Japan is one of the world’s great hot-spring nations, home to more than 3,000 onsen areas and over 27,000 natural hot-spring sources. An onsen is a naturally emerging warm mineral spring—long cherished for soothing both body and mind, and for quietly shaping the cultures of the regions that surround it.
The earliest recorded onsen use is tied to Empress Suiko, Year 4 (596), with a well-known tradition that Prince Shōtoku visited Dōgo Onsen. In the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki (compiled in the Nara period), there is a passage describing how, at what is now Tamatsukuri Onsen, elders and youths alike eagerly soaked in the waters—praised as a “hot spring of the gods” where one’s appearance became more beautiful and illness was healed（＊1）.
These ancient traditions suggest that hot springs were regarded as more than bathing: they were believed to be places of wondrous healing and rejuvenation（＊1）.
In Japan, soaking in hot springs also became entwined with the idea of spiritual and physical purification, developing in dialogue with Shinto misogi (ritual cleansing) and Buddhist teachings. Compared with the practice of purifying the body in cold water through misogi, immersing yourself in heated water or a hot spring is far more physically comforting—and teachings even circulated declaring that “bathing in hot water removes seven hardships and brings seven blessings”（＊2）.
From this background, Japan cultivated a distinctive “culture of soaking,” in which you wash away not only physical fatigue but also the subtle residue of the mind by immersing yourself in hot water（＊2）. In contrast to a Western habit of “rinsing off surface dirt in the shower,” Japan has firmly established bathing as a cultural practice—one that restores your whole system through the simple act of soaking（＊2）.
One of the most important cultural dimensions of onsen is toji (湯治). Toji refers to staying at a hot spring for an extended period and bathing repeatedly for recuperation and health restoration. In the medieval period, seven days were considered one cycle, and it was regarded as ideal to remain for at least three cycles (21 days).
Historically, hot spring areas developed not as tourist destinations but as toji healing retreats. By the Edo period, toji guests became widely established across social classes. Aristocrats, samurai, and even Zen monks came to practice toji, and onsen also appear to have functioned as places for social connection and cultural exchange（＊3）.
By the Muromachi period, guidelines such as “Toji Yōjō Hyōmoku” (a posted handbook for toji self-care) appeared at Arima Onsen, gathering experiential knowledge about hot-spring benefits and proper bathing methods. In the Edo period, the physician Gotō Konzan introduced hot springs into more formal medical treatment, and hot-spring therapy developed in a more systematic, science-oriented direction.
Through this long history, Japan’s onsen culture formed a distinctive philosophy where healing (Healing) and pleasure (Leisure) blend together. Even today, the style of staying in a toji town and valuing “time to do nothing” is being revisited. The philosophy of toji—stepping away from hurried daily life and surrendering yourself to a natural, unforced rhythm—is increasingly reappraised（＊4）.
An onsen, then, is not merely sightseeing. It is a cultural experience infused with ancient wisdom and lived refinement—one that continues to refresh and restore not only Japanese people, but you as a visitor as well.
Across Japan, onsen towns have cultivated their own atmosphere and regional culture over long histories. Rows of old wooden ryokan, stone-paved alleys, and drifting steam create a sense of nostalgia shared by many traditional hot-spring streets.
For example, at Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma, the town’s center features the Yubatake—a steaming field of hot-spring water channeled through wooden structures. In the nightly yumomi show, local women continue the tradition of stirring the water with large boards while singing, a living performance passed down through generations（＊1）.
Meanwhile, at Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata—an area wrapped in Taishō-era romance—gas lamps glow along the riverside where Western-influenced, multi-story wooden ryokan line the water. Strolling here can feel as if you’ve stepped into the set of a period drama, with a townscape rich in nostalgia（＊1）.
Onsen townscapes vary widely by region, and each place carries a culture that breathes alongside its waters. In the secluded hot springs of Tōhoku, deep forests surround thatched-roof toji lodgings, and simple local performing arts and festivals are still held today.
