Onsen (温泉) represents an important part of the Japanese culture and has been one of the most popular activities to do if you are visiting Japan.

Not only you can relax in a hot spring after sightseeing, but you get to enjoy spa treatments, relaxing massages, and eat delicious meals while going to onsen resorts here.

Here are four of my picks:

1. Noboribetsu Onsen

The Noboribestu Onsen was one of the first onsens I’ve ever been to, and after the whole experience, I fell in love with hot springs in Japan.

It is located in the beautiful Hokkaido, and after a long day, a relaxing bath in the iron springs will release all the fatigue you accumulated during the day.

The hot springs there have so many benefits for your skin, and are said to have a glowing and lightening effect on it.

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2. Ibusuki Hot Spring

This particular onsen is a sand bath that will relieve body aches while making your skin smooth. The term in Japanese is “sunamushi” and you will relax and let the sand do the work for you. You will get covered in sand up to your neck, and if you had any muscle pain, you’ll be surprised to find out how fast it will disappear thanks to the benefits of sunamushi.

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3. Hakone Onsen

Hakone is a well-known area for hot springs, and besides onsen, you can also enjoy many treatments and spa facilities while there.

It is a great place to visit, easy to access if coming from Tokyo with a lot of activities to do, places to see, and nice onsen areas to get rid of the fatigue accumulated during the day.

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4. Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen has many hot springs you can try out, and it is a lovely area. You will also discover the Hot water fields(Yubatake/ 湯畑), and while there, make sure to look around for souvenirs and local food.

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These are my top four recommendations for onsens in Japan. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you have any personal recommendations, I would love to hear them out.