2025 Hot Spring Rankings Announced! Japan's Best Onsen, According to Women Who Know Best
- Written by: LIVE JAPAN Editor
With its abundance of hot springs, Japan remains a top travel choice, especially for relaxation-focused trips. Japanese onsen travel magazine YukoYuko (ゆこゆこ) surveyed women aged 50 and over to create its latest ranking of the most popular hot spring destinations among mature travelers. Which onsen do Japanese women love most, and what makes each one special? If you are planning a trip to Japan with your parents, this list is a reliable and practical place to start.
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(Main image: PIXTA)
About Japan’s Popular Onsen Rankings by a Magazine for Mature Travelers
YukoYuko (ゆこゆこ) is a Japanese onsen and travel magazine whose main readership is older adults, offering curated information on trips and hot spring accommodations. This ranking is based on surveys of its mature members and reflects hot spring destinations where members actually stayed using YukoYuko’s booking services.
Covering destinations across Japan, the ranking also includes reader comments explaining why each onsen was chosen, making it easier to understand what sets each spot apart and why it is so popular. In addition to the top three, the article also introduces other ranked destinations, making it a must-read for hot spring fans.
Nationwide Onsen Favorites: Dream Destinations Loved by Mature Travelers
Hot springs can be found all across Japan, but these three destinations stood out in a nationwide survey. What makes them so appealing to older travelers? Let’s take a closer look.
No. 1: Yufuin Onsen (Yufuin, Oita)
Yufuin is especially popular with women aged 50 and over thanks to its refined, relaxed townscape, yet it also appeals to travelers of all ages. The area’s calm atmosphere makes it an easy and comfortable destination for a slower-paced trip.
The main spring type here is simple alkaline hot spring water, which is clear, gentle on the skin, and lightly scented. Often called a “beauty bath,” it leaves skin feeling smooth and is known to help ease fatigue, joint pain, and nerve pain, making it particularly appealing for older travelers seeking comfort and relaxation.
Compared with the lively energy of nearby Beppu Onsen, Yufuin offers a quieter, more artistic mood. The streets blend nostalgic Japanese scenery with stylish cafes and craft shops, while many ryokan boast views of majestic Mount Yufu. With soothing baths, scenic surroundings, and the chance to enjoy local specialties like Bungo beef, Yufuin is an ideal destination for a truly restorative getaway.
- “I expected crowds during the day, but since there were no tour groups staying overnight, the ryokan itself was very quiet. It was a peaceful and relaxing stay.” (Age 59)
- “The entire town has a calming, almost meditative atmosphere. The quality of the hot spring water is excellent as well.” (Age 63)
- “I remember visiting by steam locomotive (SL) in the past. I really loved the atmosphere of the station, too.” (Age 75)
Other respondents also described Yufuin as having a wonderful atmosphere, being ideal for sightseeing, and full of charm. Rather than noise and crowds, the area is defined by tasteful small shops and beautiful natural scenery that changes with the seasons.
Yufuin Onsen Nearby Highlights
Lake Kinrin, Mount Yufu, Yunotsubo Street, Yufuin Floral Village
Recommended Hotels
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Yufuin Onsen Tsukanoma由布院温泉 束ノ間- Address 444-3 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu-shi, Oita View Map
- Original source: Rakuten Travel
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Yufuin Onsen Kutsurogi no Yado Nanakawa由布院温泉 由布院 寛ぎの宿 なな川- Address 1551-8 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu-shi, Oita View Map
- Original source: Rakuten Travel
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Yufuin Onsen Soan Kosumosu由布院温泉 草庵秋桜- Address 1500 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu-shi, Oita View Map
- Original source: Rakuten Travel
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Yufuin Onsen Oyado Gorinka由布院温泉 お宿 五輪花- Address 177 Yufuincho Kawakita, Yufu-shi, Oita View Map
- Original source: Rakuten Travel
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from 21,000JPY 1room, 2adults
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Recommended Experiences
No. 2: Hakone Onsen
Well known among international travelers, Hakone Onsen is also a favorite among Japan’s mature travelers. Its close proximity to Tokyo, excellent transport access, and rich mix of museums and historic sites helped it secure second place nationwide.
Hakone offers a wide variety of spring waters, from clear and gentle simple hot springs to milky white sulfur springs. Sulfur springs are known to help with chronic skin conditions, improve circulation and metabolism, and ease joint pain, making them especially appealing for older visitors looking to unwind.
