Japan is home to many hot spring areas and sauna facilities that take advantage of the unique charm of each region. While hot springs are a highlight of traveling in Japan, in recent years, saunas originating from Finland have become a booming trend across the country. What makes these saunas special is the unique Japanese twist many of them offer. This time, we introduce some recommended hot spring areas in Japan and the distinctive sauna facilities located in these prefectures.
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1. Jozankei | Hokkaido
Located about an hour's drive from Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen is a hot spring area within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. With activities like horseback riding and canoeing available year-round amid the majestic natural surroundings, it attracts many tourists from abroad. The beautiful scenery, which changes with the seasons, is another charm, especially the stunning autumn foliage. The hot spring town has several Instagrammable spots, making it perfect for an evening stroll.
[klook]👉Jozankei Onsen, Otaru & Shiroi Koibito Park Day Tour from Sapporo
[kkday]👉Mori no Uta Hotel Onsen Experience with Lunch Buffet & Transportation | Hokkaido
Hakuginso Lodge, Fukiage Onsen Health Center | Hokkaido
Hakuginso Lodge offers saunas in both the men’s and women’s bathing areas. The sauna in the men’s area is a dry sauna with a temperature of around 90°C. It features a self-löyly system, allowing you to pour water or aromatic water onto the sauna stones, temporarily raising the perceived temperature. Of course, there’s also a cold bath with water at around 11°C.
In the women’s area, there’s a slightly milder sauna at around 60°C. Like the men’s area, there’s also a cold bath with water at around 11°C. The cold baths at Shirogane-so use natural spring water, so you can even drink the water.
In winter, you can experience the thrill of diving into the snow to cool down. Accommodation is available, allowing you to stay overnight and relieve the fatigue of your travels.
2. Kinugawa | Tochigi Prefecture
Kinugawa Onsen is located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, known for the World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The biggest attraction is the breathtaking view of the Kinugawa Gorge's majestic nature. While the hot springs are particularly special during the autumn foliage, yuzu baths with locally grown yuzu are also popular around the winter solstice. Nearby attractions include Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, offering enjoyment for people of all ages throughout the year.
[klook]👉Hoshino Resorts KAI Kinugawa
[klook]👉Kinugawa Onsen Hotel
Quiet Storm Nasu｜Tochigi Prefecture
This facility in the greenery-surrounded Nasu Highlands offers camping and sauna experiences. The sauna is co-ed, with swimsuits required, and is a wood-fired sauna that reaches temperatures of around 120°C. However, the temperature can be adjusted, so you can relax safely. The cold bath is fed by a natural underground spring, and depending on the season, the water can be as cold as 10°C.
In winter, diving into the snow is an exhilarating activity. You can also bring in speakers to play your favourite music while you relax.
3. Yugawara | Kanagawa Prefecture
Yugawara is perfect for relaxing, whether you're looking for a quiet escape or celebrating a special occasion. You can soak your feet in a footbath at a teahouse while gazing at a waterfall that’s about 15 meters tall. After enjoying a bath, indulge in some culinary delights at a secluded restaurant in the forest or try making traditional Japanese sweets at a quaint dessert shop.
[klook]👉Wakamatsu Hakone Yugawara
巛-sen-Yugawara｜Kanagawa Prefecture
巛-sen-Yugawara offers two private saunas, "EAST" and "WEST," exclusively for guests, which can be used once during your stay. These saunas accommodate only two people, and swimsuits are required, making them accessible to both men and women. These private spaces, said to represent the passage of a day with the imagery of sunrise and sunset, are filled with the soothing scent of cypress wood. You can also experience self-löyly, reaching temperatures of up to 120°C, allowing for a thorough sweat session.
The facility is equipped with both hot springs and cold baths, and in the lounge, you can unwind with homemade enzyme drinks or draft beer.
4. Atami | Shizuoka Prefecture
Atami, one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, is filled with attractive events year-round, including fireworks festivals and illuminated beaches. Unlike other areas, Atami boasts abundant hot spring water, allowing visitors to enjoy natural flowing hot springs throughout the town.
[klook]👉Resorpia Atami
Sauna Shikiji｜Shizuoka Prefecture
A well-known sanctuary for sauna enthusiasts, Sauna Shikiji is a must-visit for anyone who loves saunas.
