Best Onsen Towns in Japan for Relaxation

Japan is a paradise to tourists who want to relax due to its century’s old tradition of onsen or natural hot springs in some of the most scenic parts of the country. These are not only therapeutic but also greatly related to the culture and way of living of Japan. A trip to an onsen town will allow you to relax in the serene beauty of Japan Mountains, forests, and coasts. Get your Japan Visa in hand before you plan your getaway. 

Whether it is a small village in the mountains or a bustling resort, every onsen has its own speciality. Japanese hot spring towns will provide you with a serene environment, regardless of whether you are travelling alone, with your partner or with your family. These are the most excellent onsen towns that will make you feel rejuvenated.  

Here are the Best Onsen Towns in Japan for Relaxation 

1. Beppu Onsen, Oita 

Beppu is a famous hot spring town in Japan, and offers a wide assortment of onsen experiences. Its sources of hot springs are more than 2,000 and it has mud baths, steam baths and sand baths. The tourists also get to enjoy the Hells of Beppu, a series of unusual geothermal attractions. Beppu is a perfect place to start with and frequent onsen-goers because of its mixture of old-style inns and new-fangled bathhouses. 

2. Yufuin Onsen, Oita 

Yufuin is a calm town that is covered with green hills and rice fields. It is a less noisy version of adjacent Beppu, with open-air baths that have fantastic views of Mount Yufu. Art galleries, cafes and small boutiques are also present in the town and provide a peaceful environment to the people who are fond of both nature and culture. Yufuin is an ideal place to have a slow and relaxed getaway. 

3. Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma 

Kusatsu Onsen is a mountain resort in Gunma Prefecture that is renowned because of its mineral-rich water. The main attraction of the town is the Yubatake where the hot water runs through wooden channels. There are a number of free foot baths and public bathhouses which visitors can enjoy in the town. The powerful healing power of Kusatsu is attributed to its strong natural water, and this has attracted both locals and tourists in the area. 

4. Hakone Onsen, Kanagawa 

Hakone is among the most convenient onsen resorts, and it is only a short distance away from Tokyo. It is covered in gorgeous nature, with lakes and mountains, and there are lots of hot spring opportunities to choose between a traditional ryokan and a modern spa. There are even baths with a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. Hakone also has museums and beautiful boat ride, so it is an ideal place to spend a complete weekend. 

5. Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto 

Kurokawa Onsen is a lovely village nestled in the mountains of Kyushu which are covered by trees. It is also famous with its rustic environment and the old-fashioned wooden inns. Here the main attraction is the rotenburo meguri (open-air bath tour), which allows you to tour several open-air baths using only one ticket. Kurokawa has cobbled streets and lantern lit paths making it enchanted and timeless in a way that people enjoy. 

6. Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido 

Noboribetsu Onsen is situated in Hokkaido and it is characterized by an extensive range and diversity of mineral waters that have varied healing properties. A magnificent volcanic scenery is provided by the nearby Hell Valley (Jigokudani) with its boiling craters and steam. There are also excellent family and tourist accommodation facilities in this town, which are combined with walking tracks along the geothermal sceneries. 

7. Dogo Onsen, Ehime 

Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, and it dates back more than one thousand years ago in Shikoku. Its key bathhouse Dogo Onsen Honkan is a cultural asset and it is reported to have been a source of inspiration in Studio Ghibli Spirited Away. The town is a mixture of relaxation and heritage, as it has traditional bathhouses, temples and shopping arcades to provide visitors who are interested in history with their curing. 

8. Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo 

Kinosaki Onsen is known to have seven public bath houses which are all located within walking distance. The town is bathtub-hopping and visitors walk around in yukata robes and wooden sandals. Every bath is different and unique. The town of Kinosaki has beautiful canals, bridges and lantern-lit streets that make the town cozy and nostalgic to spend a relaxing getaway. 

Conclusion 

These onsen towns are the best options to visit in case you are in search of the best means to relax in Japan. Whether it is in a mountain retreat or a coastal gem, every location is a relaxing experience with a unique flair of its own. The tranquility of Kurokawa or the diversity of Beppu, these towns will make you take your time and enjoy it. 

Don t leave your vacation before you arrange all your travel documents, particularly your Japan Visa from India in case you are travelling to the country. When that is done, you are all set to unwind, rejuvenate, and enjoy the calming part of Japan.