Enjoy hot springs in Japan

Natural hot springs (onsen) are numerous and highly popular across Japan. Every region of the country has its share of hot springs and resort towns, which come with them.

There are many types of hot springs, distinguished by the minerals dissolved in the water. Different minerals provide different health benefits, and all hot springs are supposed to have a relaxing effect on your body and mind. Hot spring baths come in many varieties, indoors and outdoors, gender separated and mixed, developed and undeveloped. Many hot spring baths belong to a ryokan, while others are public bath houses. An overnight stay at a hot spring ryokan is a highly recommended experience to any visitor of Japan.

Hakone Onsen

Hakone has been one of Japan's most popular hot spring resorts for centuries. Nowadays, more than a dozen springs provide hot spring water to the many bath houses and ryokan in the Hakone region.

See more: Hakone, a peaceful place in Japan

Manza Onsen

Manza Onsen is a hot spring resort town located 1800 meters above sea level, high up on the slopes of Mount Shirane at the northwestern edge of Gunma Prefecture. Its highly acidic waters are obtained from Mount Shirane and are among the most sulfuric in all of Japan. They are known to provide various health benefits through improving metabolism and blood circulation.

Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen (hot springs) is one of Japan’s most popular hot spring resorts. Yubatake is known for the quality of its hot spring water which flows from one of the country’s three major springs. Another popular attraction is ‘Yumomi’ – a traditional way of cooling down hot spring water by using large wooden paddles. A yumomi performance for tourists is held daily in the Netsu No Yu bathhouse next to the yubatake (admission 500 yen).

Yufuin Onsen

Yufuin is a lovely onsen town located in a small valley surrounded by mountains and is easily accessible on an express train or bus operating from Fukuoka city. For many years, Yufuin has been ranked one of the best onsen destinations in Japan. Its main street is lined with cafes, souvenir shops and small museums. When you arrive at Yufuin, a rotenburo (open air bath) is an absolute must. The town offers scenic views – as soon as you arrive at Yufuin you are bound to experience the town’s unique atmosphere and ambience.

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5 most amazing hotels in Japan

Japan, also known as the Land of the Rising Sun, is an exciting and culturally fascinating travel destination. Its hotels are equally appealing, and they are just as diverse as the nation itself. You will find the skyscrapers catering to international business travelers in hubs like Tokyo and Kyoto, but you’ll also find luxurious resorts and capsule hotels.

Park Hotel Tokyo

The Park Hotel Tokyo is a contemporary skyscraper in the middle of the capital city. From its top floors, you can expect stunning views over the city. The Park Hotel Tokyo is also conveniently located just a two-minute walk from the Shimbashi Station, which allows you to get to other major destinations in the area via subway. There are seven dining options within the Park Hotel Tokyo that serve up Japanese cuisine as well as international fare. Other luxury amenities include a spa, a fitness facility and a lounge filled with modern art.

Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon

A brief walk from the Asakusa Train Station is the upscale Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon, one of the most popular contemporary hotels in Tokyo. The convenient location makes it easy to travel via train around the city, but you can also walk right to attractions like the Senso-ji Temple or the Hanayashiki Theme Park. The rooms are comfortable and modern, and guests will have access to hotel amenities like in-room massage therapy, a French restaurant and an open-air terrace exclusively available for guests to enjoy, which happens to be an amazing place to soak in city views.

See more: Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo

Hoshinoya Kyoto

You’ll find the upscale Hoshinoya Kyoto on the banks of the Katsura River in the popular Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Although it is in the center of the city, the setting is wooded, and guests will be just a short walk from the wildly famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The rooms are sleek, modern but minimal, and they feature bamboo decor and tatami mat flooring. A floating tearoom is an ultimate luxury, allowing you to sip upscale teas right over the waters of the river.

Hakone-Ginyu

This luxurious spa resort can be found in Hakone, and it is surrounded by lush green mountains. The suites are spacious but minimalist, designed with relaxation in mind. Many of the rooms and suites at the Hakone-Ginyu offer private terraces, and the views are definitely one of the most appealing things about this incredible resort. You’ll also be able to unwind in one of the two open-air bathhouses, not to mention the countless hot tubs. Indulge in spa treatments, and then enjoy incredible Japanese cuisine while making the most of the mountain views.

See more: Hakone, a peaceful place in Japan

The Windsor Hotel Toya

On the Japanese island of Hokkaido, you’ll find the Windsor Hotel Toya Resort and Spa. At the Windsor Hotel Toya, you can choose from traditional minimalist rooms with tatami mats or upgraded western beds, all of which offer amenities like wifi access, personal fridges and flat-screen televisions. The spa facilities are the main attraction, featuring a bathhouse, an indoor pool, and a hot tub, but there is also a scenic golf course on the property. Guests will also be mere minutes from the enticing Toyako Hot Spring.

Source Touropia