At Nyūtō Onsenkyō in Akita, for instance, the thatched-roof inn “Tsurunoyu Onsen”—beloved as a toji retreat since the Edo period—still exists, carrying the old toji atmosphere into the present. At Tsurunoyu, you can also find the thatched, row-house style “Honjin,” and feel, in a tangible way, the history of a retreat once reserved for feudal lords（＊2）. The harmony between these buildings and the surrounding primeval beech forest creates a picture-perfect traditional Japanese landscape that quietly captivates visitors（＊2）.
Many onsen areas also preserve distinctive local customs. At Shima Onsen in Gunma, traditions remain such as each inn’s method for preparing medicinal baths and the practice of paying respects at Yumimae Shrine. At Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto, the town collectively protects a unified aesthetic of dark-stained wooden architecture and a bathing culture centered on the “Nyūtō Tegata” pass for hopping between baths（＊3）.
Another pleasure is encountering local crafts and specialties. Naruko Onsenkyō in Miyagi, for example, is a renowned production area for the traditional folk toy kokeshi. In the onsen town’s souvenir shops, you can watch artisans carve kokeshi on a lathe—letting you pair your soak with a hands-on cultural encounter（＊3）.
Overall, Japan’s onsen towns are microcosms of everyday culture deeply tied to local nature and history. When you encounter the lingering atmosphere of old streetscapes and the unique customs of each region, you don’t just experience hot springs—you meet Japan’s diverse cultural heritage. As you wander a classic onsen town, each time you slip beneath a noren curtain, you’ll feel the story of that place—and your journey’s sense of cultural richness will deepen all the more.
Toji culture has been handed down as a uniquely Japanese philosophy of traditional healthcare. At its core is a restorative approach that finds value in “doing nothing.” From the Edo period onward, many people stayed long-term at onsen lodgings, spending most of the day soaking, resting, and recuperating.
Even today, the idea of intentionally stepping away from work and information—spending several days to several weeks recuperating in an onsen area—is being rediscovered（＊1）. Toji is different from a typical sightseeing trip; it is both recuperation and retreat. A philosophy is often repeated: “In a toji town, the most luxurious thing is the time you do nothing.” Simply removing yourself from a rushed routine is believed to help recalibrate mind and body（＊1）.
The benefits of toji have also drawn medical attention. When you bathe repeatedly in hot springs, your body first responds to heat stimulation by activating the sympathetic nervous system, raising blood pressure and heart rate. Then the parasympathetic nervous system—associated with relaxation—becomes dominant, lowering blood pressure and heart rate. By alternating through these responses, your body gradually returns toward a stable state of homeostasis.
Through this process, metabolism and autonomic balance are supported, and it was empirically understood that about a week of toji could lead to noticeable improvements in condition（＊2）. Even without modern scientific knowledge, people learned through experience that “one week makes a full cycle,” and that your body could recover through that rhythm.
Japan’s toji culture can also be valued as preventative, wisdom-based care—an approach that draws out natural healing capacity. In many ways it foreshadows modern spa and wellness concepts, and some hot-spring destinations now offer programs that combine onsen bathing with yoga, meditation, and forest bathing.
In recent years, there have also been movements aiming to register onsen culture as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, reflecting a renewed recognition of Japan’s toji tradition as a healthcare heritage worthy of global pride. You soak, empty your mind, and spend time quietly—within this simple act, Japan’s philosophy of yōjō (nourishing care) and its wisdom of living in harmony with nature are concentrated.
Onsen ryokan are compelling spaces where Japan’s traditional architectural beauty intersects with contemporary design. In long-established ryokan—especially those founded more than a century ago—sukiya-zukuri elements such as fine woodwork and tatami are carefully preserved, while renovations introduce modern comfort.
For example, the renowned ryokan “Gōra Kadan” in Hakone Gōra Onsen is known for its origins in a former imperial-family residence. Its 120-meter colonnaded corridor, the “Chūro,” is an emblematic space where historic Japanese atmosphere and the elegance of modern architecture coexist—captivating everyone who walks through it（＊1）.
Many historic ryokan feature both heritage-grade buildings and newer wings, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of different eras in one stay. “Sanyōsō” in Shizuoka’s Izu-Nagaoka, for instance, includes a main building that embodies the formal Japanese style of the early Shōwa period, alongside a newer wing designed by architect Tōgo Murano in a sukiya style—letting you savor master craftsmanship across generations in a single visit.
