The idyllic Chubu region of Japan is located on Honshu Island. It includes the prefectures of Aichi, Nagano, Niigata, Fukui, Shizuoka, Toyama, Gifu, Ishikawa, and Yamanashi. One of the reasons that this region is so famous is because of the wealth of Japanese hot springs (known in Japanese as ‘onsen’) which are found in this area.
As a result, if you are travelling to Chubu then make sure that you don’t miss out on a trip to an onsen while you are here. This is one of the best truly Japanese experiences and many travelers will tell you that this is a highlight of a trip to Japan.
Here are some of the best onsen in Chubu...
1) Yamashiro Onsen
Yamashiro Onsen sits in the Ishikawa Prefecture and unlike many other onsen in the area are located indoors. The onsen here are known for their illustrious history that dates back 1,300 years and this is regularly voted one of the best onsen areas in the region. Some of the baths here date from the Meiji period of Japan’s history and one thing to look out for is the signature Kutani tiles that were used to decorate the bath houses.
2) Hirayu Onsen in Okuhida Hot Springs Village
Located in Gifu Prefecture, Hirayu Onsen is a breathtaking location. The onsen sits at the base of Mount Norikura which is part of the Northern Japanese Alps and this has been known to be a top spot for onsen for years. Not only will you find warm therapeutic baths here but you will also be able to take in the majesty of the mountain at the same time.
3) Unazuki Onsen
Unazuki Onsen is situated in Toyama Prefecture and sits at the entrance of the astonishingly beautiful Kurobe Ravine. The baths here are located outdoors so you can soak in the tubs and also enjoy the scenery of this rugged ravine at the same time. For something a little different in Japan this is definitely not to be missed.
4) Sumatakyo Onsen
Sumatakyo Onsen has the claim to fame of sitting at the base of the Southern Japanese Alps which means that you will get majestic views over these imposing mountains. The waters in this area are noted for their high sulfur content which gives then a distinctive smell and is also said to be good for your skin.
5) Himishi Onsen
Another onsen located in Toyama Prefecture is Himishi Onsen. The baths here are outside and you can enjoy the warm water whilst also taking in the view of the sea in front of you. On a good day when the weather is fair you can even see Tateyama Peak rising in the distance.
6) Ito Onsen
The Ito Onsen in Shizuoka is one of the best known and best loved hot springs area in Japan and there are a number of onsen here to enjoy. One of the best is the Tokai Inn which is made of wood and dates back to 1928. For a little piece of onsen history in Japan this is hard to beat.
7) Shuzenji Onsen
This is the oldest onsen region in the Ito Peninsula so with that in mind if you are looking for some history then this is the place to come. This area has a wealth of places to choose from such as the famous Arai Japanese Inn which is one of the most traditional inns in Japan and will give you a great old world onsen experience.
8) Yamanaka Onsen
Sitting in Ishikawa Prefecture is Yamanaka Onsen which is situated close to the stunning Kakusen Gorge. The baths here are mixed gender and famous for their waters which are said to be high in levels of hydrogen. This is claimed to help to boost your immune system so come here for a therapeutic and luxurious soak
9) Kanzanji Onsen
Kanzanji Onsen in Shizuoka Prefecture is located close to the glassy Hamanako Lake. Fortunately there are outdoor bath areas here so that you can enjoy the spectacular views of the lake as you soak. The waters here are also famous in Japan as they are high in salt and people flock here as the baths are said to be good for anyone suffering from joint pain.
10) Gero Onsen
Gero Onsen sits in Gifu Prefecture and is close to the town of Takayama. The area is known to have been in existence for over 1,000 years and the town of Gero is a charming part of Japan. There are a range of onsen here to choose from and one of the best things about this area is that there are a wealth of footbaths. This means that if you don’t have time for the full onsen experience, you can still enjoy the warm waters here.
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