Onsen in Japan Japanese hot springs

No trip to Japan is complete unless you plan at least one visit to an onsen. But what is an onsen exactly? It’s the ultimate Japanese wellness experience! Onsen are natural hot springs , often expanded into spa-like resorts, and are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. From traditional baths in ryokan inns to public bathhouses to modern themed onsens—the variety is huge. In total, there are more than 30,000 hot springs and over 3,000 resorts spread throughout Japan.

How do onsens get hot?

Onsen water must come from a geothermal spring , where it’s heated by underground volcanic activity. The water contains lots of minerals, which are considered very healing for your skin, circulation, and general health. By the way, the water in onsen baths must come from a volcanic spring and be at least 25°C.

What does an onsen look like?

An onsen is set up similarly to a European thermal spa: there’s an entrance area, changing rooms, showers, and restrooms. There are simple, smaller onsens with just one or two pools. Most of the larger onsens, though, have five or more pools and often even a sauna. A special highlight are often the outdoor baths, called rotenburo (露天風呂) , which make for a bathing experience under the open sky, often with beautiful views of nature. Usually, there are both indoor and outdoor baths.

Onsen in Japanese culture

Onsen play a very important role in Japanese culture. On the one hand, of course, they’re a popular tourist attraction. On the other hand, it’s not unusual for families, couples, or groups of friends to make a weekend trip to an onsen. By the way: Not everyone was allowed in onsens in the past. During the Kamakura period, for example, onsens were considered a luxury and a wellness resort reserved only for the upper class and warriors.

Sento vs. Onsen

In an onsen, the hot water comes from a volcanic spring . A sento, on the other hand, is a public bathhouse that also offers hot water—but it is artificially heated. By the way: the etiquette rules, which we’ll talk about below, apply to both sento and onsen.

Eating after the onsen

Many onsens have their own restaurant area where guests can eat something or have tea. Usually, classic Japanese dishes are served. Particularly popular and typical are dishes like Udon (thick wheat noodles in broth), Ramen (thin noodles in rich broth), and Kare (Japanese curry with rice). These warming dishes are especially popular after a bath and help you regain your energy.

Many onsens also have healthy specialties on the menu, made fresh and local, which you won’t find anywhere else.

Onsen Tamago - the famous onsen egg

A special delicacy is the " Onsen Tamago " (onsen egg), which is gently cooked in the hot spring water of the onsen. With this traditional preparation, the egg is placed in its shell for about 30-40 minutes in water about 70°C. What’s special: the egg white stays incredibly creamy and smooth, while the yolk becomes relatively firm—but still remains a vibrant yellow. This unique consistency comes from the even, gentle warmth of the spring water. Onsen Tamago is often served as a starter or side to different dishes, typically with light soy sauce or dashi broth.

Important rules – how to behave in an onsen

If you visit an onsen for the first time, there are some rules you must absolutely follow . It’s best to also check out general Japan faux pas to avoid misunderstandings.

Shoes stay outside

The onsen area shouldn’t be dirtied by shoes. Usually there are lockers for shoes, which you can use for free.

Tattoos are (mostly) forbidden

Tattoos have long been strongly associated with crime and criminals in Japanese culture. That’s why many onsens still have a strict "no tattoos" rule today. Fortunately, most onsens now allow small tattoos , especially for foreign visitors. For larger tattoos, there’s a practical solution: on the internet or in Don Quijote stores you can buy special tattoo stickers . These skin-colored patches stick to your skin and cover tattoos effectively so you can enjoy the onsen experience anyway. It’s a good idea to contact the onsen you want to visit ahead of time to find out how strict their rules on tattoos are.

Tattoo-friendly onsen in Tokyo

Tattoo-friendly onsen in TokyoRelax in the open-air bath with a view of the Skytree—entry, towel, and drink included, tattoos welcome! 

 Book your adventure.*

*Affiliate link: If you book an activity on viator.com through my widget or my link, I receive a small commission. There are no extra costs for you and you support my blog. I really appreciate it and wish you lots of fun traveling (^_^)

Men and women bathe separately

In the early days of onsen culture in Japan, men and women bathed together. Nowadays though, almost all onsens have separate areas for men and women. Children are typically allowed in both areas.

Nudity is mandatory

No clothes are worn in the onsen. That also applies to swimsuits and shorts. After undressing in the changing room you’ll usually get a small towel . You can use this to cover yourself on the way to the washing area. In the water itself, however, the towel is not allowed. The only exceptions, where bathing clothes are allowed or required, are very rare unisex-onsens or modern onsen theme parks.

