6 Onsen Day Trips from Tokyo

Onsen (hot springs)are another highly popular natural attraction among both Japanese and foreign visitors. Bathing in onsen is a tradition that Japanese people have enjoyed for a long time, and it offers many benefits, such as nourishing the skin, relieving various ailments, and relaxing the muscles. When visiting Japan, the land of onsen, try soaking in one at least once. There are many types of onsen, both indoor and outdoor, and they aren't found only at hotels or ryokan — there are also public ones where you can experience the everyday life of Japanese people firsthand. Each type has its own distinct charm. Also, if you have limited time and can't stay overnight, there is what Japanese people call "higaeri onsen," or day-trip onsen, which you can visit and return from on the same day. In this article, we introduce 6 onsen destinations you can reach from Tokyo within a single day, each with its own unique charm.

Reference: 20 Recommended Hot Springs in Japan (Latest Update)

6 Onsen Near Tokyo You Can Visit on a Day Trip

Hakone

Hakone is a famous hot spring destination with a history of more than 800 years. It is a town in the Ashigarashimo District of Kanagawa Prefecture, located at the eastern foot of the Hakone mountain range. It is a very popular destination for both Japanese and foreign tourists coming to enjoy its onsen, thanks to its short distance from Tokyo. It is also famous for hot springs formed from volcanic heat, and you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Fuji while soaking. There are more than 20 hot spring baths to choose from, both public ones and those at ryokan. Long-famous baths include Yumoto, known for relieving back pain and improving blood circulation, and Yunessun, which is divided into a general zone and a natural zone and known for unique baths such as green tea and coffee baths. The best time to visit is during the autumn leaf season, when you can soak in the onsen while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Travel time : From Tokyo to Hakone takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Yugawara

Yugawara is a small town famous for its onsen and abundant nature, located at the westernmost part of Kanagawa Prefecture, right next to Hakone. It is very popular with people from Tokyo, but is still not very well known among foreign tourists. The west and north sides of the town are surrounded by the valleys of Izu-Hakone National Park, while the east side borders Sagami Bay, giving it the feel of a town tucked between mountains and sea. Notably, it also has public open-air onsen baths where you can fully enjoy the natural scenery. A famous bath here is Kogomenoyu, an affordable open-air onsen with the quality of an expensive ryokan.

Travel time : From Tokyo to Yugawara takes about 1 hour 34 minutes.

Kusatsu

Kusatsu is located in a valley in Gunma Prefecture, in the northwest of the Kanto region. The onsen town sits 1,200 meters above sea level, so the air is fresh year-round. It is also hundreds of years old and well known for its therapeutic properties. Notably, it is recognized as one of the three best onsen in Japan. A recommended spot is Yubatake, a symbol of Kusatsu town. Its water is emerald green and highly acidic, which helps kill bacteria on the skin and ease many ailments, a quality found in only a few places in Japan.

Travel time : From Tokyo to Kusatsu takes about 2 hours 50 minutes.

Mount Mitake

Mount Mitake is located within Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, in the northwest of Tokyo. The area is made up of forested mountains and deep valleys, giving its onsen a peaceful atmosphere amid beautiful nature. The hot spring water flows directly from a natural source. A recommended bath is Tsuru-tsuru, known for nourishing the skin and leaving it soft and radiant, earning it the nickname "the beautiful skin hot spring."

Travel time : From central Tokyo to Mount Mitake takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Okutama

Okutama is located in the Okutama mountains in western Tokyo, surrounded by lush forested mountain scenery. It offers beautiful cherry blossom views in spring, good swimming spots in summer, and lovely autumn foliage in fall. A recommended hot spring is Tsurunoyu, located not far from Okutama Station. Its waters are known for easing injuries and relaxing sore muscles.

Travel time : From Tokyo to Okutama takes about 1 hour 46 minutes.

Minakami

photos by u dou from flickr.com/photos/154778190@N03/34729356505(cc by 2.0 )

Minakami is located in a valley in northern Gunma Prefecture, known for its beautiful scenery and natural onsen. It is home to Takaragawa Onsen, which is most popular with visitors in winter, when you can soak in the onsen surrounded by beautiful snow — an experience worth trying at least once in your life. It is also close to several famous ski resorts, so besides relaxing in the onsen, you can also go skiing amid the natural scenery.

Travel time : From Tokyo to Minakami takes about 2 hours.