Boasting over 500 years of rich history, Kaminoyama Onsen rests at the foot of Kaminoyama Castle in southern Yamagata. During the Edo period, its perfect location made it a convenient stopover on the bustling Ushu Highway, quickly leading to a prosperous and vibrant samurai community.

These days, much of this fascinating history can be felt through the well-preserved samurai residences and dozens of other intriguing relics. For those wanting a soak in the hot springs of legends, Kaminoyama Onsen is a worthy addition to your Japan bucket list!

If you’ve researched Japanese hot springs before, it’s likely you’ve come across Ginzan Onsen. As one of Japan’s most photogenic scenes, Ginzan Onsen attracts onsen-lovers from across the world longing for a taste of its exclusive ryokan inns.

Surrounded by magnificent mountains, with a river and even waterfall views, this enchanting storybook town is the quintessential Japanese onsen experience! Join us as we step back in time at Ginzan Onsen!

Raised above on a 330-meter-high plateau, the ancient Togatta Onsen prospered as a health resort due to the potent healing properties of its pristine waters. Visited by those looking to forget the world and restore tired bodies, time in Togatta Onsen is best relished slowly and thoroughly!

Brimming with tradition and culture, its calming retro streets are ideal for long walks to shred all the stress prone to a modern life. Surrounded by plenty of walkable sightseeing spots and within a day-trip distance from Sendai, if you’re finding yourself fatigued from a hectic Japan itinerary, take a detour and reset yourself at Togatta Onsen!

Iizaka Onsen in Fukushima is a delightful hot spring stop famed for being the muse of famous Japanese writers and poets. This tranquil hilly town boasts a whopping nine communal baths - each with their own distinct character and charm!

Here we work our way through the idyllic streets to find the most relaxing hot springs the village has on offer. Striving to accommodate visitors from all walks of life while preserving their traditions, the refreshing waters, incredible dishes, and warm hospitality will stick with you forever!

Akiu Onsen, located in Sendai City, is a popular sightseeing and hot springs resort area in the northeastern part of Japan. Sitting upon a source of bubbling thermal spring water of the highest-purity, Akiu Onsen is one of Japan’s most celebrated onsen villages!

With ample ryokan boasting local cuisine and private open-air baths, Akiu Onsen is the complete onsen package you always dreamed of! To discover the best of this glamorous town, our local writer shares their favorite hidden-gems, including a detailed guide of the area’s best accommodation!

With long days of bullet-trains, action-packed itineraries, and all the stress that comes with being overseas, traveling in Japan isn’t always a breeze! To prevent yourself from burning out, it’s important to set aside time to relax, unwind, and replenish your strength.

Tohoku’s rich tapestry of onsen provides the perfect location to do this and more! Teeming with jaw-dropping scenery, deep traditions, and mouth-watering cuisine, you can rest your body and soul while still making the most of being in Japan!