Wash thoroughly before entering the onsen

The onsen water should stay pure and clean. That’s why it’s customary for bathers to wash thoroughly before entering the onsen. Usually there’s a special area for this with soap and shampoo provided.

An onsen is not a fun pool

Splashing, jumping, or laughing loudly: all these things are very inappropriate in an onsen. Instead, bathers are supposed to relax and enjoy the special atmosphere in peace .

Towels don’t belong in the water

Don’t dip your towel under any circumstances into the water—even if it’s perfectly clean. This is considered extremely rude.

Hair must be tied up

If you have long hair, you should tie it up so it can’t possibly touch the water. That is seen as "unclean".

You should rest after bathing

Bathing in the hot water can be very tiring. That’s why you shouldn’t plan anything too demanding afterward. Most onsens have a lounge area where you can buy drinks. The recommended drink after an onsen bath is fresh milk.

How to bathe properly in the onsen

Effects

The water you bathe in at an onsen is typically very rich in minerals and other elements. That’s why it’s considered to have many health benefits. Blood circulation is boosted and skin aging is slowed. Muscle tension is relieved by the warm water and it can also stimulate your circulation. On top of that, the relaxing atmosphere in onsen baths can help clear your mind and help with sleep problems or depression.

Different onsen temperatures

Onsen baths aren’t just in the typical warm range, but also in different temperature ranges, each with its own health benefits. The most common temperature ranges are:

• Cold Onsen (Reikan-sen): With temperatures between 25°C and 30°C , these refreshing baths are perfect for cooling down, especially in summer. They stimulate circulation and strengthen your immune system thanks to the cold stimulus.
• Standard onsen: The classic onsens are 40°C to 42°C , which feels comfortably warm and is ideal for relaxation.
• Hot onsen: At 42°C to 44°C these baths are quite intense and should only be used briefly. They’re especially good for boosting circulation and relieving muscle pain.
• Very hot onsen (Jigoku-sen or "hell springs"): These extremely hot baths with temperatures over 45°C , sometimes even up to 50°C, are meant for only very short dips (often just a few seconds to max 1-3 minutes!) and can be especially helpful for joint pain and chronic issues. Be especially careful here and ease in slowly!

In many larger onsen complexes, you’ll find several baths at different temperatures. It’s popular to alternate between hot and cold baths, which boosts your circulation and has an invigorating effect.

Kanjis/Characters – The Most Important Words Around Onsen Baths

Important Kanjis

• Hot spring /Onsen 温泉
• Water/ Oyu お湯
• Hot water from a natural spring/ tennen onsen 天然温泉
• Bath /Ofuro お風呂
• Bath/ Nyūyoku 入浴
• Admission ticket/ Nyūjōken 入場券
• Woman/ Onna 女
• Women's bath/ Onnayu 女湯
• Man/ Otoko 男
• Men's bath/ Otokoyu 男湯

Additional Kanjis

• Adults/ Otona 大人
• Students/ Shōgakusei 小学生
• Women's bath/ Himeyu 姫湯
• Men's bath/ Tonoyu 殿湯
• Outdoor bath/ Rotenburo 露天風呂
• Shampoo/ Shampu シャンプー
• Soap/ Body soap ボディーソープ
• Rest area/ Kyūkeishitsu 休憩室
• Recommendation/ Osusume おすすめ
• Public bathhouse/ Sentou 銭湯

Which cities have the most famous onsens?

Beppu

Beppu is on the southern main island of Kyūshū and is one of the oldest and most famous onsen towns in the Oita region. There are more than 3,700 hot springs here, enjoyed by 12 million guests each year. The city is also fondly called "Onsen capital of Japan," and is known for its "jigoku" (hells)—a series of hot springs with differently colored water, too hot to bathe in and just for viewing. The eight best-known of these "hells" are popular tourist attractions. In addition to traditional onsens, Beppu also offers sand baths, where guests are buried in hot volcanic sand, and mud baths rich in healing minerals. Local cuisine features dishes cooked with hot spring steam—the so-called "jigoku-mushi" (hell-steamed cooking).

