Joy Japan 揪愛日本

2025 first half of the popularity of Japan's hot springs Top 20: Atami, Beppu, Kusatsu to Michinoku, once grasp the must-play highlights and transportation tips!

2025上半年日本溫泉地人氣TOP20:熱海、別府、草津到道後,一次掌握必玩亮點與交通貼士
Do you want to organize a trip to Japan with "Soup + Sightseeing + Food"? According to the statistics released by one of the largest travel platforms in Japan, the number of travelers in the first half of January-June 2025 is expected to increase by 1.2% to 1.4%.Top 20 Hot Spa SpotsThe list has been released. We've condensed the list into a readable local guide, from the Kanto suburbs ofAtami Onsen (Hot Spring/Atami Onsen)To KyushuBeppu Onsen (Beppu Hot Spring/Beppu Onsen)Kansai RepresentativeArima Onsen (Arima Hot Spring/Arima Onsen)With the Shikoku SutraDōgo Onsen (道後温泉/Dōgo Onsen)The list of places to see, places to play and tips to help you organize your itinerary in one go! Source: Rakuten Travel's "Ranking of Popular Hot Springs Places in the First Half of 2025".

①Atami Onsen|Shizuoka

Atami is easily accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo in as little as 35 minutes. Atami, which is surrounded by mountains and the sea, offers events in all four seasons, including the popular tourist attractions of ACAO FOREST, MOA Museum, and Raiku Shrine. In summer and fallAtami Sea Fireworks FestivalThere are more than one show a year, and there are also scheduled dates for 2025, so please refer to the Tourism Association's latest announcements for the actual dates.

What to play:Atami Castle Outlook, Itokawa Cherry Blossom (Spring), Sea Bathing (Summer) and Onsen Street Gourmet.Tip:Wear good walking shoes as the city has high and low elevations; early jamming is recommended for popular fireworks days.

② Beppu Onsen (Beppu Hot Spring/Beppu Onsen)|Oita

Own JapanMaximum influx and number of sourcesThe Jigoku Meguri (Jigoku Meguri) is a collection of natural hot springs in different colors such as blue, white, and red, all at once. The Beppu Cable Car (ロープウェイ) on the high ground overlooks Beppu Bay, and the view at night is stunning. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Must Eat:Hell Steam Cuisine, Beppu Cold Noodles, Pudding.Parent-child friendly:There are many public baths in the city, and some have family baths.

③ Kusatsu Onsen|Gunma

With a height of about 1,200 meters, this landmark is as famous as it is popular. Symbolic LandmarkYubatakeSteamy all day long, but even more atmospheric at night with the lights on; the classic "yumomi" is performed at the Netsu-no-Yu (Hot Noodle Soup). There are many foot baths in the walking area, so it's a good idea to warm your feet while taking a walk. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

④ Nasu Onsen|Tochigi

The Nasu Seven Hot Springs, a group of hot springs with a history of more than 1,000 years, have a variety of spring qualities, and are suitable for highland walks, pasture experiences, and art museum tours, with distinctive scenery in all four seasons.

⑤ Shirahama Onsen (Shirahama Hot Spring/Shirahama Onsen)|Wakayama

The Shirakabama area with the Shirakasa Aomi Sea is the perfect backdrop for photos. There is a wide selection of outdoor baths, including open-air baths and mixed baths (with water in the baths), so you can feel like you are on a vacation near the sea. In fall and winter, Ise lobster and kyu-e are the seasonal delicacies.

⑥ Kinugawa Onsen|Tochigi

The valley along the Kinugawa River is a healing place, and many ryokans have cliff-front rooms and open-air baths. Combined with World Heritage sites such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the surrounding theme parks, you can enjoy both nature and culture in one trip. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

⑦ Ito Onsen|Shizuoka

The city of sea breezes is a great place to stroll, from the Showa-style Tokaikan to the seaside walkway. At night, the "Bamboo Lighting" creates a great atmosphere for roaming, and the Komuroyama Sky Trail "Misora" in the suburbs offers a wide view of the city.

