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Hot spring

50 spots of this type across Japan.

Where to find them

What makes these worth the trip

  • Mineral-rich water that locals have soaked in for generations — each source has its own temperature, colour and smell.
  • A bathing town you can wander in a yukata, with steam drifting between wooden inns and public baths.
  • Open-air rotenburo tubs framed by mountains, river valleys or the sea, which change completely with the season.

What you can do

  • Take a day-use bath (higaeri onsen) even without staying overnight — most inns open their baths in the afternoon.
  • Try the free foot baths (ashiyu) dotted around town for a quick warm-up between stops.
  • Buy a bath-hopping pass and compare two or three different sources in one afternoon.
  • Eat the local onsen specialities — steam-cooked eggs, puddings and vegetables sold near the sources.

Good to know before you go

  • Wash and rinse at the shower stations before entering the tub; the bath water is shared.
  • Some traditional baths still restrict tattoos — look for tattoo-friendly inns or private family baths (kashikiri).
  • Bring a small towel; larger bath towels are usually rented or sold at the counter.
Castle 206 Shrine 160 Mountain 96 Temple 96 Landmark 90 Lakes & falls 71 Museum 60 Hot spring 50 Park & garden 49 Coast 44 History 44 Island 43 National park 39 Cityscape 35

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