Gunma Prefecture quietly holds more natural hot springs than almost any other region in Japan. Kusatsu Onsen draws visitors from across the world for its scalding, sulfurous waters and the theatrical yumomi cooling ceremony. Minakami, straddling the Tone River gorge, offers a different mood — clear mountain water, river rafting in summer, and deeply warming baths after hiking in the Tanigawa highlands. Together, these make Gunma one of Japan's great onsen prefectures.
#1Kirishima, Kyushu
Recommended stay: 1-2 nights
#2Kirishima, Kyushu
Recommended stay: 1-2 nights
#3Shima, Kansai
Recommended stay: 1-2 nights
#4Hiroshima, Chugoku
Recommended stay: 1-2 nights
#5Kirishima, Kyushu
Recommended stay: 1-2 nights to enjoy the private baths, kaiseki dining, and nearby Kirishima Jingu Shrine and Ebino Kogen hiking
Top ryokans in Nagano Prefecture — home of the famous snow monkey onsen, the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto Castle, and world-class ski resorts. Perfect for winter and summer mountain escapes.
Top ryokans in Tochigi Prefecture — ornate Nikko shrines, Kinugawa gorge onsen, and Nasu highland retreats. Traditional mountain inns just 2 hours from Tokyo.
Top ryokans for winter onsen experiences in Japan — soak in steaming outdoor baths surrounded by snow at Zao, Nozawa, Ginzan, and Hakone. Japan's most magical cold-weather ryokan destinations.