⑧ Gero Onsen (Gero Hot Spring/Gero Onsen)|Gifu

This is one of the three best springs in Japan, and the quality of the water is very smooth. Riverside foot baths, Hapo Village and other classic spots are concentrated, so it's nice to take a slow trip through the town. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

⑨ Dōgo Onsen|Ehime

One of Japan's oldest hot springs, the symbolic Main Building has been preserved and repaired and is open for business, and the surrounding area is lined with stores called "Dogo Haikaratsu," where you can enjoy everything from hot springs tours to relaxation programs in a single visit.

⑩ Akiu Onsen (Akiu Hot Spring/Akiu Onsen)|Miyagi

About 30 minutes drive from Sendai city, Lei Shikyo Gorge Trail and Akiu Falls are the highlights of the natural system, and nearby craftsmen's village and sake brewery are also available, making it a perfect place for a hot spring and a small trip.

⑪ Hakone-Yumoto (Hakone-Yumoto Hot Spring/Hakone-Yumoto)|Kanagawa

Hakone Genkou is about 75 minutes by Odakyu Limited Express from Shinjuku. There is a wide selection of hot spring inns and a high density of food in the shopping district, and you can also take the Hakone mountaineering tram and cable car (ropeway) that extends to Lake Ashi.

⑫ Ikaho Onsen (Ikaho Onsen/Ikaho Onsen)|Gunma

The representative 365-step stone section is the most flavorful. There are two types of springs, the "Gold Soup" and the "Silver Soup", and Kawagabashi is popular for its autumn foliage.

⑬ Hakodate Onsen|Hokkaido

You can combine the night view of Mt. Hakodate, one of the world's three best night views, the Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse, and eating seafood in Asaichi with the convenience of a hot spring hotel right in the city.

⑭ Arima Onsen (Arima Hot Spring/Arima Onsen)|Hyogo

The three hot springs in Japan are representative of the "Gold Soup" and "Silver Soup", which are not to be missed. You can take the Rokko Arima Cable Car (ロープウェイ) to enjoy the seasonal scenery, and the transportation is conveniently connected to Osaka and Kobe.

Toba Onsenkyo (Toba Onsen Village/Toba Onsenkyo)|Mie

There are many sea-view lodgings facing the Pacific Ocean, and the Toba Aquarium is a place to see the national treasure "dugong," while the fall and winter seafood and pearl culture are also highlights.

Yugawara Onsen (Yugawara Hot Spring/Yugawara Onsen)|Kanagawa

Since ancient times by the literati favorite, spring to appreciate the plum, early summer to appreciate the Gaoyue, Manyoshu Park new complex space can be booked day return to the soup, from the Yokohama departure about 60 minutes to.

⑰ Yunokawa Onsen|Hokkaido

Conveniently located about 5 minutes by car from Hakodate Airport. In winter, you can see the hot spring monkeys (Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden), and the sea view inn is popular.

⑱ Jōzankei Onsen|Hokkaido

Sapporo's backyard is about an hour's drive away. Many inns have introduced themed saunas and outdoor "outdoor baths" that are extremely refreshing, and walks along the Toyohira River are beautiful in all seasons.

⑲ Yufuin Onsen (Yufuin Hot Spring/Yufuin Onsen)|Oita

Yubutake mountain scenery is the signature of the town, and the morning mist of Jinrin Lake is dreamy; the walkable town combines art galleries, desserts, and local choices, which is perfect for slow traveling.

⑳ Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen (Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen/Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen)|Niigata

It takes about 70 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo. In winter, there are many famous ski resorts, and in spring and summer, the Yuzawa Plateau and Kiyotsuki-Kyoi Valley Tunnel are ideal for all seasons to see earth art and mountain scenery.

Travel Tips

  • Transportation Planning:Most hot spring areas can be reached by JR and bus; if you are driving, please pay attention to the roads and tire configurations during the snowy season.
  • Soup etiquette:Rinse off before entering the large baths; towels are not allowed in the baths; tattoo regulations vary from one hotel to another, so please check beforehand.
  • High season booking:Room availability is tight during the cherry blossom, summer vacation, maple blossom and fireworks periods, so reservations are recommended at least a month in advance.

Reference Information|Official Links

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