HOT SPRINGS · JAPAN HOT SPRINGS

Japan’s 15 Best Onsen and Hot Springs

26 soaks  ·  from $5 a head

Whole towns here exist because of one spring, and the etiquette is part of the experience rather than an obstacle. These 15 cover Hakone, Beppu, Nagano and the Tokyo bath houses, priced, with travel time and tattoo policy noted.

From Osaka: Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour - Entering Himeji Castle, Japan’s white fortress
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From Osaka: Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour

1.Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 339 reviews · 10 hours · from $53Our pick

Travel from Osaka to Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, Arima Onsen, and Mt. Rokko in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English or Chinese-speaking guide. You get substantial free time at each stop, an optional Japanese lunch, and a chance to bathe at Arima Onsen at your own cost. Guides such as Gary, Harry, and Nick are often praised for clear explanations and personal help.

“Excellent trip, Himeji castle is amazing. The guide Gary explained a lot of things of history. The lunch was very delicious.”

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Osaka: Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park and Hot Spring - Nara Park and the deer beneath Wakakusa Mountain
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Osaka: Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park and Hot Spring

2.Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park and Hot Spring

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 302 reviews · 10 hours · from $57

Spend 10 hours visiting Nara Park, Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and Uji from Osaka. Feed deer with included crackers, sample matcha treats, choose Byodo-in Temple or the Tale of Genji Museum, then bathe at Genji no Yu. Guides such as Etta, Ethan, Lucia, and Liao are often praised for clear, lively help.

“Thank you so much for trip. Very good tour guy Liao. He explained very clear and easy to communicated.”

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Kyoto: Traditional Concert at Townhouse or Bathhouse - Choosing between the townhouse and bathhouse
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Kyoto: Traditional Concert at Townhouse or Bathhouse

3.Traditional Concert at Townhouse or Bathhouse

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 224 reviews · 45 - 105 minutes · from $32

Choose an intimate solo concert in a traditional Kyoto townhouse or a duet program in a former bathhouse hall. Professional musicians such as Furan, Aoi, and Kyoko perform classical and modern pieces while Gen and other hosts explain the instruments in English and Japanese. The townhouse also offers a beginner-friendly koto workshop.

“This private concert in the heart of Kyoto was one of the best experiences we had in our trip to Japan! We were super lucky and had the concert all to ourselves and we loved each part of it. From the detailed explanations and introductions of the instruments to the actual concert itself, which was beautiful and impressive. I can't recommend this enough!!”

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From Tokyo: Private Tour to Fuji/Hakone - Onsen, Art, Nature - The first Fuji viewpoints and mountain roads
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From Tokyo: Private Tour to Fuji/Hakone – Onsen, Art, Nature

4.Private Tour to Fuji/Hakone – Onsen, Art, Nature

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 10 hours · from $322Top rated

Escape Tokyo for a private 10-hour trip through Hakone, with Mount Fuji viewpoints, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, Tenzan Onsen, and optional art museums. Guides including Elie, Lenny, Evan, Luca, and Daru tailor the route to your interests. Hotel pickup is available within Tokyo’s 23 wards, and tattoo-friendly onsens make this a practical choice for many visitors.

“Luca was an amazing guide and went above and beyond to provide a tailored and memorable experience. His knowledge and willingness to share insight on the significance of the areas and locations was a true gift and made our experience all the more special. A truly unforgettable day!”

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Mt. Fuji, Hakone Private Tour from Tokyo - Onsen, Arts and Nature - Fuji viewpoints and the Hakone Turnpike
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Mt. Fuji, Hakone Private Tour from Tokyo – Onsen, Arts and Nature

5.Mt. Fuji, Hakone Private Tour from Tokyo – Onsen, Arts and Nature

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews

Spend 9 to 10 hours touring Mt. Fuji and Hakone in a private vehicle from Tokyo. Guides such as Elie, Lucas, Lenny, Evan, and Dominik tailor the day around views, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, a 400-year-old tea house, an onsen, and either the Hakone Open-Air Museum or Pola Museum. Lunch and admissions cost extra.

