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From the famous to the hidden! 16 hot springs in Kanto perfect for day trips

The Kanto area, consisting of metropolitan Tokyo and the prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa and Yamanashi, is home to many famous hot springs such as Hakone, Kinugawa and Kusatsu. In addition to these traditional hot spring resorts, facilities geared to day trippers have opened in recent years, making it even easier to enjoy the hot spring experience. This article is a collaboration between “Tastes of JAPAN by ANA,” a series in which ANA uncovers Japan’s top tourist spots, and TripAdvisor. The aim is to introduce popular day trips to Kanto’s hot springs based on TripAdvisor reviews.

Tastes of JAPAN by ANA -Explore the Regions-

“Tastes of JAPAN by ANA-Explore the Regions-” is a regional vitalization project that collaborates with the different prefectures in Japan to present the Land of the Rising Sun in all of its diverse glory. From December 2019 to May 2020, a special feature of the Kanto area will be introduced on ANA in-flight and lounge. Prior to that, since September 2019, we have been introducing attractive sightseeing information in the Kanto area, click it out here!
Hot springs in Tokyo

Miharashi no Yu（Hachijo）

Hachijojima is a volcanic island 287km south of Tokyo. Miharashi-no-yu, located on a hill 94m above sea level in the southeast of the island, offers the best views among the island’s hot springs. From the open-air hot spring bath, you can look out over the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, and at night, you can enjoy a soak under the starry sky. The water in the spring has a marked heat-retaining effect due to its salt components, and visitors are recommended to take a break in the relaxation room, where they can take in a superb view to rival that seen from the open-air bath.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

What a wonderful view, there’s no way not to enjoy this fantastic hotspring overlooking the Pacific.reviewed by aodifnfjru
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Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu（Hachioji）

Offering access to an easy hike, Takao is a popular spot just one hour by train from central Tokyo. Soaking in the waters of Goku-raku-yu hot spring, adjacent to Takao Yamaguchi Station on the Keio Line, is said to be effective for muscle pain and recovery from fatigue. Goku-raku-yu features seven types of baths, including a stone-plated carbonated spring, an outdoor bath with ledges for sitting, and a cypress bath with micro bubble jets. It’s ideal for healing those sore muscles after a mountain hike.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Went to Mt Takao for the first time in May and had a good hike during the day. Stopped off at the onsen before heading back to the hotel. There were a few different onsen to try, all of them had temperature display so you could start form warm to hot. I particularly enjoyed the carbonated one and I must have spent over an hour in the various onsens. Felt so good and clean afterwards. If you didn’t bring any towel with you, you could buy it there. The lockers were also big enough to fit my big backpack in as well. There’s also eatery inside and a massage area. It was relatively busy even on a weekday. Can’t imagine how packed it would be in winter times. Do visit if you have time!reviewed by NyaNya24
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Hot springs in Ibaraki

Kirari Annex Hitachinala Onsen（Hitachinaka）

Surrounded by nature, this facility resembles a luxury inn. In addition to an open-air bath with natural hot spring water overlooking the picturesque countryside, it also features an indoor hot spring with highly concentrated carbonated spring water, a whirlpool bath, and a stone sauna that can be used freely for detox and anti-aging. A variety of refreshments and relaxation options are also available, making this hot spring bath a cut above the other venues catering to day-trippers. Preschool children are not allowed to enter.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

特筆すべきは女性風呂の洗い場のシャワーヘッドがなんと六種類もあり、席を変えれば色々な出方のシャワーを楽しめます。お風呂もサウナも洗い場も脱衣場もすべて清潔で心地良く使用できました。 （There are as many as six types of shower heads in the ladies’ bathing area, so visitors can enjoy a range of shower experiences just by changing their seat. The bath, sauna, washing room and dressing room were all clean and comfortable.）reviewed by usi_usi
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Sihosai no Yu（Oarai）

At this facility, located in the immediate vicinity of Oarai Sun Beach, visitors can enjoy natural hot spring water featuring “fossil water,” which is old seawater that has become trapped in the gaps between rock strata due to ancient crustal movements. The water is highly saline, and it is said that bathing in it improves blood circulation and keeps the body temperature from dropping. It has bactericidal and analgesic effects, and is said to be effective for skin diseases and bruises.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

