Top 5 Onsen Hot Springs Near Tokyo, Japan

Top 5 Onsen Hot Springs Near Tokyo, Japan

Japan is home to over 3,000 hot springs. But today, we’re diving into the very best. Stop scrolling. These are the top five onsen destinations easily accessible from Tokyo that you absolutely need on your bucket list. From hidden mountain baths to legendary onsen destinations, each spot has something unforgettable. Welcome to the Onsen Guy. Let’s hit the top five. Hello everyone and welcome back to the channel. My name is Kyle, the onsen guy. Are you planning to travel to Tokyo for a few short days and are yearning for an authentic onsen experience but don’t have the time or means to travel across the country to one of the hotring hotspots such as Nigata, Beu, Kyushu, and so on. Well, fret your pretty little hotring loving head no more because today I’m going to go over the top five onsen destinations that you can easily access from Tokyo via bus or express train. How convenient. So without further ado, let’s dive right in. The top five onsen towns you can easily visit from Tokyo. All right, starting our list at number five, it is Kinugawa Onsen. Located in Niko City in Toigi Prefecture, Kinagaw Onsen is just a short 2-hour single train ride from Tokyo and it is a classic retro onsen town, which is very familyfriendly with its large amount of big hotels lined along its iconic river valley. The springs themselves are also very gentle, so they are perfect for children and hotring beginners alike. And Nikico is also very close by with all its attractions and quintessential shrine, so there is plenty to do, see, and eat. I recommend you try the local delicacy Yuba Soba. Keep in mind that autumn is peak season in the Niko area because it is known for its iconic mountain autumn foliage. Yes, in Niko and Kinagawa onen area, you can engage in the Japanese practice of autumn foliage viewing or coyo. That’s right. You can enjoy your wonderful onsen soak while checking out the beautiful Onsen lead. So yes, keep all of that in mind so you can book according to your needs and interests. And at number four, Io Onen located in GMA Prefecture. Ah, IO Onsen, one of my personal favorite Onsen destinations. It is nestled deep in the mountains of GMA. And along its iconic 365 stone step center flows two very distinct onsen varietals, Kyan Noyu and Shidogan noyu. Kan noyu, the golden bath, is rich in iron and other minerals which has multiple health benefits for your body and skin. And then Shidogan Noyu, the silver bath, is a rich salt bath which has a warming effect on the body and a hydrating effect to the skin. Wonderful. In addition to the 12 iconic rioons that line the stone steps in Ikaho, some more modern accommodations have popped up to suit different needs. But I recommend you don’t skip out on the Rioan experience in Ikaho because it offers some of the best traditional and cultural experiences that are available in this onsen town. And while you’re there, be sure to try out some of the traditional parlor games like Shhatchki Shooting Parlor. You get a real taste of the Showa era and that really kind of like onsen town atmosphere. Really retro, really cool. And of course, don’t miss out on trying some of the various treats that the Stone Steps have to offer. If you want to get a firsthand glimpse into Eco, be sure to check out our Eekoho series on the channel so you will be prepared and ready. Coming in at number three is Atami, which is located in Shizawoka Prefecture right on the coast. That’s right, Atami offers some of the best oceanside onen experiences in Japan. And it’s easily accessible from Tokyo, less than an hour away via bullet train. Wow. The springs in Atami are salty as well, so they will keep you warm and toasty long after you soak. Perfect for winter nights on the coast. Quite honestly, you will be hardressed to find a better location that offers such breathtaking and expansive ocean views while you soak in the onsen paired with some of the best seafood you can get your hands on. And while you are there, do not hesitate to explore the shopping arcades and taste all the dectibles available. I’m sure you will discover a few new personal favorites. For more detailed information, be sure to check out our Atami series on the channel. I just have to emphasize Atami is so close to Tokyo. It is so easy to access via Shing Kansen. So, quit sleeping on Atami. Oh, sorry. Uh, forgot my usual fan. So, today uh a substitute nice floral pretty pattern. It’s quite lovely. Bit stiff. Anyways, if you like what you see and if you like the pretty new fan, be sure to like and subscribe. Really helps out the channel. Back to the video. Coming in at number two, Kusatu Onsen located in GMA Prefecture. Are you noticing a pattern here? That’s right. GMA Prefecture has many amazing hotring destinations. Don’t sleep on GMA Prefecture. Kusat to Onsen is one of the longer tres coming in at about 3.5 hours to arrive. It’s a little bit daunting, but definitely worth it. This is the next location I want to visit on the channel and put in some deep soaking time. I recently visited to film a different television program and have been itching to go back ever since. Those sulfuric springs here are legendary. They’re super hot, super strong, and crazy good for your skin. And right smack dab in the middle of the town is the iconic UK. Basically a hotring volcano right in the middle of the street. It is one of the most quintessentially photogenic and memorable onsen locations in the entire country. That is a big recommend for me. It’s something you definitely have to see and experience. If you’re looking for something ancient, historic, powerful, Kusatu has got you covered. Stay tuned for a future onen adventure in Kusatu. And finally, topping out our list at number one is Hakone located in Kanagawa Prefecture. Ah yes, Hakone. You cannot make a list of Tokyo friendly hotring towns without mentioning Hakune. Beloved by the likes of Charlie Chaplan and John Lennon. Only a short 90minute trip via the lovely romance car. Hakone has everything from forests, lakes, art museums, amazing food, you name it. But Hakone’s real pole, the sheer variety of hot springs available. There’s up to 20 different types of springs available to try in Hakone, which is perfect for beginners and for people who want a little bit of everything on their trip. Hakone truly never disappoints. It really has a little bit of everything and because of that it can get a little crowded. So if you want to enjoy Hakone without the crowds, be sure to check out our previous Hakone series on the channel so you can enjoy some of Hakone off the beaten path. So there you have it, the top five onsen towns you can easily access from Tokyo. Remember that this ranking is more of a list than a guideline. So, be sure to choose the location based on your interest and personal needs. That being said, which of today’s locations have you been to? Got any favorites that I failed to mention? Be sure to let me know in the comments below. And also, be sure to like and subscribe for more hotring adventures. This has been the Onen Guy. Thank you for watching and until next time. Keep soaking.

