As Japan ranks as the number one must-visit travel destination for 2025, finding the perfect hot springs to add to your itinerary is a must.
Onsen are the naturally occurring hot springs known for their healing properties which are traditionally used for bathing to cleanse the body and spirit.
With over 27,000 hot springs and over 3,000 onsen towns in Japan, choosing the best spot to get the maximum benefits from the mineral-rich geothermal spring water can be a challenge.
To help you find the perfect relaxing getaway, the experts at JR Pass have analysed onsen reviews, accessibility, admission prices, bath house counts and opening hours to discover the best onsen destinations to visit this winter.
Top 10 Best Onsen Destinations To Visit
| Rank | Onsen | Average admission price (JP¥) | Bath house count | Review score /5 | Accessibility score /10 | Final score /10 |
| 1. | Hakone Hot Springs | 500 | 60 | 4.2 | 9 | 9.17 |
| 2. | Nozawa Onsen Hot Springs | 0 | 13 | 4.1 | 8 | 8.39 |
| 3. | Gero Onsen | 700 | 10 | 4 | 8.5 | 8.37 |
| 4. | Kinosaki Onsen | 1500 | 7 | 4.5 | 9 | 8.2 |
| 5. | Dogo Onsen | 420 | 3 | 3.9 | 9 | 8.17 |
| 6. | Yufuin | 700 | 20 | 4.1 | 9 | 8.15 |
| 7. | Kusatsu Hot Spring Baths | 1100 | 13 | 4.2 | 9 | 7.95 |
| 8. | Arima Onsen | 2400 | 10 | 4 | 9 | 7.62 |
| 9. | Yudanaka Onsen | 500 | 9 | 3.6 | 8.5 | 7.51 |
| 10. | Shuzenji Onsen | 350 | 6 | 4.2 | 8 | 7.46 |
A full data set is available here.
Hakone Hot Springs is a Must-Visit This winter
JR Pass can reveal that the best onsen town to visit is Hakone Hot Springs with a final score of 9.17/10. With its reasonable JP¥500 admission price and 9/10 accessibility score, a trip to Hakone is a perfect hot spring experience. With a staggering 60 bath houses, three times more than any other onsen, the variety at Hakone Hot Springs means everyone can experience the benefits of the volcanic spring water.
The second must visit onsen this winter is Nozawa Onsen Hot Springs, with a free admission price and a final score of 8.39/10, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the rejuvenating hot springs. Conveniently located near the slopes so you can end your busy day relaxing at the 13 thermal baths, Nozawa Onsen Hot Springs’ 4.1/5 review score makes it a great option to explore this winter.
Gero Onsen ranks as the third best hot springs to visit in Japan, with a final score of 8.37/10. With its traditional feel and high quality springs, visitors can explore the 10 thermal baths as well as resting after a day of exploring in the many foot baths located around the town. With an average price of JP¥700, and an accessibility score of 8.5/10, Gero Onsen offers an excellent opportunity to experience a more traditional onsen culture.
With a final score of 8.2/10, Kinosaki Onsen ranks as the fourth must-visit onsen in Japan. Despite having the second highest average price point at JP¥1500, Kinosaki Onsen has the highest review score overall with an impressive 4.5/5. To make the town experience accessible, all seven of the natural springs at Kinosaki are tattoo friendly and English translations are provided to ensure tourists can relax in and experience the high-quality waters.
Dogo Onsen rounds off the top five with a final score of 8.17/10. As one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, Dogo Onsen is popular with tourists who want to experience its impressive architecture and history. With an accessibility score of 9/10 and an average admission price of JP¥420, Dogo Onsen is an essential destination to experience traditional culture and history during the colder months.
Haroun Khan, founder and owner of JR Pass, shares:
“Visiting the famous Japanese onsen destinations is a perfect way to immerse yourself in tradition, culture and the many benefits of the geothermal volcanic hot spring water.”
“That said, it’s important for tourists to be mindful of the unique rules which help preserve the sacred onsen culture within Japan. Following advice and safety instructions when entering an onsen is paramount and it’s a good idea to research the specific etiquettes for the onsen before you visit.”
“Common rules include, thoroughly washing before entering an onsen, removing clothing to keep the water pure, keeping your head above the water, and covering tattoos. However, since each onsen may have specific guidelines, it is best to call and confirm these ahead of time. ”