露天風呂が目の前が海。塩の濃度が高くて、小さな傷にピリピリしましたが肌荒れに効いているような気がしました。温度もちょうどよくてゆっくりできました。 （The open-air bath looks out towards the sea. The water was very salty and made a little cut on my skin a bit sore, but I felt the water was helping to soften my rough skin. The temperature was just right so I was able to take it easy.）reviewed by hawaiidaisuki2010
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Hot springs in Tochigi

Shika no Yu（Nasu）

This is the oldest hot spring in Tochigi Prefecture, having opened about 1300 years ago. They say that a wounded deer soaked in this hot spring and its body healed itself. This story gives the hot spring its name, Shika-no-yu, which translates as “Hot Spring of the Deer.” There are many facilities on offer at this hot spring, including Kaburi-yu, where you ladle hot water over yourself about 200 times before you soak, timed baths where you can choose your favorite temperature of bathtub between 41–48 degrees (41–46 degrees for women), alternating between bathing and resting times.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Went there to see the Sesshou seki, but this is the best Onsen I’ve ever been (and I was in Arima and Kusatsu but Shika no Yu is better) The water smells of sulfur and the place is a bit old, but my skin has never been better!reviewed by Nazarra C
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Onsenji Temple（Nikko）

This is a branch temple of the world heritage site Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple. Here, you can experience a type of hot spring that is rare in Japan. The monk who founded the hill-top temple at Nikko in 788 discovered this hot spring and set about worshipping Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine. The source spring is quite hot, so it’s best to add water gradually while taking a bath. Although there is only a small bathtub with space for a few people, you can enjoy the atmosphere of a secret hot spring, with the milky white water, smell of sulfur and wooden washrooms.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

入り口でブザーを押し、人数を伝えます。湯船はそう大きくないので込み合っている時は待たされます。昔はひなびた風情でしたが改装してから湯船も少し大きくなり、清潔感が増した感じです。 （You push the buzzer at the entrance and say how many people are in your party. The bathtub is not so big, so you have to wait if it’s crowded. In the old days, it had a rustic atmosphere, but after the renovation the bathtub has become a little larger and it feels cleaner.） reviewed by nfkjp
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Hot springs in Gunma

Kusatsu Onsen Otaki no Yu（Kusatsu）

This hot spring is extremely popular within the Kusatsu Onsen area, which is itself one of the most famous hot spring areas in Japan. Ohtaki no Yu draws from the famous Nikawa hot spring source and has a range of facilities, such as large indoor and outdoor baths, an open-air bath, sauna, restaurant, and massage options. You can also experience Kusatsu’s traditional bathing method known as “Awase-yu,” in which the bather progresses from lower temperature to higher temperature baths in order to soothe the body.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Located about 5 minutes walk from Yubatake, offering two indoor onsen and an outdoor onsen with 2 pools. One of the indoor onsen has 6 pools in different temperatures. Quite challenging and good fun. We were very glad with our choices.reviewed by vrkung
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Ikaho Onsen Rotemburo（Shibukawa）

In the open-air bath right next to Yumoto Gensenchi in Ikaho Onsen, you can enjoy the flow of water from the Kogane-no-yu source. There are no washing facilities, but this simple hot spring does have a stone open-air bath, and it is divided into a mildly hot bath and a warm bath. You can relax while looking out at the seasonal scenery at the hot spring, which is surrounded by trees. They do sell towels, but it’s better to bring one.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Ikaho onsen is so tempting anyway. Climbing up 365 stone steps, the place is situated at the centre of onsen resort. There’s a non-soundproof bamboo partition separating rooms for men and women (which I heard lots of fun from men’s room;)). Each room has two kinds of hot spring to enjoy, silver water and golden water. Whilst in hot spring, everything liked heaven. Just closed my eyes and freed my mind among nature. It relaxed the muscles from climbing all the way up here. After finishing the onsen, I enjoyed the drink outside and saw guests kept coming in. All were local people. Mostly were group of friends, couple, family. So it’s worth to try the onsen here but don’t forget to follow their no cloth- on rule :).reviewed by thitsar
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Hot springs in Saitama

