Why Not to Go to Hot Springs Like in the Movies? Top 10 Hot Springs in Japan to Experience History

Unique to Japanese hot springs! People want to relax both body and mind while soaking in the bath. Therefore, I’ll introduce “Jalan” travel magazine’s announced ranking: “Jalan’s Retro Hot Springs That Feel Straight Out of a Movie”. You should check your next hot spring getaway!

Both Interior and exterior are Amazing! Hot Spring Rankings to Fully Enjoy Japan

There are a lot of hot springs in various places in Japan. When you plan a hot spring getaway, you will wonder where you should go. In times like these, I recommend visiting one of the most popular hot springs. You will surely enjoy a relaxing and pleasant experience. Now, let’s look at the rankings of Japan’s most popular hot springs!

■10th Place: Ibusuki Onsen – Muronoyu Onsen (Kagoshima Prefecture)

It’s established in 1881, this communal bathhouse is nestled in a residential area. Its vintage charm can be felt through features like the exposed beams, the historical ambiance of the bathing rooms, and the rustic aesthetic of the baths.

There are four different natural hot spring sources, each with varying temperatures, and uses a traditional method of mixing the waters to achieve the ideal temperature.

One notable feature of the women’s bath is its wooden structure, with two central bathtubs which are one with hotter water and the other with cooler water, and it provides a unique and relaxing experience.

■9th Place: Shionoha Onsen – Yamabatoyu (Nara Prefecture)

It’s established in 1973, this hot spring facility is located along the dam lake in Oku-Yoshino. A natural flow of 500 liters of hot spring water per minute, the mineral deposits have built up on the bath surfaces over time, it creates a unique, tree-ring-like appearance. While the water is naturally 39.6°C (103°F), it is heated during colder months without any added water, allowing guests to enjoy the luxurious kakenagashi (free-flowing) bathing style.

One of the charms is the open-air bath, carved from a large zelkova tree stump. From here, people can soak in the scenic beauty of the changing seasons and the magnificent Ōsako Dam. The slightly cooler water in this bath makes it good for long, relaxing soaks.

■8th Place: Tsuta Onsen (Aomori Prefecture)

It’s believed to have been established during the Heian Period, and Tsuta Onsen is steeped in history. One unique attraction is its bath, which is located directly above the hot spring source, where 100% pure, fresh spring water flows up through the wooden floorboards without ever being exposed to air.

The compact “Kyuan no Yu” bath, you can experience the sensation and benefits of water that has just emerged from the source. The moment you slide open the bath door, you’ll be captivated by the timeless charm of the space, which exudes a rustic yet rich vibe.

■7th Place: Yumoto Fubokaku (Miyagi Prefecture)

Around 417 years ago, the inn is said to have been visited by Date Masamune, who was so impressed that he named it “Fuwana” (it means “unforgettable”). It later became a favored retreat for successive lords of the Date Clan.

Of the six baths available, the standout is the “Ōyu Kinsendō” which is the stone bath, where Date Masamune himself is said to have bathed. This bath was meticulously crafted by 30 artisans over two years. The onsen features 100% pure, free-flowing spring water that is colorless, odorless, and gentle on the skin.

Another charm is the Aone Goten, located on the property, where visitors can explore historical artifacts from the Date family.

■6th Place: Sennin Buro – Kanaya Ryokan (Shizuoka Prefecture)

It’s built in 1915, the Sennin Buro (it means “Bath for a Thousand People”) is one of Japan’s largest cypress-wood baths, and it measures approximately 15 meters in length and 5 meters in width. This massive bath is filled with 100% free-flowing spring water, generously poured directly from the source.

The water temperature gradually decreases as you can move further from the source, and you also find a great spot for a comfortable soak. During winter, the wooden building with its open, arched ceiling fills with rising steam, creating a magical and fantastical vibe.

■5th Place: Shin-Tamagawa Onsen (Akita Prefecture)

Shin-Tamagawa Onsen sources its water from the historic Tamagawa Onsen, which was discovered in the 1600s. It’s known for its powerful jet of hot water erupting with a thunderous roar, it boasts one of the highest single-source water outputs in Japan, with a flow of 9,000 liters per minute.

The hot spring has highly acidic water with a pH of 1.2—more acidic than lemon juice—and its main component is hydrochloric acid, a rarity even on a global scale. The water’s sharp, tingling sensation can feel intense, and soaking for too long can be uncomfortable even for adults.

The onsen also highlights a large bathing area with 14 different types of baths, including milder options, so you can choose one that suits their physical condition.

■4th Place: Katakurakan (Nagano Prefecture)

It’s built during the Taisho to early Showa period by the Katakura Zaibatsu, a family that prospered in the silk industry, Katakurakan was originally established as a community wellness facility. The building incorporates Western architectural styles and design elements, and in 2011, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan due to its cultural and historical significance.

The bathhouse has a stunning 7.6-meter-long by 4-meter-wide marble bath, complemented by elegant stained-glass windows. Its luxurious vibe evokes the feel of an ancient Roman bath, offering a truly unique and culturally romantic experience.

■3rd Place: Oku-Tsuchiyu Hidden Hot Spring – Kawakami Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture)

It’s founded in 1615, this historic inn offers a truly unique bathing experience. And it was inspired by a vision from the 15th-generation innkeeper to create a one-of-a-kind bath, the result is a half-cave, half-open-air hot spring. The bath was meticulously hand-carved by craftsmen over the course of a year and a half, with the tub crafted from Aomori cypress.

In addition, the bath is 0.85 meters deep, and floating rings are provided for a fun and relaxing soak. Inside the inn, there’s also a “Ban’nin Buro” (it means bath for Everyone), which alternates between men and women on different days, adding to the charm of the experience.

■2nd Place: Yamashiro Onsen Kosoyu (Ishikawa Prefecture)

This communal bathhouse is reconstructed in 2010 on the site of the original Soyu bathhouse from the Meiji era. The building features stunning natural wood exteriors, while the floors and walls are adorned with Kutani-ware tiles, faithfully recreating the vibe of the time.

There are no showers here, so people bathe in the traditional style by pouring water over themselves. The bathhouse is illuminated by colorful stained-glass windows, casting vibrant hues onto the water and creating a retro-modern ambiance. It’s a great place to fully enjoy Japan’s nostalgic past.

■1st Place: Hoshi Onsen Chojukan (Gunma Prefecture)

It’s built in 1895, this historic bathhouse was the first to be certified by the “Association to Protect Japan’s Hidden Hot Springs”. The main baths, “Hoshi no Yu” and “Choju no Yu”, preserve the elegant vibe of the Meiji era, it’s inspired by the style of the Rokumeikan.

The hot spring sources lie directly above the bedrock, with 100% pure spring water constantly bubbling up through the smooth river stones lining the tubs.The “Hoshi no Yu” bath is especially remarkable, featuring thick wooden beams and Western-style arched windows. You can soak in not only the rejuvenating waters but also the architectural beauty preserved for over 130 years.

All of the hot springs have a Japanese ambience and they are so nice! You’ll feel like you’re traveling into the past and stepping into a movie. And you’ll be excited while soaking in comfortable hot springs. Why not go to your favorite one and enjoy a relaxing experience!

Source of Information: “Jalan Retro Onsen Ranking – Like Stepping into a Movie World”

*Please check the official website or other sources for the latest information before planning your visit.