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 970 km (Flight: 1.5 hours)
Number of springs	Over 3,700 (largest concentration in Japan)
Fame	★★★★★ (Nationally known)
Special feature	The "8 Hells" (jigoku), sand and mud baths

Atami

This region is also called “hot sea” and has been known as an onsen site since the Edo period (1603-1868). Today, the various onsens around Atami are especially popular with the rich and famous. The city is idyllically located on Sagami Bay on the Izu peninsula and, besides relaxing baths, also offers breathtaking sea views. Atami’s history as a spa town stretches back over 1,000 years, and legend says the Buddhist monk Ninsai discovered the region's first hot spring in 1253. The water in Atami is especially rich in sodium and chloride, said to help with skin issues, exhaustion, and circulation disorders. Most ryokans and hotels have private onsens with sea views for an exceptional bathing experience. For culture lovers, the city also offers a historic castle museum, a traditional Japanese garden (Akao Herb & Rose Garden), and frequent summer firework shows over the bay.

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 100 km (Train: 45 minutes by Shinkansen)
Number of springs	Over 500 springs
Fame	★★★★☆ (Especially popular with wealthy Japanese)
Special feature	Onsens with sea view, high-end luxury ryokans

Hakone

In this popular onsen town in Kanagawa Prefecture, around 3 million visitors spend their holidays every year. Travelers have been coming here for 1,200 years to stay in cozy ryokans and bathe in the hot springs. The Hakone region is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and, along with many onsens, offers a spectacular natural setting with the volcanic crater Owakudani and scenic Lake Ashi, where visitors can ride traditional "pirate ships" (sightseeing boats). The view of majestic Mt. Fuji from many onsens is especially stunning in clear weather. The springs in Hakone are particularly rich in sulfur, believed to help with skin diseases and rheumatism. For culture, there’s the famous Hakone Open-Air Museum with impressive sculptures by international artists, as well as traditional wood carvings and local crafts. Conveniently accessible from Tokyo, Hakone is a popular weekend getaway for locals and one of the most-visited onsen areas for international tourists.

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 90 km (Train: 85 min)
Number of springs	Over 20 different spring areas
Fame	★★★★★ (Internationally recognized)
Special feature	Mt. Fuji view, Owakudani volcano area

Kinosaki

This resort town on the northern coast of Hyōgo Prefecture by the Sea of Japan has been known for its onsens since the 8th century. In addition to its famous bathhouses, the town charms with a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere. The picturesque town is built along a central river, with willow-lined canals and traditional wooden bridges crossing them. According to legend, Buddhist monk Dōchi Shōnin discovered its healing springs in 717 after 1,000 days of prayer. The concept of "seven public baths" (sotoyu) is particularly interesting—these can be visited with a special pass, and each onsen has its own story and unique healing benefits. A local tradition is to stroll through the town in traditional yukata (light cotton kimono) and geta (wooden sandals), hopping between the different baths. Kinosaki is also known for its culinary specialties, especially Matsuba crab in winter and Tajima beef (an ancestor of Kobe beef). The region also offers seasonal attractions like cherry blossoms in spring, beach activities in summer, and a spectacular fireworks show marking the end of the bath season.

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 600 km (Train: 3.5 hours by Shinkansen)
Number of springs	7 public onsens (sotoyu) + private ryokan baths
Fame	★★★★☆ (Cult spot for authentic onsen experience)
Special feature	Traditional townscape, onsen-hopping in yukata

Shimoda

There are a total of four hot springs here: Rendai-ji Onsen, Kawachi Onsen, Shirahama Onsen, and Kannon Onsen. The historic port city of Shimoda lies at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula and plays a significant role in modern Japanese history. In 1854, Commodore Perry landed here with his “Black Ships” and forced Japan to open to the West, ending the policy of isolation (sakoku). Shimoda's springs are less known than other tourist hotspots, giving them a special appeal. The four main spring areas offer different water compositions—especially popular is Shirahama Onsen’s clear, slightly salty water, believed to help with muscle and joint pain. Shimoda’s combination of onsen and beach vacation makes it special: the city is surrounded by some of Japan’s most beautiful white sand beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy both hot springs and the sea. History lovers can visit Ryōsen-ji Temple, where the first Japan-US treaty was signed, or the Perry Road district with its well-preserved traditional buildings.

