9 Selected Onsen Inns for Beauty and Wellness: Rejuvenate Mind and Body with the Blessings of Nature

1. Simple Hot Spring – If the pH (hydrogen ion concentration) is 8.5 or higher, it is called an alkaline simple hot spring.

2. Chloride Spring
3. Hydrogen Carbonate Spring
4. Sulfate Spring

5. Carbon Dioxide Spring
6. Iron-containing Spring
7. Acid Spring
8. Iodine-containing Spring
9. Sulfur Spring
10. Radioactive Spring

The senshitsu can be confirmed by reading the “hot spring analysis report” (which includes basic information and characteristics of the hot spring) posted near the entrance of the changing rooms or on the website of the hot spring inns.
While these descriptions can be somewhat technical, it’s important to note that each hot spring has its own unique qualities. You can get a general idea by observing the color, texture and scent of the water, so there’s no need to overthink it.

Tekiōshō (or specific conditions) refers to the effects one can expect from bathing, determined by the senshitsu. Since hot springs are natural, they contain a variety of components, and each one is unique.

A hot spring with only one type of senshitsu has a high concentration of that specific component, while a spring with multiple senshitsu contains a balanced mix of various components. This helps you appreciate the unique qualities of each hot spring.
To fully enjoy the benefits of hot springs, it's important to choose a senshitsu that aligns with your health condition and objectives.

While all hot springs are expected to have beauty benefits, the hydrogen carbonate springs, sulfur springs and sulfate springs are known as the three major beauty springs. According to onsen beauty researcher Ishii, these spring types deserve particular attention. In the following sections, we'll introduce these three types of springs, so if you're looking to enhance your beauty through hot springs, consider choosing one that includes one of these qualities.

It's generally said that hot springs with minimal “kasui” (dilution, such as adding tap water or extra spring water to the bath) are more effective. The reason is that the components of the hot spring remain undiluted, allowing the original properties of the spring to be preserved.
For those seeking the freshness of hot springs, look for options that feature “gensen-kakenagashi,” where the spring water flows directly into the bath without dilution, heating or circulation, or “ashimoto-yūshutsu,” where natural spring water flows directly into the bath from the ground.

Located in Yakumo Town, Futami District, in southern Hokkaido, Onsen Ryokan Ginkonyu is a traditional Japanese-style inn established in 1927.
As the name suggests, it’s popular among couples celebrating their “ginkon” or silver wedding anniversary (25th year), but it also has fans of all ages, including solo travelers. Guests can enjoy a relaxing time while experiencing the changing seasons.

What makes Ginkonyu special is that multiple sources of hydrogen carbonate hot springs bubble up right within its grounds, earning it the nickname “the department store of hydrogen carbonate springs.”
The smooth, silky waters, surrounded by breathtaking nature, offer a deeply soothing experience, guaranteed to relax anyone who visits.

Ginkonyu offers a total of 11 baths, including large public baths, family baths and five private baths scattered across its expansive grounds.
A highlight is the private baths accessible via a walk through forest pathways and a suspension bridge over a river. These baths, referred to as “hidden springs,” are playful and give the feeling of bathing in a wild hot spring (called “noyu”) surrounded by nature.
The inn's interior, made of wood, is bright, clean and entirely furnished with traditional Japanese-style rooms, providing guests with an authentic Japanese lodging experience.

Located in the northernmost part of Miyagi Prefecture, Higashi-naruko Onsen Ryokan Onuma is a renowned hot spring with a history of over 120 years.
The spring source offers two rare types of sodium bicarbonate springs, found in only a few places across Japan. With hydrogen carbonate-rich waters making up 85% of the total, it is expected to provide a cleansing effect, leaving the skin smooth and soft.

One of the standout features of Higashi-naruko Onsen is its tea-colored hot spring, enriched with plant-derived ingredients, which emits a soothing aroma reminiscent of wood and earth. The mineral-rich waters warm the body from within, leaving the skin feeling moisturized and revitalized after bathing.
The ryokan boasts eight unique baths, all featuring freshly flowing spring water, including a private outdoor bath set in a garden where guests can enjoy the beauty of each season.