Lively and packed with attractions, Hakone is easy to reach from Tokyo and pairs perfectly with the convenient Hakone Free Pass. It works well as a day trip or a relaxed one-night stay, and no visit is complete without trying the famous black eggs at Owakudani.
- “When I was living in Tokyo, I would head to Hakone for an onsen soak after a round of golf. The experience felt truly special and unmatched.” (Age 51)
- “It’s close to home and easy to go whenever the mood strikes, which is a huge plus. One of my favorite places, the Hakone Lalique Museum, is there as well.” (Age 64)
- “I’ve been visiting about twice a year since I was young. I’ve traveled to many other places, but in the end, Hakone still feels like the best.” (Age 73)
Survey results also show that many respondents prefer visiting Hakone with family or friends and appreciate it as a well-known destination with a strong sense of history.
Hakone Onsen Nearby Highlights
Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Hakone Glass no Mori Museum, Hakone Shrine
Recommended Hotels
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Hakone Kyuan箱根料理宿 弓庵- Address 1297-248 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa View Map
- Original source: Rakuten Travel
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Hakone Yuyado Zen箱根湯宿 然- Address Sengokuhara 1245-96, Hakone, Kanagawa View Map
- Original source: Booking.com
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from 77,929JPY 1room, 2adults
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Ryuguden龍宮殿- Address Motohakone 139, Hakone, Kanagawa View Map
- Original source: Booking.com
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from 43,489JPY 1room, 2adults
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Recommended Experiences
No. 3: Beppu Onsen
Ranked third among Japan’s mature travelers, Beppu Onsen is located in the same prefecture as No. 1 Yufuin, making Oita a clear favorite for onsen lovers.
Beppu boasts the largest volume of hot spring water in Japan, with plumes of steam rising throughout the town and creating a powerful, almost primal atmosphere. The area is made up of eight distinct hot spring districts known collectively as the “Beppu Eight Hells” (Beppu Hatto), each with its own spring qualities and character. Areas around Beppu Station offer the easiest access, while districts such as Kannawa Onsen and Kankaiji Onsen provide different bathing experiences and settings.
A visit to Beppu would not be complete without the famous Hells Tour, or Jigoku Meguri. Despite the dramatic name, these are seven geothermal hot springs too hot for bathing and admired instead for their natural spectacle. Umi Jigoku features striking cobalt-blue water at temperatures reaching 98°C (208°F), while Blood Pond Hell glows a deep red due to iron oxide, showcasing the raw forces of nature.
Be sure to sample Beppu’s local specialties as well, including Beppu cold noodles and Jigoku-steamed pudding, both unique treats that add to the area’s appeal.
- “It’s close to home, and I love having so many different hot springs to choose from within the area known as the ‘Beppu Hatto.’” (Age 64)
- “The variety of hot springs is incredible, and seeing steam rising all over town really gives you that feeling of being in a true onsen destination.” (Age 70)
- “I live near Dogo Onsen in Ehime, but Beppu has a slightly different atmosphere. That contrast is fascinating, and I’ve visited many times because of it.” (Age 78)
Beppu Onsen Nearby Highlights
Myoban Onsen Yunohira, Beppu Ropeway, Takegawara Onsen, Oita Fragrance Museum
Recommended Hotels
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Shosei no Yado Shinan別府温泉 匠晴の宿 心庵- Address 3-10 Yumigahamacho, Beppu-shi, Oita View Map
- Original source: Rakuten Travel
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from 35,200JPY 1room, 2adults
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Beppu Onsen Irifuneso別府温泉 入舟荘- Address 1 Ida, Beppu-shi, Oita View Map
- Original source: Rakuten Travel
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from 19,800JPY 1room, 2adults
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Beppu Kagaya別府温泉 別府のお宿加賀屋- Address 3-12-14 Kitahama, Beppu-shi, Oita View Map
- Original source: Rakuten Travel
Recommended Experiences
Regional Ranking Highlights: Popular Picks Across Japan
Beyond the top three, many other well-known onsen destinations across Japan also made the list. Here are the rankings from No. 4 to No. 10, showcasing the diverse appeal of hot spring resorts in different regions.
- No. 4: Kusatsu Onsen
- No. 5: Kurokawa Onsen
- No. 6: Dogo Onsen
- No. 7: Arima Onsen
- No. 8: Ibusuki Onsen
- No. 9: Yugawara Onsen
- No. 10: Kinosaki Onsen
If any of these onsen destinations caught your interest, LIVE JAPAN also has related articles you can explore. Use them as inspiration to plan an onsen trip that suits your travel style and pace.
Ranking data source: Onsen travel magazine “YukoYuko” via PR Times
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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