The dedicated parking lot often features license plates from all over Japan, showcasing its widespread popularity. The facility is divided into separate areas for men and women, and admission is granted by purchasing a ticket.
Each area has a dry sauna and a herbal sauna. However, the real highlight of this facility is the cold bath. The cold bath is fed by natural spring water, which you can drink directly from the spout. While there are some restrictions, you can also bottle the water to take home. Upon entering, you’ll hear the thunderous roar of the spring water gushing out like a waterfall.
5. Nanki Shirahama | Wakayama Prefecture
Nanki Shirahama, with its stunning scenery reminiscent of an overseas resort, is a historic hot spring area, counted among Japan's three oldest hot springs. The area is dotted with public hot spring facilities where you can soak while enjoying views of the sea. The 620-meter-long white sand beach, which gives Shirahama its name, offers summer swimming, and hosts various annual events such as seaside illuminations and drive-in theaters.
[klook]👉Yukai Resort Premium Nanki Shirahamaonsen Shirahama Saichoraku
SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE HOTEL SEAMORE｜Wakayama Prefecture
This facility offers various ways to enjoy your stay, such as private saunas limited to a few groups per day and a barrel sauna by the poolside. It’s co-ed and requires swimsuits, making it a great option for celebrating special occasions with loved ones. Of course, it’s also perfect for creating lasting memories with friends or family in this stunning location.
You can also stay overnight in the comfortable, homelike space. It's recommended as a relaxing base for your trip, where you can unwind on the garden terrace with breathtaking views.
👉https://www.keyterrace.co.jp/en/
6. Arima | Hyogo Prefecture
Arima Onsen is renowned as one of the best hot springs in Hyogo Prefecture. You can enjoy seasonal landscapes, such as cherry blossoms in spring, cool breezes in summer, autumn foliage, and snow-covered scenery in winter. Beyond the beautiful scenery, many visitors come for the food. Arima is famous for its inns that pride themselves on their cuisine, where you can fully enjoy Kobe beef and seafood.
[klook]👉Himeji Castle & Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour from Osaka
[kkday]👉Hyogo, Japan | Arima Onsen Taiko no Yu | Day trip bathing plan
[kkday]👉Arima Onsen Admission Ticket with Round Trip Bus Service | Kobe
Kobe Sauna & Spa | Hyogo Prefecture
Kobe Sauna & Spa is a men-only facility, but it shares a building with Kobe Ladies' Spa, a women-only facility, making it accessible to both genders. The facility boasts four types of saunas, with the largest being a Finnish-style sauna that can accommodate up to 30 people. There are also salt saunas and mist saunas, providing a variety of experiences to enjoy without getting bored.
The highlight here is the cold baths, offering two options: one for beginners at 23°C and another for experts at 11.7°C. You can also enjoy an outdoor air bath, relaxing on benches or chairs in the open-air area.
7. Beppu | Oita Prefecture
Beppu Onsen in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, the top hot spring region in Japan, is centered around eight hot spring areas known as Beppu Hattou. The city is home to about 2,000 hot springs with different water qualities, and public hot spring facilities are scattered throughout. If you want to fully enjoy Beppu Onsen, try the Beppu Hatto Onsen Road, where you can collect stamps from around 140 participating hot springs. You’re sure to find a hot spring that suits you.
[klook]👉Kyushu Beppu & Yufuin 1 Day Bus Pass (FUK Airport Pick Up)
Inazumi Underwater Cave | Oita Prefecture
Here, you can experience a one-of-a-kind cold bath like no other in Japan. This natural cold bath is located in a shallow area of the stalactite cave. The water temperature is consistently maintained at 16°C year-round, and in the deepest part, it’s about 170 cm deep, providing an even cooling effect over your entire body.
Since it's co-ed and requires swimsuits, you can also enjoy tent saunas with a large group. Surrounded by nature, this is a truly unique experience. If you visit Oita Prefecture, make sure to try it out.
Enjoy Activities with Hot Springs and Saunas!
We’ve introduced seven recommended hot spring areas and unique sauna facilities across Japan. Why not set out on a rejuvenating journey, exploring saunas that reflect the local culture and hot springs that make the most of the region's charm?
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