Among the eight baths, five are available for private use, making them a great option for solo female travelers who want to relax in a safe environment. The inn’s interior focuses on creating a gentle atmosphere centered around "sound" and "water," allowing guests to unwind both physically and mentally.
Dining at the ryokan is another highlight, featuring dishes made from local ingredients. Guests can choose from four course options, including a healthy plan that’s easy on the stomach and a luxurious plan that includes Sendai Beef, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

Tochiomata Onsen Jizai-kan is a therapeutic hot spring inn in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, designed for rest and recuperation.
It is renowned for its colorless and transparent radium hot spring (simple radioactive spring), with temperatures around 35 °C (95 °F), which is believed to help regulate the autonomic nervous system and hormone balance.
A traditional bathing method at this onsen involves soaking for at least 30 minutes to an hour, followed by breaks; guests are encouraged to practice this for optimal benefits.
Soaking in warm waters for extended periods helps the body switch to the parasympathetic nervous system, relieving tension and promoting deep relaxation, which can lead to restful sleep.
It is also known as the "bath for all ailments," and one of the key features is the healing power of the hot spring, long cherished as a therapeutic retreat, with radon in the water and air activating cells, boosting immunity and improving metabolism.
The meals at Jizai-kan focus on healthy "one soup and four sides" style dining, featuring simple, homestyle cooking that changes daily, adding to the charm of the stay. This nourishing approach helps guests feel both physically and mentally at ease, making it especially recommended for working people looking to relieve stress and fatigue.

Located in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, Hōshi Onsen Chōju-kan is a historic hot spring inn.
The wooden structure, over 100 years old, has been designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, allowing guests to feel the atmosphere of a bygone era and find peace of mind. The inn features a source of sulfate springs, known for their moisturizing properties, and offers access to three bathing areas, including the renowned "Hōshi-no-yu," discovered by Kōbō Daishi during his pilgrimage.
Another highlight to remember is the ability to enjoy the "foot spring" (ashimoto- yūshutsu) hot spring, which bubbles up directly from the ground beneath your feet.
It's like immersing yourself in freshly sourced skincare, as you can experience the sensation of your skin becoming soft and hydrated in this rejuvenating water.
Inside the rooms, you can still feel the remnants of the many literary figures and artists who once stayed here, allowing you to experience the charm of a bygone era.
The meals feature local delicacies such as mountain vegetables and river fish, along with locally sourced Jōshū Beef for protein (with the standard plan offering the Jōshū Mugi Buta pork).

Matsuzakaya Honten is located in the southwestern part of Kanagawa Prefecture, in the nationally renowned hot spring area of Hakone.
It offers guests the opportunity to enjoy "Ashinoyu," a beloved hot spring that has been cherished by many since the Edo period (1603–1868), providing an experience that has remained unchanged through the ages.
The inn boasts its own unique source of hot spring water, where "yu-no-hana" (bubbles of minerals) gracefully dance in the air, and it can even appear milky on certain days. This rare hot spring contains a balanced mix of the three major beauty-enhancing mineral types: sulfur, hydrogen carbonate and sulfate springs.
With an impressive output of 200 liters per minute, the water flows 100% fresh from the source, featuring all three major beautifying waters—the biggest attraction of Matsuzakaya Honten.
Enveloped by the majestic nature and tranquility of Mount Hakone, the guest rooms offer different views across the four seasons, gently inviting guests with the warmth of history.
Notable culinary highlights include the “Shukuba Kaiseki,” inspired by the meals served to travelers during the Edo period, and the “Traveler’s Breakfast,” which provides nourishing sustenance.

