Japan's northeastern region of Tohoku is home to a wealth of tantalizing ‘onsen’ hot springs - many of which have been loved for centuries!
Surrounded by untouched wilderness, the onsen of Tohoku lie enveloped by quaint villages with deep cultures and ancient rituals. Spend your next Japan getaway unwinding and recuperating in mineral-rich thermal hot springs with our selection of the best Tohoku onsen villages below!
- Table of Contents
-
- Kaminoyama Onsen Guide: Best Things to Do in Japan's Samurai Town!
- Ginzan Onsen Guide: What to Do in Japan's Fabled Hot Spring Village
- Togatta Onsen Guide: Best 6 Places to Indulge Yourself in Miyagi Prefecture's Magical Hot Springs Resort Village
- Iizaka Onsen Guide: Japan's Gorgeous Hidden Hot Springs Town!
- 5 Must-See Akiu Onsen Ryokan - A Flawless Blend of Modern and Traditional!
Kaminoyama Onsen Guide: Best Things to Do in Japan's Samurai Town!
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!
Ginzan Onsen Guide: What to Do in Japan's Fabled Hot Spring Village
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!
Togatta Onsen Guide: Best 6 Places to Indulge Yourself in Miyagi Prefecture's Magical Hot Springs Resort Village
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 Guide: Japan's Gorgeous Hidden Hot Springs Town!
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!
5 Must-See Akiu Onsen Ryokan - A Flawless Blend of Modern and Traditional!
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!
From Melbourne, Australia, Steve lives in Niigata City, two hours north-west of Tokyo. His passions include discovering local sake, dining at interesting restaurants and travelling as much of Japan as possible.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Zuiganji Temple
Temples
Sendai And Matsushima
-
Aquamarine Fukushima
Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens
Fukushima, Koriyama And Iwaki
-
Sannai-Maruyama Site
Village Ruins
Aomori, Hirosaki And Hachinohe
-
Jozenji Street
Other Townscapes
Sendai And Matsushima
-
Oirase River
Rivers, Lakes & Canyons
Other Surrounding Areas Of Aomori
-
Namahage Museum
Other Museums
Surrounding Areas Of Akita
-
Where to Stay in Hirosaki? 8 Conveniently Located Hotels in Hirosaki (Aomori)
by: Sarah Dean
-
Autumn 2024 Event: Experience Edo Culture in Tokyo's Nihonbashi and Ginza at the OH! Edo Tokyo Festival
-
Feel the Spirit of Northern Japan at the Tohoku Kizuna Festival
by: Alexander Litz
-
Enjoy the Beauty of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in Aomori, Japan
by: Alexander Litz
-
Enjoy the Untouched Beauty of Oirase Keiryu (Aomori): Japan's Hidden Nature Gem
by: Miyu Shimada
-
Japan's Famous Ginzan Onsen to Enforce Visitor Caps and Traffic Controls This Winter
-
5 Best Things to Do in Akiu Onsen: Fun Spa Day Trip Close to Sendai
-
4 Gorgeous Ryokan in Sakunami Onsen You Need to Visit On a Sendai Day Trip (Access & Things to Do)
-
Top 5 Akiu Onsen Ryokan: A Must When Traveling to Japan's Northeast
-
Getting to Ginzan Onsen From Tokyo, Sendai, Osaka and Yamagata: By Bus, Train, and Plane
-
10 Major Cities in Japan: Which One Should Top Your Bucket List?
-
Sumikawa Snow Park: Skiing in Northern Japan's Breathtaking Backcountry