Many tourists visiting Japan may come specifically for those hotsprings. Japan is well-known not only for the quality of its hot springs but also for the overwhelming number of natural sources it boasts around the country.
Japan boasts over 27,000 hot spring sources. The prefectural ranking for the total number of sources is as follows:
1. Oita Prefecture: 4,445 sources
Known as the “Hot Spring Prefecture,” Oita leads the nation in both the number of sources and the volume of water. Famous hot springs including Beppu and Yufuin where are also known as famous tourist spots. Beppu is also known for having one of the highest hot spring water outputs in the world!!
If you visit Beppu, please drop by “Beppu Jigoku (Hells of Beppu)”. They offer “Hells Tour” where you can explore seven bubbling onsen hell spots.
2. Kagoshima Prefecture: 2,755 sources
Located in a volcanic region, Kagoshima is known for hot springs such as Kirishima and Ibusuki, which is famous for its sand baths. If you visit Sakurajima which is a symbol of Kagoshima Prefecture, there are also a few onsen spots on the island.
One of my favorite spots of this island is “Yogan Nagisa Park” where has one of the longest foot-baths in Japan. You can relax and immerse your tired feet from the trip in the natural hot spring water while you enjoy the scenery of the active volcano “Sakurajima”.
3. Shizuoka Prefecture: 2,252 sources
Shizuoka has many hot spring resorts near Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, making it a popular tourist destination.
Our pick★ Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto Prefecture
Here is one of our favorite locations where you can immerse yourself in Japanese onsen culture. It is called “Kurokawa Onsen” which is located in the middle of Kyushu, it is about 20km north of Mt. Aso in Kumamoto. It is basically a small hot spring village where has many ryokans, attractive shops and cafés /restaurants alongside the river. We can give you some tips on how to make the most of your time here in the village
-Strolling through the traditional Japanese small town
You can take a walk along the cobblestone streets wearing Yukata, enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere with traditional Japanese architecture. You can borrow Yukata from your ryokan (Inn) to wonder around this beautiful town.
-Onsen Hopoing around the village
You can do “Outdoor Baths Hopping” where you can enjoy those famous open-air baths scattered around the area. There are now around 25 different outdoor onsens in the village. First, please go check the Kurokawa Onsen Association where offers a very unique system which allows visitors to enjoy a variety of open-air baths. At their office, you can purchase a pass which allows you to visit up to 3 different outdoor baths. They have a pass for kids too so you can enjoy onsen Hopping with your little ones! The pass itself is made out of local cedar and every time you visit an onsen, you get a special stamp for each location.
-Yu Akari Illumination Event in winter
Try to go visit the village around late December through late March for this spectacular event. You can see hundreds of locally crafted bamboo lanterns alongside the river. This is going to be such a memorable experience in life!
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We, Explore Translation offer a variety of services such as travel arrangements including purchasing Shinkansen /Plane tickets, making reservations for cafés & restaurants.
Let us assist you to make one-of-a-kind experiences in Japan!!!