Considerably, there are over 3,000 Onsen spots in Japan, and this is obviously more than any other countries in the world. Each Onsen in Japan has some special feature such as locations, therapeutic effects and simply how it looks. It is hard to tell which Onsen is the best in Japan, but the world’s largest travel guide book publisher, Lonely Planet has picked best Onsen spots in Japan at 10 different aspects. From traditional to unique, let’s check out 10 best Onsen in Japan!

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10. Takamagahara Onsen, Toyama

Chose as the Best Mountain Onsen

Takamagahara Onsen  (高天原温泉) is also called “the most difficult Onsen to reach”. It’s located on the Hida mountain (Northern Alps) at 2100m altitude, and the only way to reach this Onsen is by hiking on the mountain for one and a half day. So it takes 4 days to go there and come back.

MAP: https://goo.gl/W3cEW4

9. Takegawara, Oita

Chosen as the Best Onsen/Sand Bath Combination

Takegawara Onsen (竹瓦温泉) is located in one of the most famous Onsen towns in Japan, Beppu in Oita Prefecture. This historical Onsen facility was established originally in Meiji period. It’s highly known for Sunaburo (sand bath).

MAP: https://goo.gl/PcSVDL

8. Shirahama, Wakayama

Chosen as the Best Onsen/Beach Combination

Shirahama (白浜) is a delightful beach resort in Wakayama Prefecture, southern Kansai Region. It’s a top beach resort in western Japan and the area is also gifted with great Onsen source. Enjoy the view of ocean while you soak up in great onsen.

MAP: https://goo.gl/67QpD7

7. Uramigataki, Tokyo

Chosen as the Best Semitropical Onsen

Uramigataki (裏見ヶ滝温泉) could be the wildest Onsen among all. It’s located on Hachijo Island, one of the Izu Seven Islands group which belongs to Tokyo prefecture. The onsen is right by the waterfall in a jungle and you can bathe in swim wear.

MAP: https://goo.gl/ie3eQW

6. Lamp no Yado, Ishikawa

Chosen as the Best Hidden Onsen

The lavish hideaway in Noto Peninsula. Lump no Yado (ランプの宿) is a traditional Japanese style hotel located in the cape surrounded by the cliff. The beautiful room, private bath, great food and magnificent landscape.. What else we need!

MAP: https://goo.gl/tW53kv

5. Sawada Koen Rotenburo Onsen, Shizuoka

Chosen as the Best Rotenburo

Sawada Koen Rotenburo Onsen (沢田公園露天風呂) is a great outdoor Onsen located on the cliff in the west tip of Izu peninsula. Although Izu has numerous number of Onsen, this one seems to have better view of others. The overlook view of the Pacific Ocean can be great, yet the spectacular thing is that you can watch the great sunset into the ocean while bathing.

MAP: https://goo.gl/tcn6M6

4. Kinosaki, Hyogo

Chosen as the Best Onsen Town

Along the seacoast of the Sea of Japan, Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) is a very pretty and traditional Onsen town. Simply if you want to have a cosy and relaxed Onsen experience in Japan, this could be a wise choice. Stroll around the willow lined street in your Yukata dress!

MAP: https://goo.gl/YAJdcP

3. Jinata Onsen, Tokyo

Chosen as the Best Island Onsen

Jinata Onsen (地鉈温泉) is located in the small island called “Shikine-jima Island”. The island is 160 km away from Tokyo yet it’s a part of Tokyo Prefecture. This sauce of Jinata Onsen is right by the ocean and you can enjoy bathing with the view of the Pacific Ocean.

MAP: https://goo.gl/azDcK2

2. Oedo Onsen Monogatari, Tokyo <<Permanently Closed>>

Chosen as the Best Inner-City Onsen

Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari (お台場大江戸温泉物語) is an Edo period themed Onsen park which is located on Tokyo’s artificial island called “Odaiba”. The complex include a variety kinds of bath, outdoor tubs, restaurants, relaxation rooms and shops.

MAP: https://goo.gl/3mg15c

1. Takaragawa Onsen, Gunma

Chosen as the Best Riverside Onsen

From the Kingdom of Onsen, Gunma prefecture. Takaragawa Onsen (宝川温泉) is known for the huge outdoor bath along the river surrounded by the great nature. It’s considerably the most scenic Onsen in Japan.

MAP: https://goo.gl/mBUFVD

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