.jpg)
Baby it’s cold outside, but don’t worry - Japan’s mineral rich hot springs are here to keep you warm through the winter months.
Intro
When it’s cold outside, is there anything better than warming up in a bubbling hot spring? Japan’s naturally occurring, mineral rich onsen are popular all year round with residents and visitors alike and represent an important part of Japanese culture, but it’s arguably during the colder months that you’ll feel the most benefit from the country’s volcanic hot springs and the traditional bathhouses that have sprung up around them (no pun intended).
Of course, with an estimated 27,000 hot springs and 3,000 onsen towns to choose from in Japan, it can be a challenge to know where to start. Thankfully, we’re here to help at JRPass.com! And, with a Japan Rail Pass in hand for almost unlimited travel on Japan’s train network, you’re not limited to trying just one hot spring - the whole of Japan is yours to dip your toe in! To help, we’ve conducted an up-to-date survey of the very best onsen to visit over the next 12 months in Japan. Let’s get started. .jpg)
What is a Japanese Onsen?
First, let’s start with the basics. What is an onsen? The word onsen (温泉) describes both natural hot springs produced by Japan’s geothermal and volcanic foundations and the bathhouses that use them. While the word ‘sento’ technically describes public bathhouses, the term onsen often encompasses the full range of bathing facilities as well as hotels/inns, traditional ryokan, and spas that are built surrounding onsen. Sento on the other hand are not attached to a natural hot spring and simply use hot water, while ‘rotenburo’ are outdoor onsen. However, the word onsen is often used interchangeably for all three.
As Japan is one of the most volcanically active countries, onsen are plentiful, and there are a huge variety of different types to experience. Within larger cities, onsen are likely to be modern bath houses, but with your JRPass in hand you can travel around the country and try everything from traditional to modern, outdoor, indoor, segregated, mixed, cedar, iron, stone or tile spas. There are onsen resort towns where you can lower yourself into warm water surrounded by snowy mountains or lush green forests - bliss! Relaxing in an onsen, solo or with family or friends, is a large part of Japanese society and has numerous benefits including pain alleviation, clearing up skin, and reducing fatigue and stress. You’ll not only be able to find one pretty much wherever you are in Japan, but each region specialises in a different mineral infused spring water, so no two onsen are the same - even more reason to travel around and try as many as you can. It’s arguably one of the most authentic Japanese experiences you could engage in while visiting the country.
Top 10 Onsen Destinations for 2025
- Hakone Hot Springs
- Nozawa Onsen Hot Springs
- Gero Onsen
- Kinosaki Onsen
- Dogo Onsen
- Yufuin
- Kusatsu Hot Spring Baths
- Arima Onsen
- Yudanaka Onsen
- Shuzenji Onsen
Based on our study, Hakone is currently the best overall onsen destination in Japan with a final score of 9.17/10 thanks to its very reasonable JP¥500 admission price and 9/10 accessibility score. With a staggering 60 bath houses, three times more than any other onsen destination, the choice and variety at Hakone Hot Springs is second to none. Hakone, a mountainous city in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and just west of Tokyo, is a very popular destination generally too with a great deal to offer, including stunning views of the iconic Mt. Fuji, hiking, outdoor activities, and more. It’s also very accessible with the Japan Rail Pass. You can reach Hakone from both Tokyo and Kyoto in less than two hours on the shinkansen ‘bullet train’ or the ‘romance car’ limited express train from Tokyo. You can find out much more in our full Guide to Visiting Hakone with the JR Pass.
The second must visit onsen this winter is Nozawa Onsen Hot Springs, with a free admission price and a final score of 8.39/10. Conveniently located near the slopes so you can end a busy day relaxing at one of the 13 thermal baths, Nozawa Onsen Hot Springs’ 4.1/5 review score makes it a great option to explore this winter.
Next, Gero Onsen came third, with a final score of 8.37/10. Gero has a traditional feel and high quality springs, with 10 thermal baths as well as many foot baths located around the town, which are ideal after a long day exploring. With an average price of JP¥700, and an accessibility score of 8.5/10, Gero Onsen offers an excellent opportunity to experience a more traditional onsen culture.
With a final score of 8.2/10, Kinosaki Onsen ranks as the fourth must-visit onsen in Japan and it’s definitely one of the best in our opinion. For more than 1,000 years, this beautiful, traditional-looking Japanese town has been a favourite destination for people from across Japan and more recently, international travellers. On arrival, you’ll discover gorgeous wooden buildings with sukiya architecture, the Willow-lined Otani-gawa river, residents and visitors wearing yukata robes (also known as summer kimonos) and geta (wooden clogs), quaint local shops selling crafts, gifts, and souvenirs, and so many traditional onsen and ryokan that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Despite having the second highest average price point at JP¥1500, Kinosaki Onsen has the highest review score overall with an impressive 4.5/5. To make the town experience accessible, all seven of the natural springs at Kinosaki are tattoo friendly and English translations are provided to ensure tourists can relax in and experience the high-quality waters. As well as its onsen, Kinosaki is also famous for its incredible food, and you’ll find lots of attractions nearby too, from mountain ropeways and serene temples to sandy white beaches. Read our full guide to Kinosaki Onsen Resort Town for everything you need to know.
Dogo Onsen rounds off the top five with a final score of 8.17/10. As one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, Dogo Onsen is popular with tourists who want to experience its impressive architecture and history. With an accessibility score of 9/10 and an average admission price of JP¥420, Dogo Onsen is an essential destination to experience traditional culture and history during the colder months.
Onsen Culture
As we mentioned above, onsen have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, with descriptions of hot spring baths already found in the Nihon Shoki, which dates back to the 1st Century. Japan is a series of islands - more than 6,000 in fact - and is located in the Pacific Ocean’s ‘Ring of Fire - making the country one of the most volcanically active in the world. The upside of this intense geothermal activity are naturally occurring hot springs throughout the country - there’s such an abundance in fact that there are an estimated 25,000 onsen in Japan, from outdoor hot springs to contemporary and luxurious modern day bathhouses - all taking advantage of the pure, naturally occurring hot spring water bubbling up from Japan’s geothermal core. In many ways, it’s unsurprising that onsen have become such an integral and cherished part of Japanese culture and society. Onsen are enjoyed by family and friends and it’s a great way for visitors to experience a Japanese tradition first-hand.
Bathing Etiquette
What is the correct way to enjoy a Japanese onsen? What is the etiquette and how can you make sure you’re following the rules? The answer to the last question is simple - just read on and we’ll tell you.
- Onsen are separated by gender
The majority of Japanese onsen are segregated by gender meaning that men bathe with men and women bathe with women. While mixed onsen and private onsen for couples do exist, most are segregated so you don’t have to worry about being nude in front of the opposite sex.
- Take off all your clothes
There are no bathing suits required in Japanese onsen - you go in completely naked. This may feel scary for westerners who are unused to communal bathing, but in Japan it is completely natural and even a social experience. You do, however, get a small towel to cover yourself and you should use this on your way into and out of the water. You will also be required to leave your shoes at the door when entering - something common across Japan - and you may receive slippers to wear inside instead (although not in the onsen itself, of course). There are baskets and lockers for storing your clothes and belongings.
- No phones or cameras
Onsen are not places to try and take photos for social media!
- Wash in the shower area before entering the onsen
You might be surprised to discover that you wash with soap before getting into the onsen. This is to ensure your body is clean before you get into the hot spring water. There are shower areas to use, often with soap provided, before you lower yourself into the onsen. It is essential you do this before getting into the water to make sure you’re clean.
- No washing in the onsen
Since you wash beforehand, you don’t wash in the onsen. It’s for relaxing only.
- Cover any tattoos
Traditionally, tattoos have been associated with organised crime in Japan, so showing them off is a general no-no, especially at the onsen. This means checking to see whether the onsen allows tattoos before disrobing or more likely, covering them over with a skin-coloured plaster or sticker (where possible). These will sometimes be provided.
- Don’t put your towel in the water
As we mentioned, you will be provided with a small towel for your modesty, but it’s important not to let this fall into the onsen water. It’s another no-no, and is seen as contaminating the water. Instead, place your towel safely outside of the pool or rest it on your shoulder or head (as pictured above).
- No alcohol
While drinking alcohol in an onsen is forbidden, it is recommended to drink plenty of water beforehand to stay hydrated. Also, no running, shouting, or jumping into the water - this should hopefully be self-explanatory.
- Don’t go under the water or let your hair go in the onsen
Similar to the towel rule, it’s frowned upon to go under the water or let your hair go in the water as it’s seen as contaminating the purity of the onsen.
- Try the different baths
Onsen often include a range of different baths, including different temperatures and even electric baths with a low-level electric current running through them (yes, really!), so there’s definitely more than one type of onsen to experience.
- Relax and enjoy
With all the above etiquette observed, simply lower yourself in, relax, lie back, and enjoy one of the most authentically Japanese experiences - the onsen. Afterwards, simply towel down and get dressed - you don’t shower again after getting out of the onsen as you’d be washing away all the beneficial geothermal minerals.
Bonus Recommendations
With your Top 10 onsen destinations list in hand (plus your JR Pass for getting around), you’re all set to discover more:
- You can enjoy a traditional onsen even if you’re visiting one of Japan’s biggest and most modern cities, even Tokyo. Read our guide to The Best Five Onsen in Tokyo to find out more. You also have Atami Onsen Town within easy reach of Tokyo as a day trip if you do want to get out of the city.
- It may surprise you to discover that it’s not just the Japanese people that love onsens, but snow monkeys too? Find out more in our guide to Monkeying Around with the Japanese Macaque.
- If you’re looking to take your onsen experience outdoors then for a truly spectacular backdrop it’s hard to beat Noboribetsu on Hokkaido and the volcanic landscape of Jigokudani, which is better known as Hell Valley.
- Traditional Japanese inns known as Ryokan often include their own onsen on site. You can find out more about this authentic Japanese accommodation in our guide to The Best Ryokan in Japan.
