8 Unforgettable Hot Spring Hotels Experiences in Japan for Travelers

For tourists on a short trip to Japan, staying at an onsen hotel is a great way to experience the country's traditional culture. Here are 8 onsen hotels I've stayed at during my trips to Japan. Each offers great value, excellent service, and a unique charm that will make your visit memorable.

1. Yunoshimakan (湯之島館)

This hotel offers complimentary use of private onsen baths! The public open-air onsen, located on a mountaintop, provides breathtaking views. The onsen water is so pristine that you can drink from the hand-washing basins. The picturesque scenery ensures every snapshot is beautiful. Many celebrities have stayed here, and guests can enjoy free refills from Kobayashi brand coffee makers.

📍 645 Yunoshima, Gero, Gifu 509-2207, Japan

2. Hyoe Koyokaku (兵衛向陽閣)

This hotel features gold and silver hot springs, each with unique benefits. The golden onsen has a yellowish hue and is believed to have antibacterial and longevity-promoting effects. The silver onsen is carbonated with bubbles, aiding in beautification. After bathing, I noticed significant improvements in my skin. The Kobe beef shabu-shabu buffet dinner and freshly grilled Kobe wagyu were unforgettable.

📍 1904 Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1401, Japan

3. Fuji Lake Hotel (富士レークホテル)

This hotel is ideal if you're visiting Mount Fuji. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station and the famous "Rosen" photography spot. The onsen water quality is excellent, and the rooms are spacious and modern. You’ll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets nearby, with stunning views of Mount Fuji along the way.

📍 1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan

4. Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel (南紀白浜マリオットホテル)

This hotel offers a life-enriching experience. Enjoy a private onsen with an ocean view. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Shirahama Beach, and there are several unique cafes in the area.

📍 Nishimuro-gun Shirahama-cho 2428, Wakayama 649-2211, Japan

5. Miyama Ouan (匠の宿 深山桜庵)

This ryokan (traditional inn) offers complimentary Hida milk, perfect after a soak in the onsen. They also provide sake tastings and delicious soy sauce ramen made on-site. With a wide variety of yukata robes and beautiful decor, this is the most picturesque onsen ryokan I've stayed at.

📍 229 Okuhida Onsengo Hirayu, Takayama, Gifu 506-1433, Japan

6. Hidagyu-no-yado (旅館飛騨牛の宿)

This ryokan only accommodates up to 12 groups of guests per day, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere. Each room has a spacious private outdoor onsen. The dinner features grilled, steamed, and teppanyaki-style Hida-gyu beef of exceptional quality. For around 40,000 yen, including accommodation and two meals, this ryokan offers the best value I've experienced.

📍 1399 Okuhida Onsengo Murakami, Takayama, Gifu 506-1431, Japan

7. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto - Onyado Nono/Dormy Inn

If you're visiting Japan's major cities and want to enjoy an onsen, I highly recommend these hotel chains. Choosing one with natural hot springs is more cost-effective than similar chain hotels. The unique decor, excellent onsen experience, free ice pops, and manga comics make them stand out. Their locations are also very convenient, like the Tokyo branch near Sensoji Temple.