Hot springs, or onsen, are famous in Japan because they provide both a peaceful haven from the bustle of the city and health advantages. There are secret onsen villages nestled in the mountains and isolated regions that offer a more secluded and genuine experience, even if well-known onsen towns like Hakone and Beppu draw large numbers of tourists. This tour visits some of the best-kept secrets among onsen villages in Japan, including information on onsen culture in Japan as well as in-depth analyses of each village’s distinct attractions.
Recognizing Japan’s Onsen Culture
In Japan, onsens are more than just hot springs; they play a big role in the country’s social and cultural fabric. For more than a millennium, the Japanese have cherished onsen pools, recognizing its inherent therapeutic qualities and promoting relaxation. Over 27,000 onsen sources and over 3,000 onsen resorts may be found all over the nation, according to the Japan Tourism Agency. Rich in minerals like sulfur, iron, and calcium, these onsen waters are thought to help treat conditions including skin issues, neuralgia, and arthritis.
1. In Akita Prefecture, Nyuto Onsen
Nestled within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park in Akita Prefecture, Nyuto Onsen is a collection of seven traditional Japanese inns, or rustic ryokan, each with its own hot spring source. Some inns, like Tsurunoyu, provide a fully comprehensive historical experience, having been around since the Edo period (1603–1868). The region is especially lovely in the winter, when the environs are covered with snow and the scenery is calm and lovely. Every year, around 150,000 people visit Nyuto Onsen, and during the winter, when the snowy surroundings improve the onsen experience, that number rises significantly.
2. The Onsen at Shibu, Nagano Prefecture
With its winding lanes and old ryokan, Shibu Onsen, a little onsen hamlet close to the well-known Jigokudani Monkey Park, provides a window into traditional Japanese culture. There are nine public baths in the town, and their mineral compositions vary. In order to receive good fortune and health benefits, visitors frequently go on a “bath pilgrimage,” visiting all nine baths. Because of its close vicinity to ski resorts and snow monkeys, Shibu Onsen has seen a 20% yearly increase rate in foreign visitors over the previous five years.
3. The Onsen at Ginzan, Yamagata Prefecture
Originally a silver mining town, Ginzan Onsen is now renowned for its exquisitely preserved Taisho-era (1912–1926) architecture and evocative alleyways lit at night by gas lamps. Radium, which is abundant in these onsen waters, is said to increase metabolism and enhance circulation. The place is magnificent, especially in the winter when the streets are dusted with snow.Ginzan Onsen receives over 300,000 visitors a year, with a spike in the winter months because of its charming landscape blanketed in snow.
4. Tsuboyu Onsen in the Prefecture of Wakayama
It is noteworthy because Tsuboyu Onsen, located in Yunomine, Wakayama Prefecture, is the only hot spring in Japan to be included on the World Heritage List. Only one or two persons at a time can enjoy the quaint, modest onsen, which is housed in a tiny cabin next to the river and offers a very private, intimate experience. Because of the high sulfur concentration, onsen water is supposed to change color seven times a day. Tsuboyu Onsen is a small town, yet its distinctive, intimate location and World Heritage designation bring roughly 30,000 people each year.
5. The Onsen in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture
One of the most well-known hot spring resorts in Japan is Kusatsu Onsen, which is renowned for its potent acidity and high sulfur content, which are thought to heal a variety of illnesses. The Yubatake, a sizable hot spring field in the town center, is a well-known landmark and a representation of Kusatsu. Even with all of its renown, there are smaller, less crowded baths and secret locations that provide a more private experience. Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most popular onsen resorts in Japan, drawing in over 3 million tourists a year.
6. Kinosaki Onsen in The Prefecture of Yogo
In the prefecture of Yogo, Kinosaki Onsen
With its seven public baths, charming lanes filled with willow trees, and traditional ryokan, Kinosaki Onsen provides a nostalgic look into Japan’s past. Wearing light cotton kimonos called yukata and wooden clogs called geta, visitors meander between bathhouses, soaking in the tranquil environment. About 1.2 million people visit Kinosaki Onsen each year, many of them return to take advantage of the resort’s distinctive atmosphere and healing waters.
Onsen Bath Benefits
Because of their waters rich in minerals, onsens have many health benefits. Regular onsen bathing has been found in studies to enhance blood circulation, ease tense muscles, and lower stress levels. In addition to improving skin conditions, onsen bathing can increase metabolism and help with detoxification, according to the Japan Health & Research Institute.
Tips and Etiquette for Taking Onsen Baths
It’s important to observe good onsen etiquette in order to completely enjoy the experience:
- Cleanse Yourself Thoroughly: Before entering the onsen, make sure you give your body a good wash and rinse at the shower stations.
- No Swimwear: Most people enjoy onsens naked. On the other hand, some mixed-gender onsen might have specific sections or even permit swimwear.
- Calm ambiance: To maintain the onsen’s serenity, keep the ambiance calm and courteous.
- Towels: Avoid soaking small towels in the onsen water; instead, use them for modesty outside the spa.
Hidden onsen towns in Japan provide a distinct and genuine experience that surpasses the more marketed hot spring resorts. These isolated locations offer the ideal getaway into nature and tradition, from the intimate setting of Tsuboyu Onsen to the historical appeal of Nyuto Onsen and Ginzan Onsen. These secret onsen towns are worth visiting, whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from everyday life or the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters. Through an appreciation of the health advantages and rich cultural importance of onsen baths, visitors can fully appreciate the soothing experience these hidden gems provide.
