Japan is no stranger to volcanic activity, Mt. Fuji itself is a volcano, but one of the benefits of living alongside these smoky landforms is the mineral rich water that gushes to the surface. The country literally leaks hot water; geothermal hot springs to be specific. Few things are more treasured in Japan than these healing waters or onsen and the Japanese have been enjoying them for thousands of years. No trip to Japan would be complete without a dip and while there are the more well-known springs in Hakone and Kyoto, you can also experience onsen like a native at these off-the-beaten-path hot spring resorts.
Tamatsukuri Onsen
Located just north of Hiroshima in Shimane prefecture, the hot spring resort of Tamatsukuri Onsen has been drawing visitors to its waters for over 1,300 years. Known as the “hot springs of the gods” for its reported healing properties, Tamatsukuri’s waters are also said to have “beautifying effects” on the skin. A study completed in 2010 concluded that the hot spring waters in Tamatsukuri contained “the highest proportion of skin moisturizing ingredients than any other onsen in Japan.” The many shops, restaurants, and traditional inns give the town a quaint vibe that begs travelers to slow down and enjoy the sights. Visitors can stroll along the Tamayu River that runs through the resort or venture down the steps provided to designated foot baths for a rest and short soak.
For more information: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/931/
Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen
The charming cobblestone streets and wooden traditional inns, or ryokan, that make up the neighboring hot spring resorts of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen transport visitors back to a simpler time. So deep is the love of onsen in this area that you will find a hot spring, Kaede no Yu, right outside of Yudanaka station when you step off the train. Enjoy onsen hopping your way through the nine public baths of Shibu Onsen, known as Sotoyu, which are open to any guests of Shibu Onsen’s traditional inns. Nearby Shiga Kogen ski resort is only 30 minutes away for winter sports enthusiasts and you’ll find there is no better way to relax after hitting the slopes than nice soak in a hot spring bath. If you still need tips on properly enjoying onsen, just take a lesson from the local simians at Jigokudani Monkey Park located just a short bus ride away. Each winter you can find these mischievous macaques soaking it up in the natural hot spring pools. But don’t worry, you won’t find any monkeys relaxing in the onsen baths back at your ryokan.
For more information: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2247/
Noboribetsu Onsen
If the billowy clouds of steam floating up from Noboribetsu Onsen on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido is any indication, this is a serious hot spring town. Considered to be in the top ten hot springs in the country, Noboribetsu’s hot springs flow directly from the appropriately named Jigokudani which translates to Hell Valley. The different sulfur, salt, and mineral rich pools all tout varying health benefits which are proudly displayed for travelers to read and learn about. When not soaking in the hot spring waters, enjoy a hike through the beautiful primeval forests of Hell Valley and see firsthand the legendary waters that spring up from hell itself.
For more information: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1907/
Zao Onsen
Tohoku, the northernmost region of Japan’s main island, sees some of the heaviest snowfall and some of the coldest winters in the country. Luckily, the warm people of Tohoku have mastered the art of chasing away the cold. Nestled in the mountains between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, the popular hot spring and ski resort of Zao Onsen is a major draw during the winter months and although the ski resort is relatively new, Zao’s hot spring waters were first discovered nearly 2,000 years ago. And if Zao’s top tier runs and powder snow are not enough to entice you to hit the slopes, the rare phenomenon of “snow monsters” may pique your curiosity. Each winter, ice and snow envelope the trees giving them an otherworldly and monstrous look which thousands travel from far and wide to see firsthand. After a long day on the mountain, enjoy a luxurious soak in Zao’s mineral rich hot springs which are said to cure a variety of ailments from sore muscles to high blood pressure.
For more information: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1772/
