5 Hidden Onsens You Need To Visit In Japan

Hot springs and the bathing facilities that are built around them are called “Onsen” in Japanese. Japan has a deeply rooted bathing culture, and it is commonly thought that bathing in an Onsen gives your well-being a significant boost.

Going to an onsen will definitely be a learning experience, and it is important to know how to bathe in Japan. But going to tourist traps is never ideal, so we’ve found 5 of hidden gems, lesser known to tourists, or not as busy as some of the most famous ones. Find your next Onsen location below.

Unzen Onsen, Nagasaki Prefecture:

Think therapeutic sulphurous hot springs, in the most beautiful mountain setting with water from the spitting, steaming ‘Unzen Hells’ Hot Spring fields. Unzen Onsen, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, has the most stunning bubbling (completely un-bathe-able) hot springs, providing a scenery like no other.

But fortunately, there are hot springs available to bathe in, with the most amazing, mineral rich waters. Unzen Onsen offers plenty of bathing facilities, including ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) with onsen baths and public bathhouses… 

Kawayu Onsen, Wakayama Prefecture:

Now this one will be something very different. Dig your own Onsen, yes you read that right, you can dig your own onsen in the banks of Ootou River.

The Kii mountain range – straddling the prefectures of Wakayama, Nara and Mie – is home to holy sites and pilgrimage routes that were recognized as World Heritage sites in 2004, as well as the Ootou River. 

Whether you dig yourself a small footbath, or a full body sized bath, you can enjoy the scenery and enjoy a warm relaxing break in the beautiful mountainside scenery!

Kii Mountains:

3 hidden hot springs in a secluded part of southernmost Nara Prefecture, right on the border with Wakayama and Mie, you wont know which to pick…

Totsukawa Onsengō, three hot springs of Totsukawa, Kamiyu, and Tōsenji are that that make up this remote resort sit in the middle of the Kii peninsula, nestled in a valley among the peaks of the Kii mountain range.

The village of Totsukawa, designated as a national ‘People’s Recreation Spa’ by the Ministry of the Environment, has for a large part remained untouched: Fully 96% of the village’s land is natural forest. So you know you’ll be heading to some seriously untouched, blissful beauty.

Bentendo Waterfall, Yamanashi Prefecture (Waterfall Meditation Onsen):

Here is something a little different, Onsens are beautiful, soothing experiences, But if you want lesser known, unusual cultural activities try ‘Takigyo’ in the beautiful small town of Hayakawa. 

There is an old Japanese training technique called takigyo, which refers to being hit by a waterfall that emerges from the wide open air. It is a method to face oneself and build great mental strength by submerging oneself in the icy, tumultuous water of a waterfall.

At Bentendo, you can experience a 23-meter-tall waterfall in the bitter cold. This waterfall is located in the town of Hayakawa, which happens to be the least-populated town in the country, so you know you’ll be getting a real cultural experience. 

Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture:

Unsure what style of Onsen you’d like, can’t choose between outdoor to indoor, or views of bamboo groves or something different?

Well, at Kinosaki Onsen you have 7 different public baths to choose from, so don’t fear, try them all and find your favourite! It may be a bit more ‘known’ than some of the others listed, but its truly a wonderful experience and one not to miss. 

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