal visitor.

Gero Onsen (下呂温泉), Gifu

Nicknamed the “beauty hot springs,” Gero’s clear alkaline water is said to soften skin. The town has several free footbaths, and even an open-air public bath by the river.

Arima Onsen (有馬温泉), Hyogo

Near Kobe and Osaka, Arima is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious resorts. It features two distinct waters: gold (iron-rich) and silver (radium-carbonate).

Beppu Onsen (別府温泉), Oita

Beppu is famous for its sheer number of hot springs. Walking through town, you’ll see steam rising everywhere. The dramatic “hells” (jigoku) are scalding hot pools best admired rather than bathed in.

How to Use an Onsen

A row of partitioned shower stations in a Japanese bathhouse, each with a handheld showerhead, mirror, small stool, and washbowl—showing how to enjoy onsen by cleansing thoroughly in this clean, well-lit area with elegant stone surfaces.

Bathing rules may seem strict, but they ensure everyone enjoys the experience:

  1. Change & Wash: In the changing room, remove all clothing. At the washing area, sit on the stool and scrub thoroughly before entering the bath.
  2. No Towels in the Water: You may carry a small towel for modesty, but it should never touch the bathwater.
  3. Soak Quietly: No splashing, swimming, or loud talking. Long hair must be tied up.
  4. Exit & Dry: Some onsens suggest not rinsing off afterward, to let the minerals stay on your skin.

Onsen Etiquette Questions

A traditional Japanese onsen entrance at night, warmly lit with wooden pillars, banners with Japanese characters, and an information board—evoking the timeless charm of Takeo Onsen.

Photos: Cameras and phones are never allowed inside shared baths.

Tattoos: Some facilities still ban tattoos, though attitudes are slowly changing. Covering small tattoos with a bandage or choosing a private onsen is a safe option.

Children: Many onsens allow children, but rules vary by age or height. Private baths are best for families who want to soak together.

Clothing: Bathing suits are not allowed in standard onsens. Exceptions exist for mixed-gender baths or natural outdoor pools.

Is Visiting an Onsen Worth It?

A wooden room at Nikko Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa features an indoor Japanese hot spring bath, two reclining chairs, and natural light streaming through a partially open wall, revealing lush greenery outside.

Bathing in an onsen is one of the most authentic Japanese experiences you can have. The mineral-rich waters soothe your body, while the cultural traditions give you a deeper sense of connection to Japan. Whether you choose a famous resort town like Beppu or a quiet mountain inn, it’s an experience that stays with you long after your trip.

Related Posts: