Quick answer: Japan’s best hot-spring towns include Hakone, Beppu, Kusatsu, Kinosaki and Ginzan.
An onsen (hot-spring) town with a traditional ryokan stay is one of Japan’s great experiences. These eight are the best.
The 8 best onsen towns
Hakone
The most accessible from Tokyo, with views of Mount Fuji.
Beppu, Kyushu
A steaming town with the famous ‘hells’ (jigoku) hot springs.
Kusatsu
One of Japan’s most famous, with a dramatic hot-water field in the centre.
Kinosaki Onsen
A picturesque town made for strolling between seven public baths in a yukata.
Ginzan Onsen
A magical, lantern-lit street of wooden ryokan, beautiful in snow.
Gero Onsen
One of Japan’s top three hot springs, in the mountains of Gifu.
Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
Powerful, varied waters beside a volcanic ‘hell valley’.
Nyuto Onsen
Remote, rustic mountain baths in Tohoku.
How to choose
Stay overnight in a ryokan to enjoy the baths at dawn and dusk and a kaiseki dinner. Learn onsen etiquette (wash before bathing, no swimwear); note many baths restrict guests with tattoos.
Japan’s best onsen towns
For the quintessential Japanese hot-spring experience, these towns are the finest:
- Hakone — the most accessible from Tokyo, with Mt Fuji views.
- Kusatsu — one of Japan’s most famous, with its steaming Yubatake field.
- Beppu — Kyushu’s onsen capital, with its colourful “hells.”
- Gero — a classic riverside onsen town.
- Kinosaki — stroll between seven public baths in a yukata.
- Noboribetsu — Hokkaido’s top hot-spring resort.
Onsen etiquette
Wash thoroughly before entering, bathe nude, keep your towel out of the water, and note that many onsen restrict visible tattoos (look for tattoo-friendly options).
Japans Best Onsen Towns FAQ
What is the best onsen town in Japan?
Hakone is the most accessible from Tokyo; Kusatsu and Beppu are the most famous overall.
What are the onsen etiquette rules?
Wash before entering, bathe nude, keep towels out of the water, and check tattoo policies.