Japan Hot Spring

After a long day of sightseeing, what better antidote for aching muscles than a soak in one of Okayama's hot springs? The Japanese do a wonderful job of taking a glass-half-full approach to all the geological activity that their archipelago, with its location on the morbidly named “Pacific Ring of Fire”, is subject to. Rather than dwell on a history of debilitating earthquakes, or the possibility of cataclysmic volcanic eruptions, they just take off all their clothes and let their cares evaporate in the steam of a Japanese hot spring. Known as onsen, these hot springs in Japan can be found in almost every corner of the country, and constitute some of the best sightseeing in Japan.All puns aside, onsen are a great way to relax after climbing Mount Fuji, or at the end of a hectic week of business meetings. A result of the massive quantities of heat released underground near fault convergences and volcanoes, the onsen have become a national pastime, and any tourists visiting the country shouldn’t miss a chance to soak their tired tourist bones in a Japanese hot spring. Hot springs in Japan can be found from the north to the south. The area around Mount Fuji has great natural onsen (though they do get a bit crowded during tourist season), and the Japan Alps region also has a number of excellent high altitude soaking spots. Here are some of the best hot springs in Japan:

Beppu Hot springs
The Beppu onsen are located at the foot of Mount Aso on Japan’s southernmost island, Kyushu. When Aso erupted sometime between 300,000 to 90,000 years ago, the blast left a 120 km caldera. There are still active volcanoes and vents within the center of the caldera, and guided tours through Mt. Also offer some of the best and steamiest sightseeing in Japan. As you would expect with so much tectonic activity, Kyushu is a great place to enjoy traditional a dip in a Japanese hot spring. There are roughly 3,000 natural hot springs at Beppu, which attract 12 million tourists annually. There are numerous onsen-centered guesthouses, ranging from cheap backpacker’s delights, to modern accommodations

Hokkaido Hot springs
At the opposite end of the country from the Beppu onsen, there are the hot springs near Lake Toya on the island of Hokkaido. Japan’s northernmost, and least inhabited island, is home to some of the least-crowded hot springs in Japan. Like most onsen in Japan, the Lake Toya hot springs are located in a mountainous national park. Like the area around Mount Fuji and Mount Aso, the Shikotsu-Toya National Park offers travelers some of the best sightseeing in Japan. And after a long day of hiking, rock climbing you can soak your tired bones in the tranquilizing waters of this Hokkaido hot spring.

Arima Access Hot springs
To Arima-onsen resort, 35 minutes from Shin-Kobe Station to Arima-onsen by bus. 55 minutes from Osaka Station to Arima-onsen by bus.
Arima Onsen is one of these towns and one of the most sought after at that. High up in the mountains, with city folks doing city things at ground level, Arima doesn't pretend to be anything more than a village of ryokan, dedicated to the pleasure-seeker.

Atami's Hot springs
Atami, Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, the city of Atami has one of the country's Three Great Hot Springs. Atami, which means hot sea in English, is a suitable name for an area dotted with hot springs (onsens).
The numerous mineral springs found throughout Japan have different mineral compositions. Locals believe Atami's mildly salty water promotes the healing of cuts, and reduces sensitivity to cold due to poor circulation.
The 12th century Seizaemo hot spring is one of the oldest in Japan, and it has been classified as important cultural asset along with other hot springs in Atami.
Atami's onsens have even been credited with near-miraculous cures.
Stone baths at Toujikan Soyokaze are somewhat unique. Mineral-rich water from the hot springs is sprayed onto the stones, providing what the hotel touts as double benefits.
Okayama Hot Springs
Yubara Hot Spring is located in the heart of the Chugoku Mountains. In this quiet resort visitors can hear the beautiful voices of Japanese river frogs. Under the Yubara Dam, constructed in 1955, lies the famous open air rotenburo bath which is fed by 56 degrees Celsius hot spring water. A bit deeper in the woods, Okutsu Hot Spring is a quiet retreat in a mountain valley. Its major feature is a traditional dance performed by women in local costume. Visitors to Okutsu may enjoy fishing. For those wishing more of a developed resort feeling, Yunogo Hot Spring may be the place. The Yoshino River is lined with both deluxe hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), and golf courses and other sports facilities are nearby.
Prologue Hot springs
Since Japan is a volcanic island; there are hot springs all over the country from north to south. There are roughly 150 hot springs with 14000 individual springs. These natural treasures have been used by many not only for medical treatment but also as a place to communicate with others and relax. Many cultural elements have sprung out just as the hot water from these springs. In recent years there springs have become a part of modern medical rehabilitation and recuperation.