The 5 best hot springs of the Kanto area

2024/07/25

Atami Onsen, Shizuoka

As early as 713, records confirm the existence of Atami Onsen, which has a long history. It is widely recognized as having served as a therapeutic bathing facility for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the military commander who established the Edo samurai (1603-1867).

The spring quality of Atami Onsen is mildly alkaline, which makes it gentle on your skin. The good texture is why it is popular with women. It can cover your skin with salt from hot springs, which its efficacy is sensitive to cold and neuralgia.

The springs of Atami Onsen have a significant amount of water flowing, estimated to be 16,600 liters per minute. Geysers have erupted from multiple locations in the city for many years, and seven of them, known as Atami Shichiyu, are the seven hot springs of Atami.

Taking a bullet train from Tokyo takes only 45 minutes. Enjoy seafood and mountain-based foods at the Hotel or Ryokan of Atami Onsen.

Hakone Onsen, Kanagawa

For centuries now, Hakone has been one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Japan. In the present day, there are over a dozen springs that supply hot spring water to the numerous bathhouses and ryokans in the Hakone region.

Hakone's most renowned hot spring, Yumoto, located at Odawara's entrance, has a long history, high-quality water, and many baths and inns. Across the hills and valleys of Hakone and along the shores of Lake Ashi, there are many more hot spring facilities that can be discovered.

Hot spring baths can be enjoyed by visitors in public bath houses or Ryokan. The baths at many ryokans are accessible to both guests staying there and daytime visitors. Guests who stay can use the baths for free, but daytime visitors pay an admission fee that ranges from 500 and 2000 yen.

Tokyo's Shinjuku Station is located in Hakone, and direct highway buses operate every 30-60 minutes between them. In good traffic conditions, the one-way journey is priced at about 2200 yen and takes a little over two hours.

Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

One of Japan's most renowned hot spring resorts is Kusatsu Onsen. The abundance of high-quality hot spring water in this area is reputed to cure any illness.

Kusatsu was already popular as a hot spring resort for many centuries, but German doctor Erwin von Baelz increased its popularity even more by recommending it for its water's health benefits during the late 1800s.

The mountains of Gunma Prefecture are where Kusatsu is located, located 1200 meters above sea level and offers skiing and hiking during the winter and summer seasons, which can be enjoyed along with hot spring bathing.

From Ueno Station to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station, you have the option of either taking the Limited Express Kusatsu or the Zairai Line. Take the bus to Kusatsu Onsen, which takes 2.5 hours and costs 4840 yen from there.

Ikaho Onsen, Gunma

On the eastern slopes of Mount Haruna, you can find Ikaho Onsen which is a hot spring town. Ikaho Onsen, Kusatsu, Minakami, and Shima Onsen are among the four most prominent hot spring resorts in Gunma Prefecture, known for their thermal waters that are reddish brown and contain iron.

The atmospheric old town area of Ikaho centers around the 300 meter long stone stairs which lead up through the middle of town and are lined by ryokan, old fashioned game arcades and shops. It retains a certain feel of the Showa Period. The Showa Period (1926-1989) is still present in it.

Direct highway buses run by JR Kanto Bus run between JR Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal and Ikaho roughly ten times every day. There are buses that continue to Kusatsu Onsen. The journey to Ikaho lasts approximately 2.5 hours and costs 2600-3000 yen each way.

kinugawa onsen, Tochigi

Kinugawa Onsen is a popular hot spring resort town along the Kinugawa River in Tochigi Prefecture. The center of the town lies in the large Ryokan hotel situated on the riverbank, providing many attractions like Tobu World Square and Nikko Edomura theme parks, as well as its hot spring baths.

Kinugawa has undergone significant development over the past decades, with the construction of many large Ryokan complexes. Over time, many of these have gone out of business, leaving behind abandoned buildings on the riverbank.

The free travel zone for Nikko Passes in the area includes Kinugawa Onsen, which is in close proximity to Nikko. If you're visiting Nikko, the town is a great place to overnight and add some fun and relaxation to the culture and nature of the region.

Kinugawa Onsen is situated about 130 kilometers north of Tokyo and takes about 30 minutes to get to Nikko by train.