Experiencing an onsen is a must during your trip to Japan. Not only is it a part of Japan’s rich history and culture, but it allows you to relax those exhausted muscles.
You will also be able to understand why an onsen is so popular for the locals and foreigners alike. Fortunately, there are lots of onsen near Tokyo for you to try out.
This means that you do not have to travel far if you are only planning on visiting the capital city of Japan.
So, get ready to unwind and enjoy the benefits of the hot spring water. Here are some of the best onsen near Tokyo.
Before We Start, What Actually Is An Onsen?
Onsen in kanji is known as ‘温泉’ which translates to the words ‘hot’ and also ‘water’. This is basically what an onsen literally is. However, an onsen is a lot more than just its hot water.
Onsen water is spring water that has lots of mineral content. It has to provide this kind of water to be considered an onsen, and is one of the main reasons people enjoy bathing in one.
The water also must be at the very least 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This means it is very nice and toasty, even when the temperature of the air is cold.
Throughout history, Japanese people have bathed in an onsen. This is because the onsen provides them with rich mineral water that has many skin benefits.
While you might be going to an onsen to experience it, many locals have their daily baths in one.
An onsen can be indoor or outdoor too, and there are opportunities to pay to use a private onsen. However, there are also lots of rules regarding using an onsen.
This means you will need to research a particular onsen beforehand in case you are not allowed tattoos, for example.
Even so, always remember to wash yourself before getting into one. Now all that is out of the way, let’s take a look at the best onsen near Tokyo.
1. Shima Onsen
Located in the Gunma prefecture, this resort stretches 4 km in length alongside the Shima river. There are 5 districts here too, with each one offering visitors traditional ryokans and attractions.
It is often said that the wooden building here was recreated in the famous movie, Spirited Away, which was made by Studio Ghibli. It also includes the iconic and wonderful red bridge that is in front of the oldest onsen made from wood.
There is an artificially made lake called Okushimako that is worth exploring. The look of it changes depending on what the season is. Plus the water is wonderful and clear.
2. Kusatsu Onsen
Located within the Gunma prefecture, Kusatsu is known as a traditional onsen town. It is incredibly breathtaking as you watch the steam from the hot springs rising through the air.
The area is known for having really high quality and clean water. It is said to cure illnesses of any kind – well, apart from lovesickness apparently!
It is said that 32,000 liters of wonderfully hot water is released from the hot spring every single minute. This is the largest amount of any Japanese onsen.
Yubatake, which is in the center of the onsen town, is where the water is cooled down to a temperature that can be bathed in.
There are plenty of ryokan in this area that offer onsen experiences. Just be prepared for the strong smell of sulfate!
3. Kinugawa Onsen
Located within the Tochigi prefecture, the hot springs in this area were discovered long ago during the Edo period. This was when feudal clans and monks would visit the hot springs, as they were the only ones with permission to do so.
Later on it became open to everyone, and by the 1970s it was a booming tourist attraction. However, the recession hit in the 1990s and a lot of it was abandoned.
Since then, it has become a calm and relaxing onsen resort that has a different kind of vibe to it. The warm water is said to be great for many skin problems.
4. Ikaho Onsen
The Gunma prefecture houses many onsen, one being the Ikaho. It is famous for the 365 steps you need to climb to get there. The reason for these steps is because the onsen is located by Mount Haruna.
As you go up the steps, you will be met with lots of gift shops, Japanese inns, and restaurants. This makes it a nice tourist area to visit too.
There is also the Ikaho Shrine that is most definitely worth a visit. The onsen water here is quite unique. There are colors of silver and gold that are said to contain many wonderful health benefits.
The shrine offers a great view of the areas surrounding the onsen, as well as Mount Haruna itself. So this is definitely worth a visit before or after bathing in the onsen.
5. Manza Onsen
This onsen is located high above sea level, which also means it has stunning views. This onsen is located within the Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park.
This area covers many prefectures, including Niigata, Nagano, and Gunma.
There is a lot of sulfur within this spring water, making it a milky color. It is said to be really good when it comes to your metabolism and blood flow. However, you will want to get used to the smell – and quick!
Also, during the winter season the area makes a fantastic ski resort. This means you can enjoy the hot spring water while the air is bitterly cold.
The ski resort is known as Manza Onsen Prince Ski Resort, which is entwined with the hot spring onsen.
Other attractions include eating buffet dishes at the onsen, which makes experiencing the cold weather worth it.
6. Nasu Onsen
Based in the Tochigi prefecture, Nasu is a popular onsen resort that attracts around 5 million people every single year. It is really old too, having been founded roughly around 630.
Since then, it has become a developed onsen that still looks very traditional. There are seven different onsen areas, which are all scattered around the side of a mountain.
For this reason, you will see a beautiful landscape that is breathtaking.
Some of the attractions visitors also come to see around here are Mount Nasu, but also the ‘Killing Stone’. This is a massive rock that has the ability to vent very poisonous gas.
There is also a wonderful ranch nearby too, where you can see lots of animals. The great thing about it is that it is free to visit.
7. Gora Onsen
Here lies a hot spring covered area that is based around and along Gora Station. Often it is considered to actually be Hakone Onsen, though normally people refer to it as its own onsen.
There are lots of luxurious types of inns in this part of Japan. In fact, during the early 19th century, it was highly developed as a place for celebrities to enjoy a holiday villa.
This was alongside Gora Park being opened.
Today, the area is open to everyone. With its 46 hot springs, it allows visitors to take a moment to relax and enjoy the many colors of the spring water.
Close by you will be able to visit Gora Park which has French inspired gardens and wonderful cafes. There is also the Hakone Ropeway which will take you to Owakudani Hell Valley.
8. Shuzenji Onsen
Once you reach Ito City, you will then need to take a train east to reach Shuzenji which is around an hour and a half away. Here you will find a beautiful onsen resort.
It is situated within the Izu Peninsula which has mountains and also includes sandy beaches. It is also the oldest known onsen within this area too. In fact, it is said that it dates back to the 9th century.
Many well-known Japanese novelists such as Natsume Soseki and Mori Ogai have visited this part of the world, potentially to write their books.
Other attractions include the Shuzenji Bamboo Path. You will want to take pictures standing among the high bamboo grove. There is also the temple which you will find in the heart of the area.
Final Thoughts
Visiting an onsen is something that you must experience during your trip to Japan. Doing so will provide you with the opportunity to revel in the benefits of the spring water.
Also you will be spending time doing something that is traditionally Japanese.
As you can see, there are many onsen available to visit near Tokyo. This means that you do not need to go too far out of your way to visit one.
So, the next time you are taking a trip to Japan, visit an onsen. Just remember to check out the rules beforehand if possible, just in case you have tattoos, etc.
Fortunately, we have already discussed tattoo-friendly onsen, so check that out for more information. You might be surprised to hear but some onsen do allow small tattoos.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