Traditional architecture filled with artisan detail—tokonoma alcoves, carved ranma transoms, and more—can blend seamlessly with open glass-walled lounges and the latest facilities. As you walk the halls, you’ll feel a gentle harmony between the warmth of earthen walls and timber joinery, and the refined lighting and spatial staging of modern design.
In addition, many historic ryokan express the aesthetic sensibilities of their region through materials and motifs. “Beniya Mukayu” in Kanazawa’s Yamashiro Onsen incorporates Kaga lacquer and gold leaf as accents, while “Honjin Hiranoya” in Hida Takayama places Hida furniture and kumiko latticework throughout—aiming for a fusion of regional crafts and architectural beauty（＊2）.
More recently, some properties preserve celebrated architecture while creating gallery-like spaces inside, or displaying contemporary art in guest rooms. It is an ambitious approach: the ryokan itself becomes a work of art, and you experience Japan’s evolving lineage of beauty simply by staying there.
Step into a historic ryokan and you enter a dialogue—between inherited aesthetic values and new design. Soft light falling along a tatami corridor; a polished tokobashira pillar or beam beside stylish furniture and carefully chosen objects. When modern aesthetics breathe within a classic framework, you encounter something uniquely Japanese. By savoring this balance, your understanding of Japanese sensibility and creativity deepens all the more.
Across Japan, there are onsen accommodations designed by celebrated architects—places so design-forward they feel like “art you can stay in.” Here are five representative properties where architectural beauty and onsen culture meet.
Gōra Kadan (Kanagawa / Hakone Gōra Onsen) – A famed ryokan built on the site of a former imperial-family residence, with design by Sei Takeyama. Historic Japanese architecture and stylish modern beauty coexist, with highlights such as the 120m colonnade. With three private sources, you can enjoy a seasonal onsen experience in open-air bath guest rooms overlooking the garden（＊1）.
Sanyōsō (Shizuoka / Izu-Nagaoka Onsen) – A long-established ryokan with a vast Japanese garden. It offers both a registered tangible cultural property main building and a newer wing designed by architect Tōgo Murano—an irresistible space for architecture lovers. Every room includes a free-flowing onsen bath, letting you enjoy a gentle alkaline simple spring that sits beautifully on the skin（＊1）.
ATAMI Kaifurō (Shizuoka / Atami Onsen) – A four-room small luxury resort designed by architect Kengo Kuma. It is famed for its dreamlike reflecting-pool terrace called the “Water Balcony,” and artworks are placed throughout the property. In an open-air onsen-suite with sweeping views of Atami’s sea, you can soak in beautifying waters and enjoy an indulgent stay（＊1）.
Setouchi Retreat Aonagi (Ehime / Outside Dōgo Onsen) – A seven-room small hotel designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. From its exposed concrete structure, a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea unfolds. Each guest room includes a semi-open-air onsen bath with a flat, custom-designed lying-down tub. You can privately savor both breathtaking scenery and Ando’s spatial beauty while luxuriating in natural spring water（＊1）.
Zaborin (Hokkaidō / Niseko) – A secluded 15-suite retreat tucked into Niseko’s grand forests, featuring award-winning architecture by Makoto Nakayama. It blends Japanese tradition with contemporary design, and every suite includes both indoor and open-air baths. With mineral-rich water flowing directly from a private source, you can enjoy free-flowing bathing whenever you wish—believed to be beneficial for health and skin as well（＊1）.
Each of these properties offers a one-of-a-kind stage where an architect’s signature design and a restorative onsen experience can be enjoyed together. Why not treat yourself to the bliss of soaking in hot springs within spaces alive with master craftsmanship?
Onsen accommodations also refine interior design and amenities to offer deep, high-quality relaxation. In guest rooms and lobbies, you often find a harmonious balance between traditional Japanese beauty and contemporary sensibilities. At Zaborin in Niseko, for example, the interior expresses a fusion of Japanese materials and contemporary design—evoking tradition while maintaining a modern, comfortable atmosphere.
Using natural materials such as solid wood flooring and diatomaceous earth walls, while arranging lighting plans and furniture layouts with a contemporary eye, the space becomes restful both visually and physically（＊1）.
