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Japan is an onsen (hot spring) super power with approximately 4,000 onsen sites and about 30,000 onsen sources throughout the country.The mineral content of the springs differs from place to place; some onsen have transparent water while others have white or even dark brown water.There are indoor onsen, outdoor onsen (roten), public onsen (often used by locals) and even some that you have to hike into the mountains to find!
Onsen are said to cure all kinds of ailments from back pain to dermatosis, but this is not the main reason to venture to one; the best part is simply enjoying the water and relaxing!The atmosphere of an onsen is another important factor.In March and April, you can relax in an outdoor bath while gazing at beautiful cherry blossoms. These outdoor “roten” baths are also quite an experience in snowy regions of the country.
Trying to find an authentic onsen can be a difficult task.In this edition,
we will explore the onsen rankings organized by the Tourism Economy News Company - selected by professionals in the travel industry - to make your job easier. Along with the overall rankings, we have included rankings based on onsen type, atmosphere, name recognition, and quality |
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Overall Ranking
Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture) is the No.1 ranked onsen in Japan and has been for the last four years. Kusatsu is also ranked No.1 in the onsen type ranking and No. 3 in the atmosphere ranking.
Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu, located in Gunma Prefecture (about 3 hours by train from Tokyo), is without doubt one of the most famous onsen sites in Japan. In the heart of Kusatsu lies a yubatake (hot water field) the symbol of the resort.It controls the onsen's temperature and collects the minerals that make up the onsen water.
You might visit to soak in the relaxing water, but be sure not to miss visiting the source of that water.
Kusatsu boasts an output of as much as 32,300 liters of thermal onsen water per minute, the No.1 volume output in Japan.
Another feature is its acidity; something that must be experienced to understand. There are 18 public onsen baths thatare open to the public for free.
Hotel Ichii
 Located in front of the yubatake, Hotel Ichii is an historical Japanese innhas been operating for 300 years.The onsen water is 100% kakenagashi, meaning that all of the water is taken from the source.
Access to Kusatsu Onsen:
From Ueno Station, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach Naganohara Kusatsuguchi Station via JR Joetsu Agatsumasen New Express “Kusatsu Go”.
From Naganohara Kusatsuguchi, it is a 25 minute bus ride to the heart of Kusatsu Onsen.
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Atmosphere Ranking |
| Kurokawa Onsen
 Kurokawa Onsen is nestled amongst the mountains of Kumamoto Prefecture, on the southernmost island of Kyushu (a two hour flight from Tokyo). Kurokawa is widely regarded as the best place to enjoy the atmosphere of an old Japanese town.Almost all ryokan in the area have outdoor baths. Onsen type: sulfur.
Yusai
 Yusai is a relaxing ryokan (Japanese style inn). The water is 100% kakenagashi.
Access:
1.5 hours from Kumamoto Airport by Kyushu Odan bus.
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Yufuin Onsen
Yufuin is located at the foot of Mt Yufudake in Oita Prefecture on the southernmost island of Kyushu (a two hour flight from Tokyo). The morning mist in Yufuin creates an unforgettable atmosphere. The water output is ranked No. 3 in Japan.
Onsen type: Thermal.
Access:
Located near JR Yufuin Station.
About 45 minutes by JR Yufu Express From Oita Station.About 2 hours by JR Yufu Express from Hakata Station (Fukuoka). |
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Recognition Ranking |
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Quality of Onsen Ranking |
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Noboribetsu Onsen
 The charm of Noboribetsu Onsen is in its variety (it is commonly referred to as the "onsen department store"), which is rare for hot springs around the world. Onsen types include sulfur, chloride salt, acid, and iron.
Though you may not be able to soak all of the different types of onsen at Noboribetsu, it is fun to try!
Dai-ichi Takimotokan
Located in front of the Jigokudani ("Valley of Hell"),
Dai-ichi Takimotokan boasts a history of over 150 years. It features seven kinds of onsen (35 baths) over an area of 1500 square meter area and is also one of the spots where you can see sulfurous steam vents.
 Access:
1 hour 45 minute flight from Tokyo to Shinchitose Airport.From Shinchitose airport to Noboribetsu Station can be reached in 50 minutes from the airport by train.
The onsen is then another 15 mintues from the station. |
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Gero Onsen
 This historical onsen is located in the center of Gifu Prefecture. Razan Hayashi, a Confucian who served the 4th Tokugawa shogun during the Edo period, declared Gero as one of the three greatest Hot Springs of Japan along with Kusatsu and Arima. Onsen type: Sulfur with transparent water.
Suimeikan
 Located along the Hida River, Suimeikan is a gorgeous onsen resort.Its three baths are the perfect place to experience the smooth water of Gero.
Access:
1 hour 40 minutes from Tokyo to Nagoya Station by Shinkansen.
From Nagoya Station, it takes about 1.5 hours to Gero via JR Hida Express. |
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Facilities Ranking |
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Ibusuki Onsen
 Located at the extreme southern tip of Japan in Kagoshima Prefecture, Ibusuki Onsen is an extremely rare onsen because of its sunamushi (black sand) baths.Sunamushi can even be experienced at the beach; the sand covers your body and its weight and heat help your body perspire toxins.
Ibusuki Iwasaki Hotel
 This huge resort-style hotel offers sunamushi along with a range of activities and entertainment such as tennis, golf, soccer, and swimming.
Access:
A two hour flight from Tokyo to Kagoshima.
From Kagoshima Chuo Station, it takes about one hour to Ibusuki by JR Makurazaki Line or 1.5 hours to Ibusuki from Kagoshima Airport by bus.
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Wakura Onsen
 Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Wakura Onsen contains a range of large ryokan and modern hotels.It sits on the Japan Sea, providing unforgettable views and sea food meals for visitors. The onsen is especially hot and the source pours out an abundance of water. In 2007, Wakura Onsen will celebrate its 1200th year.
Kagaya
 With over a hundred years since its founding, refined tradition style, and locationon the shores of the Japan Sea, Kagaya provides the perfect setting to enjoy both fresh seafood and onsen baths.
Access:
One hour flight from Tokyo to Noto.
Wakura is a 50 minute taxi ride from the airport (shared taxis available upon request).
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