According to data released by the Ministry of the Environment at the end of March 2024, Japan has about 27,970 springs, in all pumping about 2.47 million liters of water per minute. With around 2,878 locations, Japan is one of the leading “hot-spring countries.”

From the descriptions taken from historical documents like “Kojiki” and “Nihonshoki,” it seems that Japan created a whole hot-spring culture revolving around these rich resources.

Soaking in a bath, instead of just showering, relaxes your body and mind. Japanese people enjoy public baths naked and not even towels should be immersed in the water, for hygiene purposes. This may seem a bit odd to many westerners - but not as odd as some of these unique bats!

Japanese hot springs are very popular among foreigners. From famous hot springs that are famous all over the countries, to unique hot springs that are more hidden, there are many choices. To start with, we will introduce you to the “Hino Valley Beer Bath,” at Misugi Resort, in the city of Tsu, Mie prefecture, an area rich of historical heritage remains.

Misugi Resort was inspired by the colors of cypress in March. Large parts of the bath, resort, including the bath were renovated recently. One of its highlights is the “Hino Valley Beer Bath” which combines real hot springs with hot beer. The resort owns a local beer factory, also on the premises, and it produces three kinds of beer.

The beer used includes the so-called “Ninja Beer,” which also won an international beer prize, as well as being one of Mie's prime selections. Beer contains yeast and malt, which contain enzymes, natural antibacterial, and carbonic acid, so that it has a smoothing and moisturizing effect.

For those of you who like beer, this is an unmissable experience. Even though the alcohol content is less than 0.03%, if you are with minors, pregnant women, or if you have allergies, you should refrain from using this bath.

Following the beer bath, we have the “Wine Bath” of Hakone Kowakien Yunessun. This is also a unique hot spring where you can bathe in real wine and enjoy the vivid amber color and rich aroma of the wine.

It is said that soaking your body in wine has rejuvenating effects, a luxurious practice loved since ancient times by figures such as Cleopatra and Queen Marie. Here, you can experience that same indulgent treat for yourself.

On weekdays, the wine bath is refilled twice a day at 12:40 PM and 2:10 PM. On weekends and Japanese national holidays, refills take place at 12:15 PM and 3:15 PM, so be sure to check the day’s wine infusion times if you are planning to enjoy the wine bath.

In Hakone Kowakien Yunessun you can also wear bathing suits, unlike other hot spring facilities.

By Lake Shikaribetsu in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, you can soak in an open-air bath set up on the lake in winter, when the surface of the lake freezes. The hot water springs from the source located on the shore of the lake and diverted into the bath with a special pump.

Only open between January 24 to March 15, 2026. A hot open-air bath in a place where temperatures reach -30℃ will make for an irreplaceable memory of your trip to Japan.

The Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan began in 1981, launched by local residents who wanted to turn Hokkaido’s harsh cold, snow, and ice into something people could enjoy. Held along the shores of Lake Shikaribetsu and on the frozen lake itself, the event features unique winter-only attractions such as an open-air ice bath on the lake, a snow-hut café, and igloo-style accommodation.

Now considered the lake’s signature winter tradition, this seasonal ice village draws visitors every year who come to experience a magical celebration set in a world of snow and ice.

You can bathe in the middle of the ice only for about two months in winter, but bathing in a natural lake at high altitude in Hokkaido, where temperatures may reach 30 degrees below freezing, is a valuable experience that can’t be missed. Even if you’re exposed to the cold from the neck up, your body will enjoy a nice warmth. But as soon as you get out of the bath, your hair will freeze. In addition, bathing is free, and since 2018, “Ice Kami footbath” has also been added.

The Kita Onsen Ryokan is a hot spring among those “hidden ones,” nested in the mountains of Nasu onsen town, in Tochigi prefecture. During the Heian period, this mountainous area was believed to be a sacred dojo where even Tengu used to train.

One day, while Tengu was sitting on a large stone to rest, he found out that a spring of hot water was coming to the surface. Since then, people used that as a hot spring bath.

Famous for its Tengu legend, Tengu no Yu is known for its large Tengu masks hanging from the wall. Bathing while staring at the intimidating Tengu is certainly a new experience. Furthermore, this bath is one of the last ones which are mixed for men and women.

In addition to Tengu no Yu, there are also the “Kawara no Yu,” a women only open-air bath, and “Women’s hot spring.”The mixed hot springs are bathing-suit ok or no-bathing suits. This hot spring has been a popular one among hot spring lovers as a secret hot spring, even though it was the stage of the movie “Thermae Romae” (2012), that made Kita Onsen Ryokan even more popular.

The inn has a retro style accentuated by the corridor that squeaks under your steps, the black pillars and the lamp lights. So how about enjoying a warm bath in the water coming from the mountains behind you, while Tengu stares at you?

There are many interesting onsen in Japan, but at the Tokiwakan in Komoro city, in Nagano Prefecture, you can take a mountain train to reach the superb view from the open-air bath “Kumonosuke,” at the summit of mountain behind the inn. This is a very popular spot.

The climbing train is a small cable car on a 130meter line. Just like with an elevator, if you press the button, it will automatically run and stop. It takes about 1 minute and 30 seconds from the lobby of the inn to the open-air bath

Although it takes only a short time, the ride is exciting and unique. From the open air bath at an altitude of 1050m, you can enjoy a great view of Yatsugatake, Mount Fuji, and Sakudaira, allowing you for a very special feeling of relaxation.

There are also outdoor seating areas and shops on-site, so even in warmer seasons you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh breeze and sunshine at your own pace, taking time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

For overnight guests, the open-air bath is available from 11 AM to 9 PM, and again the following morning from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM. For day-use visitors, bathing hours are from 11 AM to 4 PM. If you want to try the unique experience of riding a small mountain cable car to reach a scenic open-air bath, be sure to visit Hishino Onsen Tokiwakan. Just be careful not to relax for too long, or you might end up staying until the last cable car of the day.

The onsen that we talked about today, all use the surrounding nature very well and they are all unique, in their innovations and original ideas. Why don’t you go and enjoy these interesting onsen? You can just enjoy the hot bath, but there is more for you to discover.

Written by: Shunichi Minami, Dali Corporation