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 160 km (Train: 2.5-3 hours)
Number of springs	4 main spring areas
Fame	★★★☆☆ (Less touristy, authentic)
Special feature	Combination of onsen and beach, historical significance

Nozawa

This is not only one of Japan’s best ski regions, but also perfect for relaxing in onsens. You’ll also enjoy excellent local specialties here. Nozawa Onsen is nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture and has made a name as one of Japan’s top winter sports centers, especially after the Nagano Olympic Winter Games in 1998. What makes Nozawa special is the combination of a first-class ski area with traditional onsen culture. The village has 13 public onsens (sotoyu) run by the community and open for free to locals and visitors—a system that goes back to the Edo period. These communal baths were traditionally called “collective heaters,” as they were not just for bathing, but also for cooking and laundry. Local specialties include "nozawana" (pickled leaf vegetable) and "oyaki" (stuffed dumplings steamed in hot spring steam). A culture highlight is the annual Dōsojin Fire Festival in January, where a giant shrine is set alight. The architecture of the village with its narrow lanes, traditional wooden houses, and ever-present columns of steam creates a uniquely atmospheric setting.

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 250 km (Train: 2-3 hours)
Number of springs	13 free public baths + private ryokan onsens
Fame	★★★★☆ (Internationally known as ski/onsen area)
Special feature	Combination of skiing and onsen, free public baths

Yudanaka

For several hundred years, Yudanaka Onsen has been a popular place for hot springs. These days it’s quite a modern town. Yudanaka is also in Nagano Prefecture, just a few kilometers from Nozawa Onsen, and part of the larger Yamanouchi Onsen area. The region became world-famous for the nearby Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, the “monkey park,” where Japanese macaques (also called “snow monkeys”) bathe in the hot springs—a fascinating natural spectacle for visitors from all over the world. Yudanaka’s onsen history goes back to the 7th century, when a Buddhist monk discovered the healing effects of the springs. The water is especially rich in minerals like sulfur and sodium and is said to help with skin problems, rheumatism, and muscle pain. Besides traditional bathhouses, the region also boasts numerous traditional-style ryokans that often have private onsens. Nearby are several historic temples and shrines, as well as the Shiga Kogen ski area, one of the largest and highest ski resorts in Japan. The region is also famous for its sake breweries, which use the pure mountain water for particularly refined sake.

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 220 km (Train: 2-2.5 hrs by Shinkansen)
Number of springs	Several dozen springs in the Yamanouchi area
Fame	★★★★☆ (Internationally famous for the snow monkeys)
Special feature	Jigokudani snow monkey park, can be combined with ski holiday

Kusatsu

This is one of Japan’s most popular onsen resorts. The spring water here is considered especially healing. A unique attraction is "Yumomi," in which hot water is cooled with large wooden paddles. Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture is among the "Three Great Onsens" of Japan and is famous for its emerald green, strongly acidic water with high sulfur content. With a flow rate of over 5,000 liters per minute, the central Yubatake ("hot water field") is one of Japan’s most abundant springs and forms the town’s impressive center. The water in Kusatsu is 50–94°C, so hot it has to be cooled with a traditional method called "Yumomi": women in traditional dress stir the water with large wooden paddles to folksongs—a daily performance popular with tourists. The high mineral content (pH 2.1) is said to be especially effective for skin diseases, digestive issues, and even bacterial infections. A local saying goes: "Kusatsu cures everything but lovesickness." There’s a unique bathing culture here with the Jikan-yu ritual, in which bathers immerse themselves for exactly three minutes in the 48°C water—any longer is considered harmful. The surrounding mountains offer skiing in winter and hiking in summer, and the nearby active volcano Kusatsu-Shirane features a spectacular turquoise crater lake. Read more about my

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 180 km (Bus/Train: 3–4 hours)
Number of springs	Over 100 springs, 18 public baths
Fame	★★★★★ (One of the "Three Great Onsens" of Japan)
Special feature	Yubatake (central spring field), Yumomi cooling ceremony

Shirahama

Here there are not just hot springs, but also beautiful beaches. Guests—especially from the Kansai region—flock here often. Shirahama is in Wakayama Prefecture on the Kii Peninsula and is one of Japan’s oldest onsen areas, with a history stretching over 1,300 years. The name means "white beach," describing the 800-meter-long crescent-shaped sand beach at the heart of town. This rare mix of hot springs and ocean beach makes Shirahama a year-round favorite. The onsen here are mineral-rich and slightly alkaline, said to leave you with silky soft skin. The rotenburo (outdoor baths) by the sea are particularly stunning—such as Saki-no-yu, said to be Japan’s oldest open-air bath, with incredible views of the Pacific. Another highlight is the “sakyu onsen,” a sand onsen where guests are buried in sand heated by spring water. The region is full of natural wonders, including the sandstone formation Engetsu-to (moon arch) and the Sandanbeki ("thousand-step cliffs"). Locally, look for seafood, especially "Kumano beef" and "Kishu-plum." Shirahama is a modern resort, too, with large hotels, a theme park (Adventure World with pandas), and “Shirahama Energy Land,” a theme park about renewable energy.

