【せんりみち公式】Japan’s finest hot spring resorts! Where can you spend a luxurious time?

Japan is attractive for its rich nature where you can feel the changing of the four seasons and the hot springs scattered all over the place. The hot spring culture, which has been loved by locals and travelers since ancient times, is now one of the major attractions that attracts domestic and international tourists. Among them are hot spring resorts that boast sophisticated facilities and attentive service, and are supported by many repeat visitors. In this article, we will introduce in detail the splendor of such hot spring resorts that represent Japan.

Carefully Selected! 5 Luxurious Hot Spring Resorts in Japan

There are countless hot spring areas in Japan, but we have carefully selected 5 hot spring resorts that are particularly popular among them. We will propose various ways to enjoy them while delving into the characteristics and charms of each region.

Shirahama Beach (Wakayama Prefecture)

Shirahama Beach, located in Wakayama Prefecture, is known as one of the leading resort areas in the country. The scenery of the beautiful emerald green sea and the white sandy beaches soothes visitors.

The hot springs in this area are famous for their rich medicinal properties and pleasant spring quality. For example, the surrounding inns have large open-air baths overlooking the sea, allowing you to spend a luxurious time refreshing both body and mind. In addition, at night, you can enjoy a special experience unique to Shirarahama, such as gazing at the starry sky while listening to the sound of the waves.

On the other hand, local cuisine is also one of the pleasures. In addition to dishes made with fresh seafood, there are many restaurants that serve local cuisine that can only be tasted locally. Why not enjoy the local flavors along with your resort life?

Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Hakone, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area and has been a popular hot spring resort for many years. The area is dotted with quaint traditional inns and modern hotels, offering accommodation experiences tailored to the needs of visitors.

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In particular, the Hakone Yumoto and Gora areas are characterized by the fact that you can enjoy different spring qualities at each accommodation. In addition, there are plenty of day-trip hot spring facilities, so you can easily enjoy hot springs even for a short stay.

Cultural attractions are also part of Hakone’s charm. There are many art spots scattered around, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Pola Museum of Art, where you can experience the fusion of hot springs and art. We also recommend combining nature and activities, such as the spectacular view from the Hakone Ropeway and a cruise on Lake Ashi.

Yufuin (Oita Prefecture)

Yufuin in Oita Prefecture is known nationwide as a hot spring resort surrounded by rich nature. The beautiful scenery of Lake Kinrin, shrouded in morning mist, and Mount Yufu attract visitors.

One of the characteristics of Yufuin is that most of the accommodation facilities have their own hot spring source. This allows you to enjoy different spring qualities and effects at each facility. In addition, accommodation facilities not only offer hot springs, but also luxurious cuisine made with local ingredients, allowing you to spend a time that is fulfilling both body and mind.

In addition, Yufuin is dotted with tourist attractions, and there are many places to enjoy just by strolling around, such as small art galleries and shops selling local crafts. In particular, at “Yufuin Floral Village,” you can enjoy shopping and gourmet food while walking through the picture-book-like townscape.

Noboribetsu (Hokkaido)

Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido is famous for its dynamic scenery of Jigokudani and its diverse spring quality. The hot springs, which have many medicinal properties, such as sulfur springs, iron springs, and salt springs, support the health and beauty of visitors.

In Jigokudani, you can observe the steam spouting and the flowing hot spring water up close, and feel the power of nature. There are also many tourist facilities such as Noboribetsu Marine Park Nix and the Bear Ranch, and there are spots scattered around that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

In addition, Noboribetsu’s ryokan (Japanese inns) serve dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido, allowing you to enjoy the local flavors. In winter, you can enjoy the contrast between the snowy scenery and the hot springs, and you will be able to feel the different charms of each season.

Kusatsu (Gunma Prefecture)

Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is known as one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan and is a hot spring resort with a long history. The townscape centered around the Yubatake is very tasteful and attracts many tourists.

