Rakuten Travel’s platform covers all of Japan, with this ranking featuring onsen ryokan from as far north as Aomori to as far south as Kagoshima. Let’s dive into the list of top-ranked onsen ryokan—be sure to take notes for your next relaxing hot spring getaway!

With near-perfect ratings and ranked #1 for two consecutive years, Hamazen Ryokan at Hinagu Onsen in Kumamoto—an area with over 600 years of hot spring history—stands out for its unique offering: every room comes with a semi-open-air onsen bath, each with a distinct style. Guests can enjoy a private soak anytime, 24 hours a day, without worrying about tattoos or others’ opinions.

For those who find the in-room bath a bit small, Hamazen Ryokan also offers reservable family baths, providing a different ambiance and onsen experience.

In second place is Kogure Hotel at Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. This hotel offers four distinct bathing areas, each with uniquely designed baths that provide a visual as well as a relaxing experience.

At the Sennraku Grand Bath, guests can soak while admiring lush mountain views, with a choice of 11 different pools immersed in nature. The Senyu Grand Bath offers a massage bath, semi-open-air bath, and two open-air baths. Additional highlights include a private scenic bath and a garden foot bath at the Senkyakubanrai Tea House. Kogure Hotel is like a hot spring theme park, perfect for a day of soaking and exploring without a moment of boredom!

In third place is Tsukioka Onsen Mashu in Niigata Prefecture. Known for its distinctive emerald-green color due to hydrogen sulfide ions, Tsukioka Onsen offers mildly alkaline waters that leave skin moisturized and are highly popular for their beauty benefits, especially among women. Mashu features four open-air baths along with a reservable private bath. The outdoor baths are set within a traditional Japanese garden, allowing guests to soak while enjoying the seasonal beauty of a serene Japanese landscape.

As a hot spring paradise, Japan offers onsen experiences throughout the country, with many facilities enhancing the quality of their baths and landscaping to provide an even more relaxing atmosphere. As the weather cools down, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a rejuvenating onsen experience in Japan! Check out Rakuten Travel’s onsen ranking to find the perfect hot spring stay for your needs and make the most of your onsen getaway!

(Source: PR TIMES)