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 500 km (Flight: 1 hour, Train: 5-6 hours)
Number of springs	Several dozen springs, 15+ public baths
Fame	★★★★☆ (Popular with Kansai region visitors)
Special feature	Mix of onsen and white sand beach, seaside rotenburo

Dogo

This onsen is a real insider tip! The multi-story bathhouse is used mostly by locals—but it also inspired the famous anime film "Spirited Away". Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Shikoku, is said to be one of Japan's oldest hot baths with a recorded history of over 3,000 years. Legend has it that a wounded white heron healed its injuries here, leading to the discovery of the hot spring’s healing power. The Dogo Onsen Honkan, an impressive three-story wooden building from the Meiji era (1894), is the area's landmark and under preservation order. It offers separate baths for men and women, as well as exclusive rooms once reserved for the imperial family. The building was actually the inspiration for the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away.” A special Dogo tradition is that every two hours an employee rings a bell three times to mark bath time—a custom going back more than 300 years. Dogo's mineral-rich water wells up from 260 meters deep and is said to help with joint and muscle pains and aid circulation. The area around Dogo features many traditional ryokans, an ancient shrine (Isaniwa Shrine), and Dogo Park with the ruins of Yuzuki Castle. Local specialties include "Botchan dango," a three-colored rice cake named after a famous novel by Natsume Sōseki, set in Matsuyama.

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 800 km (Flight: 1.5 hrs, Train: 6-7 hrs)
Number of springs	Mainly the historic Honkan bathhouse
Fame	★★★★☆ (Historically important, anime fame)
Special feature	One of Japan's oldest onsens, historic bathhouse, cultural treasure

Yufuin

This charming onsen town lies in a valley surrounded by tall mountains. From the outdoor baths here you get beautiful views of the landscape. Yufuin is in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu, just 10 km from its more famous neighbor Beppu, but with a completely different vibe. While Beppu is urban, Yufuin is rural and picturesque, at the base of the mighty Mt. Yufu (1,583 m). The town center is pretty Lake Kinrin, often shrouded in mist in winter—most magical when the onsen and lake water mix and steam rises. Unlike many other onsen towns, Yufuin isn’t a busy resort, but an artists’ village with a thriving art and craft scene. Along the main street Yunotsubo Kaido are lots of galleries, craft shops, and boutiques offering local specialties and handmade goods. Onsens in Yufuin are known for their clear, scentless, mild mineral water, which is considered very gentle on the skin. Many traditional ryokans and modern hotels have private outdoor baths with mountain views. A special highlight is the “Yufuin no Mori” (Forest of Yufuin), a luxury scenic train connecting Hakata (Fukuoka) and Yufuin for stylish travel. Local food specialties include Yufuin beef, “Yufuin pudding,” and “kobocha”—a type of cheese soufflé.

Category	Details
Distance from Tokyo	Approx. 970 km (Flight: 1.5-2 hrs, Train: 7+ hrs)
Number of springs	More than 800 springs in the region
Fame	★★★★☆ (Cultured, artistic vibe)
Special feature	Artistic flair, Kinrin Lake, scenic Mt. Yufu views

Onsen experiences outside Japan

Your next Japan trip isn’t planned yet, but you still want to enjoy something like an onsen experience? There are alternatives around the world, even if they’re not quite as authentic as the real thing in Japan:

• Europe: Germany and other European countries have bathhouses in Japanese style, but the water is usually artificially heated. Thermal spas in places like Baden-Baden or Budapest offer similar relaxation, but with different bathing culture.
• Taiwan: Many hot springs here, especially in the Beitou area near Taipei, are heavily influenced by Japanese culture—much more authentic onsen experiences are possible.
• New Zealand: Its volcanic landscape means New Zealand, especially Rotorua, boasts many natural hot springs and thermal fields.
• Iceland: The famous Blue Lagoon and other geothermal pools offer a similarly volcanic bathing experience, though with Nordic rather than Japanese culture.
• USA: In California and especially Hot Springs, Arkansas, there are historic bathhouses; a growing number of major US cities now have Japanese-inspired bathhouses, too.

Still, it’s worth saying: the unique blend of traditional Japanese culture, etiquette, and natural volcanic springs make a real onsen experience truly one-of-a-kind. For the most authentic experience, nothing compares to visiting an onsen in Japan.