Looking for the best onsen hot-springs near Tokyo, Japan?

In this video, we explore the Top 5 onsen destinations easily accessible from Tokyo — perfect for a day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway♨️

From hidden mountain baths to famous hot spring towns, each location offers healing mineral-rich waters, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable Japanese hot spring culture.

Join The Onsen Guy as we count down the best onsen hot springs near Tokyo — including iconic destinations like Hakone, Kusatsu, and more.

🔥Top 5 Onsen Destinations Near Tokyo 🔥

#5 — Kinugawa Onsen

A peaceful river valley known for large open-air baths, scenic views, and easy access from Asakusa via the Tobu Line.

#4 — Atami

A seaside hot spring resort with ocean-view baths, fresh seafood, and one of Japan’s most historic onsen towns.

#3 — Ikaho Onsen

Famous for its golden iron-rich waters, 365 stone steps, nostalgic retro town, and beautiful mountain scenery.

#2 — Kusatsu Onsen

One of Japan’s top hot springs, known for powerful acidic waters, the iconic Yubatake, and some of the strongest healing properties in the country.

#1 — Hakone

Tokyo’s most accessible luxury onsen area, offering stunning outdoor baths, views of Mt. Fuji, museums, nature, and countless hot spring experiences.

⛩️ Perfect For

• Travelers visiting Tokyo
• First-time onsen users
• Hot spring lovers
• Day trips & weekend escapes
• Anyone who wants an easy getaway from the city

🔔 Like, subscribe, and share for more onsen info, tips, etiquette, and hot spring adventures!

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