Question
What are some recommended onsens in Japan that are suitable for tourists?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Japan is renowned for its onsens (hot springs), many of which are accessible and welcoming to tourists. Here are some recommended onsens across the country that provide a great experience for visitors:
1. **Hakone** (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- **Yunessun**: A family-friendly onsen with various themed baths, including wine and sake baths.
- **Hakone Yuryo**: Offers traditional ryokan experiences and private onsen rooms.
2. **Kusatsu Onsen** (Nagano Prefecture)
- **Yubatake**: The iconic symbol of Kusatsu, where you can enjoy the natural hot spring waters.
- **Kusatsu Hotel**: A ryokan that offers access to both public and private baths with beautiful mountain views.
3. **Beppu** (Oita Prefecture)
- **Kaimon no Yu**: Offers a variety of hot spring baths and mud baths.
- **Hyotan Onsen**: Known for its steam sand baths and multiple indoor and outdoor baths.
4. **Noboribetsu Onsen** (Hokkaido)
- **Noboribetsu Grand Hotel**: Features outdoor baths with views of the surrounding nature, along with several types of hot springs.
- **Dai-ichi Takimotokan**: This large ryokan offers a variety of baths and is famous for its sulfuric waters.
5. **Gero Onsen** (Gifu Prefecture)
- **Yunoshimakan**: A traditional ryokan with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and a famous outdoor bath.
- **Gero Onsen Hotel**: Offers a variety of onsen experiences, including outdoor baths by the river.
6. **Arima Onsen** (Hyogo Prefecture)
- **Arima View Hotel**: Offers luxurious accommodations and access to both gold and silver springs.
- **Kurama Onsen** (near Kyoto): A bit off the beaten path, this onsen provides a tranquil experience in a scenic setting.
7. **Ibusuki Onsen** (Kagoshima Prefecture)
- **Ibusuki Shizenland**: Known for its unique sand baths where guests are buried in naturally heated sand.
- **Hotel Shohoken**: Offers a range of accommodations with access to both indoor and outdoor onsen options.
8. **Yufuin** (Oita Prefecture)
- **Yufuin Geta no Yu**: A picturesque onsen with views of Mount Yufu.
- **Ryokan Yamabuki**: Combines traditional hospitality with beautiful outdoor baths amidst nature.
9. **Akan Onsen** (Hokkaido)
- **Tsuruga Wings**: A luxury hotel with a private onsen experience overlooking Lake Akan.
- **Kikyouya**: Offers traditional ryokan-style accommodation with a focus on local cuisine and natural hot spring baths.
Before visiting, it's a good idea to check the onsen's website or call ahead for specific amenities, rules (like tattoo policies), and reservation requirements, especially for ryokan stays. Enjoy your onsen experience!
1. **Hakone** (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- **Yunessun**: A family-friendly onsen with various themed baths, including wine and sake baths.
- **Hakone Yuryo**: Offers traditional ryokan experiences and private onsen rooms.
2. **Kusatsu Onsen** (Nagano Prefecture)
- **Yubatake**: The iconic symbol of Kusatsu, where you can enjoy the natural hot spring waters.
- **Kusatsu Hotel**: A ryokan that offers access to both public and private baths with beautiful mountain views.
3. **Beppu** (Oita Prefecture)
- **Kaimon no Yu**: Offers a variety of hot spring baths and mud baths.
- **Hyotan Onsen**: Known for its steam sand baths and multiple indoor and outdoor baths.
4. **Noboribetsu Onsen** (Hokkaido)
- **Noboribetsu Grand Hotel**: Features outdoor baths with views of the surrounding nature, along with several types of hot springs.
- **Dai-ichi Takimotokan**: This large ryokan offers a variety of baths and is famous for its sulfuric waters.
5. **Gero Onsen** (Gifu Prefecture)
- **Yunoshimakan**: A traditional ryokan with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and a famous outdoor bath.
- **Gero Onsen Hotel**: Offers a variety of onsen experiences, including outdoor baths by the river.
6. **Arima Onsen** (Hyogo Prefecture)
- **Arima View Hotel**: Offers luxurious accommodations and access to both gold and silver springs.
- **Kurama Onsen** (near Kyoto): A bit off the beaten path, this onsen provides a tranquil experience in a scenic setting.
7. **Ibusuki Onsen** (Kagoshima Prefecture)
- **Ibusuki Shizenland**: Known for its unique sand baths where guests are buried in naturally heated sand.
- **Hotel Shohoken**: Offers a range of accommodations with access to both indoor and outdoor onsen options.
8. **Yufuin** (Oita Prefecture)
- **Yufuin Geta no Yu**: A picturesque onsen with views of Mount Yufu.
- **Ryokan Yamabuki**: Combines traditional hospitality with beautiful outdoor baths amidst nature.
9. **Akan Onsen** (Hokkaido)
- **Tsuruga Wings**: A luxury hotel with a private onsen experience overlooking Lake Akan.
- **Kikyouya**: Offers traditional ryokan-style accommodation with a focus on local cuisine and natural hot spring baths.
Before visiting, it's a good idea to check the onsen's website or call ahead for specific amenities, rules (like tattoo policies), and reservation requirements, especially for ryokan stays. Enjoy your onsen experience!