The exact origins of hot springs in Japan are uncertain, but it seems that the existence of “onsen” was widely known during the Nara period, about 1300 years ago. In the present day, hot spring resorts are often seen as tourist destinations, but in ancient times, they were places where people sought treatment for illnesses and aimed to restore their health through bathing, known as “toji.”
During the toji period, the duration of treatment and bathing etiquette were generally established. For example, even in the Middle Ages, seven days were already considered one cycle, and it was recognized that one should undergo at least three cycles (21 days) of toji treatment.
During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), people began to understand the properties, benefits, and suggested best practices on how to use hot springs.
From the mid-Edo period (about 1700 to 1800), there was an increase in the publication of guidebooks and illustrations for hot springs, and more people began to travel to these destinations for sightseeing purposes.
In the late Edo period, there was an increase in the number of group travellers who stopped by hot springs as part of their journeys to Ise Shrine, the central focus of Japan’s Shinto faith, located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture.
In the Meiji period hot springs came under government administration, and the Meiji government took an approach to reaffirm the efficacy of hot springs in treatment by analysing their components. At the same time, efforts were made to maintain and improve the hygiene of hot spring resorts, shifting towards their utilization as recreational areas.
In present-day Japan, “onsen” is legally defined as water that emerges from underground with a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius or higher, containing specific mineral substances above regulated values, or containing certain substances (1g or more per 1000mg).
Among the approximately 3,000 hot spring resorts in Japan, below are some representative ones:
Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture): One of Japan’s three oldest hot springs.
This traditional hot spring town offers baths with different qualities, such as the brown-coloured “kin-sen” (gold spring) and the colourless and transparent “gin-sen” (silver spring), which were loved by Shogun, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It is about a 30-minute bus ride away from the centre of Kobe.
https://visit.arima-onsen.com/
Beppu (Oita Prefecture): Oita Prefecture is also known as the “onsen prefecture.” The Beppu area has steams rising from various points throughout the city, offering unique attractions such as the “Beppu Hell Tour” that explores springs naturally bubbling up from the earth known as “hells,” and the “sand baths” where visitors are buried in warm sand heated by hot spring steam.
https://beppu-tourism.com/en/
Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture): One of Japan’s three oldest hot springs.
The historic Dogo Onsen Main Building, which emerges after passing through the shopping street, creates a unique atmosphere and remains highly popular to this day. Its opening is announced every morning at 6 o’clock with a sound of a taiko drum.
https://dogo.jp/en/
Gero Onsen (Gifu Prefecture): Gero Onsen is called “Bijin no Yu” (Beautiful Skin Hot Spring) because of its smooth water texture. The hot spring town is condensed with footbaths, gourmet dining, and tourist attractions all within walking distance, allowing for enjoyment even within a short visit.
https://www.gero-spa.or.jp/lg_en/
Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture): Hakone can be reached in about an hour and a half from Tokyo and offers breathtaking views of Mt Fuji and its surrounding nature. It is a charming tourist destination with a ship cruise on Lake Ashi, as well as numerous Japanese and Western-style ryokan and hotels and art museums.
https://hakone-japan.com/
Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture): Recognised as one of Japan’s renowned hot spring destinations, it boasts the country’s largest natural outflow of thermal waters with over 230,000 litres gushing forth daily. Kusatsu is a lively hot spring resort and you can also enjoy skiing in winter.
https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/guide/en/
Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama Prefecture): One of Japan’s three oldest hot springs.
Situated in a resort area renowned for its stunning white beaches and abundant springs, it is a popular destination with various ryokans and public facilities where guests can enjoy onsen while overlooking the beautiful sea.
https://en.visitwakayama.jp/venues/venue_43/