“Elie was a phenomenal guide! He was very knowledgeable about Tokyo, Hakone, Japanese culture, and also just generally a joy to be around. He proactively contacted me the day before the tour to let me know that due to weather, we’d be unlikely to see Mt Fuji, and offered alternative activities or to cancel. Having previously read all of the positive reviews, I decided to go ahead with the tour and am glad I did! We had a great day visiting the Hakone Open Air museum and a local onsen. Elie provided many tips about traveling in Japan and was able to answer my questions about the history of the…”

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Tokyo: Mount Fuji 5th Station & Onsen Day Trip - Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station at 2,300 Meters
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Tokyo: Mount Fuji 5th Station & Onsen Day Trip

6.Mount Fuji 5th Station & Onsen Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 75 reviews · 1 day · from $50

Travel from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, or Shinkurayama Asama Park outside the seasonal access period. Visit Oshino Hakkai’s spring-fed ponds, then spend two hours at Konohananoyu Onsen, with Gotemba Premium Outlets offered instead on some weekdays. English and Chinese commentary is available.

“Guide lin tian Anna is very nice and professional. She can serve all the clients in well organized manner. Anna is a good guide and can be considered for promotion when there is opportunity.”

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Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen - Zenko-ji Temple and the center of Nagano
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Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen

7.Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · from $337

Spend about eight hours exploring Nagano with a private English-speaking guide such as Hori, Mutsumi, or Fumiko. Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, Obuse, and the Hokusai Museum, with time for local food, sake, or an optional onsen. Choose public transport or a private vehicle, with hotel pickup available from selected central Nagano hotels.

“By far the best part was visiting the snow monkey park. This is one of the most fun things you can do in Japan if you’re an animal lover. Way better than an owl cafe.”

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Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa) - Shibu Onsen, a short walk through an old hot spring town
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Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa)

8.Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $78

Travel by air-conditioned vehicle from Iiyama or Nozawa to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, with entry arranged in advance. Walk 2 km through cedar forest, watch wild macaques for about 50 minutes, then visit Shibu Onsen and Tamamura Honten. Guides such as Tommy, Tome, and Rossella add local history and helpful travel tips.

“Great experience. Tommy our guide was fabulous. He was knowledgeable and informative about the local area. He made the trip very enjoyable.”

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[Seasonal Limited] Mt. Fuji 5th Station &Hot Spring Day Tour - Riding up to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station
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[Seasonal Limited] Mt. Fuji 5th Station &Hot Spring Day Tour

9.[Seasonal Limited] Mt. Fuji 5th Station &Hot Spring Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · 1 day · from $50

Travel from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, Shinkurayama Asama Park or Oshino Hakkai, then spend two hours at Konohananoyu Onsen. The $50 tour includes transport, parking, fuel, and a guide, with limited English commentary on small groups. Weekday departures may offer Gotemba Premium Outlets instead of the hot spring.

“i like the phase of our trip. sadly, we weren't able to see mt fuji bec its cloudy but we enjoy the rest of the itinerary. coco is a great guide! she shared infos on japan along the way and is very accommodating. will greatly recommend!”

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Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring - The summit and the chance to see Mt. Fuji
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Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring

10.Full Day Hiking Tour at Mt.Takao including Hot Spring

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $118

Meet your private guide at Takaosanguchi Station for a 5.5-hour Mt. Takao hike. Choose an easier or harder trail, visit Yakuo-in Temple, descend by cable car or lift, and learn proper onsen etiquette before soaking at Takaosan Onsen. Guides such as Hiroko, Keita, Rie, and Takeshi are known for adapting the pace and explaining local culture.