One of the distinctive cultures of Kusatsu Onsen is the “Yumomi” (a traditional method of stirring the hot spring water with a wooden board to adjust the temperature, and this performance is popular among tourists. In addition, there are foot baths and drinking spots scattered around the Yubatake, so you can feel close to the hot springs.

In Kusatsu, you can also enjoy eating your way around the hot spring town. Strolling while tasting hot spring manju and local specialties will double the fun of your trip.

Activities to enjoy at hot spring resorts

At hot spring resorts, you can of course enjoy the hot springs themselves, but one of the attractions is the wide variety of activities to make your stay even more fulfilling. Enjoy resort life to the fullest through the culture and nature rooted in each region, and experiences unique to the local area.

Enjoying meals

Among the enjoyment of hot spring resorts, meals are an essential part. At each hot spring resort, you can enjoy local cuisine made with plenty of fresh local ingredients. For example, at Shirarahama Beach in Wakayama Prefecture, sashimi and seafood bowls made with fresh seafood are popular. At Noboribetsu Onsen, you can enjoy juicy meat dishes and seafood hotpots made with Hokkaido’s land.

In addition, creative cuisine made with locally grown vegetables and fruits is popular in Yufuin, and kaiseki cuisine served at luxury inns in Hakone is attracting attention. Through meals, you will be able to feel the culture and natural blessings unique to the region.

Visiting tourist spots

There are many tourist spots scattered around the hot spring resorts, so you can get a deeper understanding of the charm of the area as well as the hot springs. In Hakone, sightseeing boats on Lake Ashi and visits to Hakone Shrine are popular, and you can enjoy a trip that feels nature and history. In Kusatsu, the illuminated Yubatake and strolls through Sainokawara Park provide a relaxing time.

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In addition, around Lake Kinrin in Yufuin, you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons while strolling along the lakeside. In Noboribetsu, it is also recommended to witness the majestic nature of Jigokudani and learn about the origins of hot springs. By visiting the different tourist attractions in each region, you will be able to deepen your memories of your trip.

Shopping

At hot spring resorts, you can also enjoy purchasing local specialties and crafts. In Noboribetsu Onsen, many people choose skin care products that use hot spring ingredients and dairy products unique to Hokkaido as souvenirs. Meanwhile, in Hakone, traditional crafts called yosegi zaiku are popular, and you can purchase handmade accessories and furniture.

In Kusatsu Onsen, it is also fun to taste the specialty hot spring manju while walking through the hot spring town. In Yufuin, there are a number of unique art galleries and small general stores, and you will be able to find the perfect item to remember your trip. Through shopping, you can take home the afterglow of your trip.

New Discoveries Made Through Activities

The activities you can enjoy during your stay at a hot spring resort are not just a way to visit tourist spots, but also an opportunity to experience the local culture and life of the people. For example, participating in local markets and events may lead to new discoveries that you would not be able to make through tourism.

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In hot spring areas, you can also interact with local people and gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of hot springs. Experiences rooted in the local area will greatly improve the fulfillment of your trip.

Summary

In this article, we have introduced the charms and ways to enjoy five of Japan’s most popular hot spring resorts, focusing on their popularity. In addition to the healing power of the hot springs themselves, each hot spring area offers a variety of fun activities such as beautiful scenery, local gourmet food, sightseeing and shopping.

At Shirarahama, you can enjoy a luxurious time woven by the sea and hot springs, at Hakone you can enjoy hot springs and cultural experiences, at Yufuin you can enjoy healing surrounded by nature, at Noboribetsu you can enjoy the dynamic topography and diverse spring water quality, and at Kusatsu you can enjoy traditional culture and the atmosphere of a hot spring town. By fully enjoying the charms of each region, you are sure to have a special, memorable trip.

The next time you consider your next travel destination, be sure to add these hot spring resorts to your list and enjoy a luxurious, relaxing time.

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