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Onsen in Japan
Japanese Onsen

By Shizuko Mishima, About.com

Japanese Onsen Bath

Japanese Onsen Bath

Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima
There are over 2,000 onsen (hot springs) in Japan, and visiting onsen resorts is a popular leisure among Japanese people. People enjoy soaking in roten-buro (open-air baths) in onsen. If you are visiting Japan, going to onsen is a good way to spend holidays. Popular onsen resorts might be crowded with visitors on weekends.
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Great Onsen in Japan:

  • Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido

  • (Access: JR Chitose line from Shin-chitose Airport to Minami-chitose station. JR Muroran line to Noboribetsu station.)The most popular spa resort in Hokkaido. Jigokudani (a volcanic crater) is located nearby.

  • Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma prefecture

  • (Access: JR Agatsuma line Naganohara Kusatsu station. Take a bus to Kusatsu onsen stop.)One of the largest hot springs in Japan.

  • Yuzawa Onsen, Niigata prefecture

  • (Access: JR Niigata shinkansen from Tokyo to Echigo-yuzawa station) Yuzawa is a famous ski resort in Japan.

  • Nozawa Onsen, Nagano prefecture

  • (Access: JR Iiyama line Togari Nozawa station. Take a Shinshu bus to Nozawa onsen stop.) There are lots of small day spas. Nozawa is a popular ski resort.

  • Hakone Yumoto Onsen, Kanagawa prefecture

  • (Access: Odakyu line from Tokyo Shinjuku station to Hakone-yumoto station)Temples and waterfalls are located nearby.

  • Kinugawa Onsen, Tochigi prefecture

  • (Access: Tobu Nikko Railway from Tokyo Asakusa station to Kinugawa onsen station.)A large onsen town along Kinugawa River. There are many amusement parks nearby.

  • Izu Ito Onsen, Shizuoka prefecture

  • (Access: JR Tokaido line from Tokyo to Atami. JR Ito line from Atami to Ito.) One of many onsen towns in Izu. Atami and Shuzenji are also well-known onsen towns in Izu.

  • Dogo Onsen, Ehime prefecture

  • (Access: Iyo Railway from Matsuyama station to Dogo onsen station) The oldest hot springs in Japan.

  • Yufuin, Ooita prefecture

  • (Access: JR Yufu-kogen line from Oita to Yufuin.) One of the best onsen in Kyushu. Visit Yufuin-dake mountain.

  • Ibusuki, Kagoshima prefecture

  • (Access: JR Ibusuki Makurazaki line from Nishi-kagoshima to Ibusuki station.) Famous for hot sand baths on the beach.

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