The Japanese inn "Hoshinoya Tokyo," a tower evolving to fit modern times, is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station (Marunouchi North Exit).
This innovative ryokan combines elements of traditional Japanese inns with contemporary comfort and sophistication, making it a popular choice among both domestic and international guests.
A highlight of Hoshinoya Tokyo is its natural hot spring, sourced from 1,500 meters underground and characterized as "fossil seawater type."
This saline-rich hot spring, abundant in minerals from the ocean sealed deep underground, soothes bodily fatigue.
Additionally, Hoshinoya Tokyo offers a variety of body-tuning programs, including sky exercise sessions, deep breathing wellness and body remaking, which should not be missed.
The presence of a 24-hour tea lounge on each floor is another unique appeal of the ryokan. This semi-private space allows guests to relax freely, enjoying tea, snacks and reading, catering to a range of activities for both adults and children.

Arima Onsen, located in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a traditional hot spring considered one of Japan's three oldest springs.
Mentioned in Nihon-shoki and Kojiki (the oldest historical record of Japan), it has been cherished by many renowned figures throughout history. Notably, Arima Onsen features the "Kinsen," a brown iron-containing strong salt spring, and the colorless and transparent "Ginsen."
The "Kinsen" is particularly unique on a global scale because of its origin, being heated by the mantle (the layer between the Earth's core and plates), which allows for high-temperature water to emerge. Bathing in it provides a sensation of warmth that penetrates deep within the body.
This feeling is unique to Arima Onsen and can even feel as if it warms you to the very marrow of your bones, allowing you to appreciate the quality of the water.
Another appeal of Arima Onsen is its hot spring town, rich in atmosphere and surrounded by nature.
The stroll to the onsen is enjoyable, with plenty of delicious gourmet options along the way, ensuring that visitors won’t get bored. Taking a joyful walk in a hilly environment can be a great way to engage in light exercise beneficial for dieting as well as promoting beauty and health.
A highly recommended inn in Arima Onsen is Tosen Goshoboh. It’s the oldest hot spring inn in the area, founded in 1191, featuring freshly flowing Kinsen from its own source. It is also known for its exquisite dining options, including Kobe Beef steak.
The guest rooms vary in layout and decor, ranging from premium suites with a naturally flowing hot spring to standard rooms overlooking the courtyard. Notably, literary figures of the past stayed here to engage in their writing activities.

Nano Yado Hotel Iya Onsen, located in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, is a hot spring inn situated in the Iya Valley, recognized as one of Japan's three major secluded regions.
One of its standout features is the opportunity to relax in the outdoor baths while enjoying the view of the tranquil beauty of the valley and nature.
To reach the outdoor baths, guests take a five-minute ride on a cable car, where they can enjoy the views and the sound of the river.
The hot spring features freshly flowing alkaline simple sulfur water, which is not diluted or circulated, promoting smooth skin and improved blood circulation. Its temperature is similar to that of the human body, and it is characterized by a silky texture felt immediately upon entering.
After remaining still in the soak for about five minutes, guests experience a mystical sensation as small bubbles form on their skin, melting away upon touch— a unique feature of this hot spring.
While it doesn't contain carbon dioxide, the fresh source spring is located right next to it, and the air trapped in the underground hot spring appears as bubbles the moment it is released—this is the unique enjoyment of a natural hot spring. The inn is located in a stunning setting that offers views of the Iya Valley from above, with a variety of room types available, allowing guests to choose their preferred accommodations.

Unzen Onsen Unzen Fukudaya is a folk-inspired modern inn located in Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture.
Guests can enjoy expansive outdoor baths, as well as indoor baths equipped with saunas and unique private baths, offering freshly flowing spring water tailored to their needs, ensuring satisfaction for all visitors. The hot spring features sulfur water known for its detoxifying properties, along with benefits for promoting blood circulation and eliminating bodily waste.
This hot spring can also be referred to as a "whitening bath," as it supports skin metabolism and helps reduce or prevent spots and dullness.
Guests can enjoy the seasonal landscapes from rooms with seven distinct concepts, allowing them to immerse themselves in the beauty of Unzen's nature.
Additionally, it’s a delight to enjoy the deep flavors and aromas of Unzen's traditional indigenous varieties and heirloom vegetables, which allow you to experience the energy of nature.
Among these, the tempura, which highlights the natural taste of the ingredients, is a must-try delicacy with a delightful texture that changes with every bite, making it an experience not to be missed during your visit.