“Visiting Mt. Takao was definitely the touch of nature i wanted to try and experience while in Japan. Because i stayed in Tokyo primarily, this was one of the closer chances to get away from the city. My guide, Rie-san, was patient and definiteRead more”

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Osaka: Solaniwa Onsen Hot Spring Visit - The hot-spring water and nine bathing areas
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Osaka: Solaniwa Onsen Hot Spring Visit

11.Solaniwa Onsen Hot Spring Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 51 reviews · 1 day · from $14

Spend a full day at Solaniwa Onsen in Osaka Bay Tower, where alkaline spring water rises from 1,000 meters underground. You can use nine baths, saunas, scrubbers, a footbath, and the 3,000-square-meter Tenku Garden, with traditional Osaka-style details throughout. The facility is wheelchair accessible, but visible tattoos are not permitted.

“Love this family friendly onsen. Couldn’t work out how to get the lunch that we bought with our ticket and ended up having to purchase it again but overall we still would recommend the experience.”

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Mt. Fuji 5th, Oshino Hakkai, Onsen Full-Day Trip From Tokyo - Starting the journey from Tokyo
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Mt. Fuji 5th, Oshino Hakkai, Onsen Full-Day Trip From Tokyo

12.Mt. Fuji 5th, Oshino Hakkai, Onsen Full-Day Trip From Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 50 reviews · from $56

Travel from Tokyo by air-conditioned vehicle to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, Oshino Hakkai, and a two-hour choice of hot spring or Gotemba Premium Outlets. Guides such as Anna and Andrew are praised for clear help and warm service. Winter departures visit Arakurayama Sengen Park instead of the 5th Station.

“We had an incredible Mount Fuji tour, and our guide Anna truly made it unforgettable. She was knowledgeable, organized, and incredibly thoughtful throughout the day. From sharing local history to pointing out hidden gems, Anna added so much depth to the experience. Everything ran smoothly, and we felt well taken care of from start to finish. If you're planning a trip to Mount Fuji, I highly recommend booking with Anna—you won’t regret it!”

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Kyoto: Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama - Kibune Shrine and the meaning of the route
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Kyoto: Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama

13.Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 hours · from $80

Escape Kyoto for a four-hour guided hike from Kibune to Kurama. You’ll ride the Eizan train, visit Kibune Shrine and Kurama Temple, hear local legends, and climb through cedar forest. Guides such as Philippe and Chris add cultural context. Finish with lunch or an optional outdoor hot spring bath in Kurama.

“Philippe was my tour guide and has a wonderful understanding of the history and culture associated with Mount Kurama. Not only was he pleasant to have conversation with, the hike is indeed very mystical and leaves you with a sense of awe and appreciation. After the hike, there is an option to use the onsen overlooking the mountains which makes for a very relaxing trip to the mountain.”

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Become a local! A Walking Tour of Arts, Crafts&Onsen Culture - Starting at Beppu Station Market
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Become a local! A Walking Tour of Arts, Crafts & Onsen Culture

14.Become a local! A Walking Tour of Arts, Crafts & Onsen Culture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $59

Walk Beppu with guides such as Masahiro Ide, known as Masa, or Lou, visiting a local market, a bamboo workshop, artist studios, and Space Beppu. This 2 to 2.5-hour tour avoids the Hells and does not enter an onsen, focusing instead on downtown streets, crafts, local stories, and face-to-face meetings with makers.

“Masa took us to places we would not have seen on our own and shared good information about historical buildings, Artists’ residence & studios, quaint bath houses, hidden family restaurants & Cha-san’s bamboo factory. Speaking first hRead more”

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1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake - A warm lunch at Japanese Dining GOEN
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1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

15.1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $150

Travel from Nozawa Onsen with an English-speaking local guide to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, a warm Japanese lunch, Zenko-ji Temple, and a sake tasting. Guides such as Jens and Yama have been praised for clear explanations and friendly care. Expect a full winter day, icy walking, scenic forest, and a group of up to 44 people.

“We had a great day out with Yama! We loved that there were only two large groups. The monkeys were great fun to watch and the walk through snow laden pines to see them was lovely! Lunch was a welcome surprise and we really enjoRead more”

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