Utano Yu（Sugito）

Since its opening in 2012, this hot spring facility has been immensely popular due to its high-quality spring water with a brownish tinge. The water originates 1,500m underground and feels smooth on the skin, while also warming the body to the core. After experiencing the quality of the springs at the Namagen Senburo indoor baths, which are neither heated nor have added water, it’s time to move outside. Here, a variety of open-air baths such as ceramic tubs and sleeping baths are available. The buffet style restaurant, with Japanese, Western and Chinese cuisine, is also very inviting.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

One of the best Onsen spas I’ve ever been to. Various Onsen tubs with different health/beauty purposes indoor and outdoor set on beautiful landscapes. There are plenty rooms to relax on your own pace, have massage done and/or haircut, etc. you can do all these in the comfortable jinbei or Japanese casual home wear provided at the premise. Yet, the best part is food. Buffet was delicious, but there’s also a full-service restaurant if you want. Utanoyu is highly recommended.reviewed by Adam S
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Miyazawako Onsen Kirari, Annex（Hanno）

This is an attractive hot spring facility catering to day-trippers. It is located near the Moomin Valley Park, which opened in March 2019 and is surrounded by forests and lakes. While in the open-air bath, you can enjoy the surrounding forest while looking out over the seasonally changing scenery of the lakeside. The hot springs are rich in sodium and hydrogen carbonate content, and also called “hada-no-yu” for their effect on the skin. Preschoolers under elementary school age are not allowed to enter.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Extremely clean, beautiful setting for outdoor bath. Provided paper with English instructions for bath at front desk. Please provide paper with English translations for the bedrock bath upstairs and also English translation for restaurant items.reviewed by Paula L
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Hot springs in Chiba

Yamato no Yu（Narita）

This Japanese-style modern hot spring facility is surrounded by green parks and countryside. Although it is a little smaller than a typical suburban hot spring facility catering to day-trippers, it has an indoor bath and eight outdoor baths spread through three floors. You can feel the powerful healing effect of the water here while looking out at the idyllic scenery. Because it aims to be a resort for adults, preschoolers cannot use the facility. People with tattoos are allowed to enter, so it is popular with foreign tourists.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Yamoto no Yu is a hot spring bath house (onsen) near Narita Airport. I visited because I absolutely wanted to experience an onsen, but am usually stymied because I have visible tattoos. Yamoto no Yu is explicitly tattoo-friendly, so it was a must-see on my last trip. Getting there can be a bit of a pain, as it’s well outside of Tokyo. From Akihabara, it took me about and hour and a half to reach the nearest station (Shimosa-Manzaki), and from there it was a 10-15 minute walk to the onsen. reviewed by VeeKay25
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Manten no Yu（Kashiwa）

This hot spring facility is located on the bank of Lake Teganuma and caters to day-trippers. It boasts a spring that originates 1,800m below the ground, and the water is exceptionally moisturizing due to its high salt content. Outside, there are rock baths and ceramic tubs where you can enjoy the hot spring water. The indoor bath area has a variety of amenities for health and beauty such as a dry sauna, wormwood sauna and a whirlpool.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

While visiting Kashiwa city I took a bike ride around the Teganuma Lake and found this wonderfully relaxing place. They have plenty of indoor and outdoor hot pools, great steam and dry sauna. You can also get massage.The on-boarding is a bit different then at some other places. When I arrived there was some confusion about payment while I was trying to hand in 5000 yen note. It turns out you get a wristband and pay on the exit, not before getting in as I thought. Leave your shoes in the 100 yen locker by the entrance and and at the front desk they will trade the key for the wristband. Be patient, they cater to locals and occasional foreigners challenge them, but they will do their best to accommodate you.reviewed by Oskar P
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Hot springs in Kanagawa

Miyamaedaira Gensen Yukemuri no Sho（Kawasaki）

The concept of this facility is a luxury, day-trip hot spring for adults. A variety of baths are available, including a hot spring featuring carbon dioxide dissolved in natural, weakly alkaline hot water, which has a pleasant effect on the skin, as well as a bath exclusive to women where ultra-fine nano mist wraps around the whole of the bather’s body. It also boasts the largest stone sauna in Kanto, which visitors can use freely without any time limit. The Japanese restaurant on site is famous for its freshly made tofu.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