Many luxury ryokan also pay close attention to room styling and furnishings. Local crafts and art pieces are integrated into the interiors, allowing the space to reflect the culture of the land you’re visiting.
At a long-established ryokan in Arima Onsen, for instance, guest rooms are adorned with ceramic works from Kobe and dyed textile art from Kyoto, making the space feel like a small museum（＊2）. In recent years, more high-end properties have embraced bold design furniture under the theme of “wa-modern.” Lacquered bathtubs, glass art lighting, and other modern reinterpretations of traditional materials appear throughout—creating an artistic, non-ordinary world（＊2）.
Amenities are also curated for an elevated stay. Bath amenities may include organic soaps and shampoos from luxury spa brands, or locally produced aroma oils and skincare sets—indulgence down to the smallest details.
Bedding and yukata are selected for fine texture and quality, and pillows and mattresses are often top-tier to support deeply restful sleep（＊3）. At Tobira Onsen Myōjinkan in Nagano, for example, materials such as diatomaceous earth and solid wood are used with attention to the scent of wood and humidity control—creating a sleep environment that feels kind to your body. There is also a growing tendency to introduce environmentally considerate amenities, such as recycled toothbrushes and reusable water bottles, reflecting sustainability-minded practices（＊4）.
In this way, onsen inns concentrate “invisible hospitality” into interior design and amenities. Dissolve your favorite scented bath salts into the water, wrap yourself in a soft gown, and savor the post-bath moment in a refined design space—this kind of multisensory luxury is part of what makes a high-end stay unforgettable. For a traveler drawn to culture and craft, the experience of soaking in hot springs surrounded by beautiful objects—and feeling the comfort of well-made essentials—can become a memory beyond replacement.
More and more onsen destinations now offer not only traditional culture, but also contemporary art and opportunities to engage with local artists. Here are five noteworthy places where hot springs and art come together.
Dōgo Onsen (Matsuyama, Ehime) – Considered among Japan’s oldest hot springs, Dōgo Onsen gained attention in recent years through an art project known as “Dōgo Onsenart.” Contemporary works were displayed throughout shopping streets and hot-spring facilities, allowing you to enjoy art appreciation while moving from bath to bath. For example, installations by prominent sculptors appear along streets and in hotel lobbies, enriching circulation and encouraging encounters among many kinds of people（＊1）. It’s an approach that transforms a traditional onsen town into something like an open-air museum, and is seen as a pioneering example of onsen × art.
Beppu Onsen (Beppu, Ōita) – Beppu, known worldwide for its volume of hot-spring output, is also active in cultural and artistic initiatives, alongside its signature steam-filled landscape. The NPO “BEPPU PROJECT” has welcomed artists from Japan and abroad for contemporary art events and community-participation works. From art pieces integrated into street corners to art spaces created by renovating old apartments, the range is wide—letting you soak in hot springs while also immersing yourself in art（＊2）.
Yubara / Yunogō / Okutsu Onsen (Mimasaka Santō, Okayama) – In northern Okayama, the Mimasaka Santō area hosts the art festival “Mimasaka Santō Geijutsu Ondo” once every three years. It invites 31 emerging artists from inside and outside the prefecture to 27 sites such as ryokan, where they create and exhibit works during residency—an effort to generate new cultural value unique to onsen destinations（＊3）. With a concept that entrusts the warmth and emotion of hot springs to the idea of “temperature,” each onsen’s history and climate synchronizes with artistic creativity, drawing visitors into a singular experience. During the event, exchange opportunities such as talks and guided explanations also connect local residents and travelers.
Yufuin Onsen (Yufu, Ōita) – Surrounded by pastoral scenery, Yufuin has long been loved by writers and artists. In recent years, facilities that fuse contemporary art and nature have expanded, including the “COMICO ART MUSEUM YUFUIN,” opened in 2017 and designed by architect Kengo Kuma. It exhibits works by world-renowned artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami note.comnote.com. Its black charred-cedar exterior blends into Yufuin’s natural surroundings, and from inside you can enjoy the grand view of Mt. Yufu together with art note.com（＊4）. Yufuin also has local galleries and small craft studios scattered throughout, offering a calm atmosphere where you can wander through art after your bath.
