Best Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento) Spot List

A popular outdoor bath near the lake shore

A river of hot spring water winds through old-growth trees of Noboribetsu

The concept is ”festival.” There's lots to enjoy after bathing too

An onsen town lined with Western-style multi-story wooden buildings from the Taisho Period. Exuding a nostalgic atmosphere, the town is often used as a location for movies and TV dramas.

A bathhouse exuding old-fashioned charm

Located just one meter away from the sea, this is a public open-air bath that Shirahama Onsen is famous for. According to the ancient history books, such as the Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan) and the Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves), Prince Arima visited this place about 1,350 years ago.

A big onsen resort with large hotels lining Mutsu Bay. It offers a wide range of events and leisure activities.

This footbath was constructed when JR Ogoto Station was renamed as Ogoto-onsen Station on March 15, 2008. Tradition says that Ogoto-onsen was discovered by Denkyo Daishi Saicho, the founder of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei. The building is designed to recall a hexagonal hall located in Hayao Jizoson, where stone jizo statues (guardian deities of children) allegedly made by Saicho, are enshrined.

This open-air bath is right next to Shirahama Beach. Since you can wear a swimsuit while soaking in this pool-like bathtub, it's convenient to visit after a day at the beach. The hot water that springs from its own source is constantly replenished, ensuring the water is always fresh. During the non-summer seasons, it's used as a footbath instead.

Nikkotei Oyu is a time-honored inn, which is popular among one-day tourists to enjoy hot spring bathing. There is an open-air bath surrounded by bamboo trees, which is large enough to accommodate some 20 people. There is also a room for up to five people, which is recommended for a family.