“Liked best: – Overall cleanliness (key in this kind of place) – The restaurant quality: Food was good and we did not have to wait too long to get in as well – It’s big and there are numerous bathes so you don’t really feel the crowd – Walking distance from a train station – The reception staff was not English speaker but could make itself understandable to foreigners Liked least: – Only one type of hot spring water: This actually makes sense but some other onsen propose several types of water”reviewed by JulienOSG
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Tenzan Tohji-kyo（Hakone）

This hot spring facility for day-trippers is the most popular in Hakone, Kanto’s quintessential hot spring area. It is divided into three areas that you can choose from according to purpose. You can simply relax at the annex bathhouse Ikkyu, a hot spring in a Japanese cypress wood bathtub, spend the day visiting Tenzan, with its restaurants and rest facilities, or stay over at the Hagoromo accommodation facility. Most popular here is the main area Tenzan, which has six baths for women and five baths for men. Here you can enjoy a dip in the midst of nature, taking advantage of the rustic outdoor bath surrounded by wilderness, or soak in a bath under the wisteria trees.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

This place absolutely wow‘ me. With Mt Fuji Hakone pass you get 100 yen off, so for adult it is 1,200 pus 200yen for needed small towel (or bring your own). The place is very authentic, traditional, quiet, peaceful, clean, engulfing. I wanted a traditional and relaxing Japanese Onsen and this was exactly the place for it. Next time I come back to Hakone I will be sure to visit you guys again.reviewed by alexm551123
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Hot springs in Yamanashi

Hottarakashi Onsen（Yamanashi）

Located on a small mountain, this is a popular bathing facility with a superb view. Here, there is Achi-no-yu overlooking the Kofu basin and Kochi-no-yu overlooking Mount Fuji, both of which have gender-specific indoor and outdoor baths. Achi-no-yu is open from one hour before sunrise until 10 p.m., so you can enjoy the sunrise from the hot spring and later, the night view under the stars.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

We had a little trouble finding an onsen that would allow my partner to bathe due to his tattoos.This place was perfect! We got there by car and it was well worth the trip. The onsen was clean and quiet with an amazing view.Spent a little time after just relaxing and taking in the view with a beer. The fried eggs are a must try! Surprisingly delicious.reviewed by Vanessah1979
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Mitama no Yu（Ichikawamisato）

This facility is certified as having one of the top 100 night views in Japan. It is open until 11 p.m., so you can immerse yourself in a natural hot spring while enjoying night views of the Kofu basin, which glimmers as if studded with jewels. The silhouette of the Yatsugatake mountain range that emerges in the dusk twilight is also exceptional. The Fuji-no-yu and Botan-no-yu facilities both have open-air baths and indoor baths and are used exclusively by men or women on alternate days.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

So I have only been to three onsen in Yamanashi. Hottarakashi, Pukupuku and MItamanoyu, but Mitamanoyu was my favorite. They had the most space of all of them, plus an ice bath and sauna. The ice bath is great because without it, I get too hot and can’t stay for more than 30-40 minutes. Alternating hot and ice baths is great for your circulation, too. The view here is just as good as Hottarakashi and the facilities are nice and clean.reviewed by SumSummer
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In this article, we introduced our recommendations for hot springs in the Kanto area, which is dotted with famous hot springs that can be visited on a day trip. These hot springs offer diverse experiences, from their rich history, to stunning views, or the water’s healing properties. It’s time to soak in the hot water, get warm and relax!

Tastes of JAPAN by ANA -Explore the Regions-

“Tastes of JAPAN by ANA-Explore the Regions-” is a regional vitalization project that collaborates with the different prefectures in Japan to present the Land of the Rising Sun in all of its diverse glory. From December 2019 to May 2020, a special feature of the Kanto area will be introduced on ANA in-flight and lounge. Prior to that, since September 2019, we have been introducing attractive sightseeing information in the Kanto area, click it out here!