Naoshima (Naoshima, Kagawa) – Naoshima is famous as an art island in the Seto Inland Sea, and it also features a unique art bathhouse: “Naoshima Bath ‘I♥︎湯’.” Created by artist Shinro Ohtake, it is a contemporary artwork you can actually bathe in, with pop, bold design across both exterior and interior（＊5）. Murals, mosaic-tile-like baths, and sculptural objects merge into a space where you can truly soak—making it popular with travelers from around the world. Strictly speaking, it is not a natural hot spring, but it remains a rare spot where you can enjoy an “art bath,” offering a fresh point of contact between bathing culture and contemporary art（＊5）.
In these ways, efforts combining hot springs and art are spreading across Japan. When you engage with local artists or linger with their works in an onsen town, your journey becomes richer and more layered. A moment of conversation with an artist amid drifting steam, or the quiet surprise of finding an artwork beside a footbath—these are the kinds of encounters that can make your trip feel vividly alive.
In onsen towns, you can often go beyond bathing and join workshops or cultural experiences rooted in the local area. By participating in these programs, you deepen your understanding of the destination’s culture while also enjoying meaningful contact with local people.
At Kinosaki Onsen in Hyōgo, for example, there is a folk craft called mugiwara zaiku (straw craft), handed down since the Edo period—sometimes described as “straw art.” In the onsen town, experience classes are held under artisan guidance, where you can make accessories such as brooches or pendant tops with your own hands（＊1）. Bringing home something you created yourself as a travel keepsake can be a truly satisfying pleasure.
In Ishikawa’s Kaga Onsenkyō, there is a craft theme park called “Yunokuni no Mori,” where you can try more than 50 kinds of craft experiences, including Wajima lacquer, Kutani ware, and gold-leaf application. You can stop in during your onsen-town stroll, paint your own Kutani ware to create a one-of-a-kind vessel, or make a gold-leaf chopstick rest—encountering local techniques directly（＊2）. As an indoor activity, it’s popular even on rainy days, and finished pieces are ideal souvenirs.
Food culture workshops unique to onsen areas are also highly recommended. In places such as Beppu in Ōita and the Waita Onsenkyō area of Oguni Town in Kumamoto, you can try “jigoku-mushi” cooking using hot-spring steam. This traditional method steams vegetables, eggs, and seafood with natural steam at 98°C, and has been used since the Edo period when toji guests cooked for themselves（＊3）. The steamed ingredients concentrate flavor and remain healthy, and the hands-on process—placing your steamer into the kiln yourself—becomes a wonderful travel memory.
Beyond this, onsen towns may offer cultural classes such as history-guided walking tours or local cooking experiences taught by community elders—programs rooted in everyday regional life（＊4）.
These experiences, paired with hot springs, create a journey with depth—far beyond “just soaking.” For travelers from the West as well, they provide valuable opportunities to engage with Japan’s traditions in an approachable way. When you visit an onsen town, consider joining in actively and adding a moment of cultural discovery to your itinerary—one that truly satisfies your curiosity.
Onsen towns often have small but distinctive museums and archives nearby, making them perfect additions to a post-bath stroll. The Hakone-Yumoto to Gōra area in Kanagawa, for example, is known as a dense museum zone, featuring institutions acclaimed worldwide such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum (with outdoor sculpture) and the Pola Museum of Art (with major paintings).
A course where you enjoy art amid Hakone’s rich nature, then warm your body in hot springs and unwind, is a truly luxurious way to savor culture and healing at once（＊1）. At the Open-Air Museum in particular, sculptures by Picasso and Henry Moore are placed throughout expansive grounds, letting you enjoy art together with the changing seasons. The feeling of mountain autumn colors seen from an open-air bath echoing the palette of artworks you’ve just encountered is an experience that feels uniquely Hakone.
Atami Onsen is another destination deeply connected with art. The MOA Museum of Art in Atami holds National Treasures and masterpieces, including Ogata Kōrin’s Red and White Plum Blossoms screen. From its hilltop site, you can look out over Sagami Bay, and after viewing the collection you can also enjoy matcha in the museum’s tea room.
After warming yourself in Atami’s waters, taking a seaside walk in yukata, then immersing yourself in Japanese art at the museum makes for a wonderfully atmospheric plan（＊2）. Yugawara Onsen also offers contemporary galleries and memorial museums connected to musicians—cultural stops that reflect the area’s history as a beloved destination for writers and artists.
In Kyūshū, Yufuin Onsen is a strong example. Beyond the “COMICO ART MUSEUM YUFUIN,” you’ll find distinctive museums such as the “Chagall Yufuin Kinrinko Museum” (focused on small works by Marc Chagall) and the “Yufuin Stained Glass Museum,” which displays Shōwa-retro toys and everyday objects.
The town of Yufuin has well-maintained walking routes, making it ideal for casually browsing cafés and galleries, then stopping into museums for quiet art appreciation（＊3）. After sitting with the lakeside scenery and enjoying stillness inside a museum, you can return to your ryokan’s open-air bath and sink back into contemplation—an indulgence that feels deeply restorative.
In this way, adding “cultural spot-hopping” to your onsen trip—not only active sightseeing—can dramatically elevate overall satisfaction. Museum visits are particularly recommended when you want to deepen your cultural understanding, because they also connect you to local history and aesthetic sensibilities.
When you experience art with senses refreshed by hot-spring bathing, you may find yourself moved in new ways, noticing details you might otherwise miss. On your next onsen journey, try opening the doors of a museum or gallery as well—towel in hand. It may become a richly warming path that reaches all the way to your mind.
For an eco-conscious onsen trip, how you travel matters, too. In recent years, more onsen inns and tourist facilities across Japan have been improving charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs). In particular, many luxury ryokan and resort hotels have begun installing charging equipment for Tesla vehicles—a welcome trend for travelers who prefer EV road trips（＊1）.
For example, at Kamasaki Onsen in Miyagi, “Tokine no Yado Yumoto Ichijō,” and at Unazuki Onsen in Toyama, the long-established ryokan “Entaiji-sō,” Tesla Destination Chargers (charging facilities for guests) have been installed, allowing you to charge your car while you stay（＊2）. “Nishimuraya Hotel Shōgettei” in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyōgo, also offers Tesla charging and supports EV arrivals.
There are also cases where Tesla’s official Superchargers (rapid chargers) have been installed near popular onsen sightseeing areas. Regions such as Hakone, Izu, and Beppu—where many travelers arrive by car—have seen charging networks expand（＊3）.
In fact, there are reports that “more inns in hot-spring areas are adding Supercharger spots,” suggesting that the environment for EV-based onsen travel is steadily improving. A new travel style is becoming real: drive quietly through mountain passes in an EV, arrive, plug in your car—then “recharge” yourself in the hot spring.
Eco-conscious mobility by public transportation should not be overlooked either. While trains and buses to onsen destinations have long been well developed, recent years have also seen the introduction of hybrid train cars and electric buses（＊4）. On lines such as Hakone Tozan Railway and Toyama Chihō Railway, energy-efficient new rolling stock operates—so simply riding can help reduce environmental impact.
Some onsen destinations also offer rental bicycle services (including electric-assist bikes) for getting around. At Kamisuwa Onsen in Nagano, an electric bicycle tour that visits both hot springs and sake breweries is popular—letting you explore slowly and sustainably without relying on cars（＊4）. If the hot-spring town is compact, even walking alone can be a satisfying, carbon-free way to travel.
If you do rent a car, choosing a hybrid or EV makes the drive itself more sustainable. Major rental car companies in Japan have been expanding EV and PHV (plug-in hybrid) options year by year, so you can choose what fits your itinerary（＊4）. There are also emerging services for EV travelers, including ETC discounts and local-government support in some areas.
In this way, onsen travel and ecology can now coexist. Restoring yourself in an open-air bath deep in green mountains while traveling with lower emissions and reduced air pollution can be a deeply satisfying experience—especially if you value environmental awareness alongside comfort and culture.
On your next onsen trip, consider an eco-conscious transport option such as an EV, and choose a stay that includes charging facilities. With a journey that’s kind to both your vehicle and the planet, you’ll be able to savor Japan’s beautiful nature and hot springs to the fullest.
When you think of onsen travel, local cuisine is essential. Many onsen inns offer kaiseki meals and auberge-style dining that celebrates regional ingredients, delighting travelers who appreciate food as culture. Here, we introduce three carefully selected onsen accommodations known for outstanding cuisine.
A luxury onsen inn born in the mountains of Mie in 2022, embracing the fusion of art, cuisine, and hot springs. Its dining approach is especially notable: grill-focused dishes featuring aged meat and Ise lobster, supervised by Chef Ryūji Teshima of the one-Michelin-star restaurant “PAGES” in Paris（＊1）.
Beyond that, you can enjoy freshly made soba by Yūsuke Ishigaki, trained at the renowned “Naniwa Okina,” eel dishes crafted by a long-established eel wholesaler, and even an Italian restaurant just a five-minute walk away within the same facility (Chef Masayuki Okuda-supervised “Al Checchiano”). It’s a dreamlike ensemble of culinary experiences.
At “HINOMORI,” a restaurant that boldly cooks mountain and sea ingredients over open flames, the fragrant aroma of woodfire grilling will awaken your appetite. After healing in an open-air bath with a high-quality alkaline simple spring, you can savor an elegant, varied course. Suikyo is truly an onsen inn devoted to indulgence.
A two-party-only accommodation renovated from the former estate of a local village head in Toi, West Izu. Here, Chef Atsushi Ōzeki—who led the popular Italian restaurant “Takeru Quindici” in Kita-Kamakura—oversees the kitchen, offering an omakase Italian course built around peak seasonal ingredients such as fresh Suruga Bay seafood and Amagi Highlands vegetables（＊2）.
There is no fixed menu: the course is designed from the best ingredients sourced that day, which means each visit reveals a different expression of “West Izu in season.”
On a vast 2,300㎡ property with only two guest rooms, each terrace includes a large open-air bath with free-flowing hot spring water (chloride and sulfate springs).
Before dinner, you can soak slowly in natural hot springs; at the table, enjoy Italian cuisine rich with Izu’s sea and mountain bounty alongside local wine pairings; and after the meal, even savor sweets from the on-site gelato shop. It’s a beautifully balanced culinary onsen journey where tradition and modernity harmonize.
A culinary ryokan in Yaizu—one of Japan’s leading fishing ports—reborn through a 2023 renewal.
Its theme, true to its name, is “the moon and tuna.” It has long been a favorite among discerning travelers for its tuna dishes, and now, with the cooperation of Chef Shūsaku Toba of the one-Michelin-star restaurant “sio,” the cuisine has been refreshed to offer the ultimate tuna kaiseki（＊3）. From otoro and chutoro to grilled collar, cheek meat, and the deep savor of darker cuts, the course lets you experience every facet of tuna. The chef himself praises it as “the best way to eat tuna,” reflecting a remarkable level of completeness.
The “Supreme Southern Bluefin Course,” in particular, offers such exceptional dishes that even those not usually drawn to tuna may find themselves amazed—from melt-in-your-mouth otoro sashimi to aromatic salt-grilled collar.
Yaizu Onsen is also rich in salt content, helping you stay warm long after bathing, and since 2022, a new abundant source has begun supplying the area, allowing you to enjoy high-quality hot springs in two different baths. Feast on tuna, warm yourself to the core in saline waters, and gaze at the moon floating over Suruga Bay through your window at night—this is a stay that lets you experience Yaizu with all five senses.
Each of these inns offers a luxurious stage where regional cuisine and hot springs can be enjoyed as an inseparable pair. For culturally curious Western travelers with a deep appreciation for food, the chance to experience Michelin-star chefs and renowned supervision within Japan’s onsen inns can feel especially rare. During your time in Japan, consider staying at a place where you can savor the pairing of onsen × gastronomy—and enjoy meeting the region through its flavors.
Stylish cafés and local restaurants you can stop by during an onsen-town stroll also expand the pleasures of travel. In Japan’s hot-spring destinations, distinctive establishments range from retro kissaten coffee shops to newly opened modern cafés. Here are a few café and restaurant picks that are especially popular with international travelers.
Atami Onsen (Shizuoka) – With easy access from Tokyo, Atami offers both nostalgic coffee shops and contemporary cafés. A particularly famous spot is the classic kissaten “Bonnet.” In its Shōwa-retro atmosphere, you can enjoy old-school favorites such as house-made pudding and Napolitan pasta（＊1）. Stop by after a morning seaside walk for coffee, and you may feel as if you’ve stepped into another era.
In contrast, “cafe 田園,” opened in recent years near the coast, is a refined Western-mansion-style café known for house-roasted coffee and seasonal fruit parfaits（＊1）. While strolling through Atami Ginza shopping street, it’s also fun to hop between a long-established bakery and a shop serving tea soft-serve ice cream.
Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma) – Around the Yubatake, you’ll find charming cafés scattered throughout. One famous spot is the bakery café “Kogomi Bread.” After watching the yumomi show, you can take a calming break with freshly baked bread and brewed coffee （＊2）. A croissant enjoyed on the terrace while gazing at rising steam can be unforgettable.
In a renovated old house, the sweets shop “Sabo Gūteraize” serves handmade dango and matcha sets, letting you savor a gentle Japanese atmosphere. At night, some cafés shift into bar time, offering local sake and cocktails—perfect for a post-bath drink.
Shima Onsen (Gunma) – Tucked quietly in the mountains, Shima Onsen has several distinctive cafés. One standout is “Kashiwaya Café,” known for cappuccinos with latte art shaped like the onsen symbol and for house-made sweets（＊3）.
A local specialty, “Onsen Stew Bread,” is a unique dish: a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with stew, ideal for lunch. Enjoy slow café time while looking out over the Shima River scenery. You’ll also find small coffee stands run by ryokan proprietresses and cafés offering healthy plates using local ingredients—spots where you can taste a relaxed, slow-life mood.
Kinosaki Onsen (Hyōgo) – Famous for its sotoyu bath-hopping, Kinosaki also has an excellent café scene. For example, “Kinosaki Coffee Mihara-shi Terrace Café” sits midway up the steps to Onsenji Temple, and as its name suggests, offers a panoramic view over the town. Sip fragrant locally roasted coffee and enjoy Japanese-inspired sweets while letting the view of willow-lined streets and public baths ease your mind.
“Cafe MUGE,” a gallery café renovated from an old ryokan, lets you enjoy organic tea and seasonal fruit cake while appreciating art. At night, there’s also a bar café called “3rd (Third),” where you can stop by after your bath without dressing up—an easygoing space to unwind.
Beppu Onsen (Ōita) – Beppu is especially known for restaurants featuring hot-spring steam cooking. At “Jigoku-mushi Kōbō Kannawa,” you can both try a self-service steaming experience and also enjoy restaurant-style meals. A healthy lunch of fresh seafood and vegetables cooked in onsen steam is uniquely Beppu. Afterward, you can even visit the attached footbath café and enjoy onsen pudding or local beer while soaking your feet.
Along the Beppu bay area, you’ll also find stylish ocean-view cafés. At “AMU Café,” you can enjoy local fruit pancakes with a sea view. In the center of town, there’s a Shōwa-retro coffee shop called “Kissa Natsume,” where you can order cream soda or hotcakes as a break during a steam-filled stroll.
In short, café-hopping and local dining in onsen towns can become travel highlights in their own right. Encounters with curious mixed-style spaces and dishes shaped by regional ingredients will add vivid color to your memories. As you wander in yukata, try stepping casually into any place that catches your eye. For a culturally attuned traveler, it can be as nourishing as the hot springs themselves.
An onsen journey is not about consuming landmarks—it’s about tuning yourself to the rhythm of a place. The toji idea of yōjō (nourishing care) feels newly relevant in a world driven by speed and stimulation. Soak, walk, rest, return to the water: in that gentle cycle, your senses recalibrate. Along the way, steam-filled streets, regional craft, design-forward ryokan, local cuisine, and unexpected encounters with art add layers of meaning. With more eco-conscious travel options emerging, onsen culture continues to evolve—inviting you into a quiet, restorative way of being.