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5 Best Hot Springs Near Tokyo: Day Trip Onsen Guide for 2026

2026/02/06

• OnsenWellness
• AllYear
• Tokyo
• DayTrip
• Relaxation
• TravelGuide

Soaking in a natural hot spring is one of the most relaxing experiences in Japan—and you don’t need to travel far from Tokyo to enjoy it. Within just 1–2 hours, you can reach beautiful onsen towns, mountain retreats, and open-air baths with breathtaking views.

In 2026, more travelers are planning short “wellness day trips” from Tokyo—making nearby onsen towns an easy, memorable escape.
This guide focuses on spots you can realistically reach within about 1–2 hours, even if you’re short on time.

For more ideas on getting around the capital and nearby regions, visit our Tokyo Private Tour Guide.

Why visit a hot spring near Tokyo?

Hot springs near Tokyo offer a perfect mix of convenience, nature, and cultural charm. Many travelers choose day trips from Tokyo to enjoy:

• Relaxing Japanese hot springs with scenic mountain and forest views
• Easy access from Tokyo without long-distance travel
• Charming onsen towns filled with local food and traditional ryokans
• Variety: ocean-view baths, mountain onsen, volcanic springs, and more

Whether you’re looking to unwind after sightseeing or planning a winter hot springs escape, the Tokyo area offers endless options.

How to get to hot springs from Tokyo

Most onsen towns can be reached by train, highway bus, or car. However, visiting remote mountain onsen—or fitting multiple stops into one day—can be difficult with public transportation.
For the smoothest experience, many travelers choose a private tour from Tokyo, which eliminates transfers and lets you enjoy the day at your own pace.

For the smoothest travel, many visitors choose a private tour from Tokyo, which eliminates transfers and lets you enjoy sightseeing at your own pace.

The 5 Best Hot Springs Near Tokyo

Below are the most popular and relaxing Japanese hot springs located within 2 hours of Tokyo — ideal for first-timers and seasoned onsen lovers.

Hakone Onsen

Hakone is widely known as one of the best hot springs near Tokyo, loved for its mineral-rich waters, art museums, and beautiful mountain scenery. Many traditional ryokans offer open-air baths with Mt. Fuji views, making it one of the most popular choices for a Tokyo onsen day trip.

Why Hakone?

• Dozens of unique hot springs and historic bathhouses
• Museums, Lake Ashi sightseeing cruises, and ropeways
• Stunning in all seasons — especially magical as a winter hot springs escape

If you want to explore Hakone and the Mt. Fuji area comfortably, consider a private tour.
Our Mt. Fuji Private Tour is perfect for travelers who want to see the region’s iconic scenery, while the dedicated Hakone Private Tour offers a relaxed way to enjoy the area's hot springs, lake views, and cultural attractions at your own pace.

Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu is often ranked among Japan’s very best onsen towns, known for its strong, acidic waters that naturally flow at some of the hottest temperatures in the country. The iconic Yubatake hot water field creates a unique atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

Why Kusatsu?

• One of Japan’s most powerful mineral hot springs
• Traditional Yumomi performance
• Excellent choice for a snowy winter hot springs experience

Kusatsu is located in the mountains of Gunma, and accessing multiple spots in one day can be challenging.
If you prefer a smoother journey, the Gunma Private Tour offers convenient travel from Tokyo and lets you explore the town’s hot springs and scenic mountain views without transfers.

Ikaho Onsen

Ikaho Onsen is a nostalgic hot spring town famous for its long stone staircase and two types of healing waters — the iron-rich “golden water” and the milder “silver water.” It’s a relaxing mountain onsen destination with plenty of charm.

Why Ikaho?

• Quiet mountain setting
• Unique golden and silver hot springs
• Easy, relaxed day trip from Tokyo

Travelers who want to enjoy nature, hot springs, and leisurely sightseeing often combine Ikaho with nearby attractions.
For those starting in Tokyo, our Tokyo Private Tour Guide includes suggested routes and tips for building an itinerary that fits Ikaho and surrounding scenic spots.

Atami Onsen

Atami is one of the closest and most convenient hot springs near Tokyo, offering coastal scenery, ocean-view baths, and a warm climate year-round. It’s especially popular with travelers looking for a relaxing getaway with great food and sea views.

Why Atami?

• Beautiful ocean-view hot springs
• Fastest travel time from Tokyo
• Lots of seafood dining and easy sightseeing

Atami is ideal for travelers who want maximum relaxation with minimal travel time.
If you’re planning a broader coastal or Hakone-area trip, our Hakone Private Tour can also be customized to include Atami and nearby viewpoints.

Minakami Onsen

Set deep in the mountains of Gunma, Minakami is perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. The area offers riverside open-air baths, forests, and outdoor activities like rafting, canyoning, and skiing.

Why Minakami?

• Beautiful nature and river-view baths
• Seasonal activities: rafting in summer, snow in winter
• Ideal mountain onsen destination

For visitors who want to combine nature, hot springs, and a comfortable trip from Tokyo, the Tokyo Private Tour Guide can help you plan a personalized route that includes Minakami and nearby scenic areas.

Which Onsen Is Best for Your Tokyo Day Trip? (Quick Comparison)

• Hakone: scenery + museums, classic first-timer choice
• Kusatsu: strongest onsen town vibe, winter is amazing
• Ikaho: nostalgic stairs + calm atmosphere
• Atami: fastest access + ocean views
• Minakami: nature + outdoor activities

Best seasons for visiting hot springs

Although many travelers visit onsen during winter, hot springs near Tokyo are enjoyable all year:

• Winter: Snow-view hot springs, especially in Hakone & Kusatsu
• Spring: Cherry blossoms around the ryokans
• Summer: Cool mountain escapes
• Autumn: Brilliant foliage in Minakami and Ikaho

No matter the season, a Tokyo onsen day trip offers incredible relaxation.

Onsen etiquette for first-time visitors

Understanding onsen etiquette will help you enjoy Japanese hot springs comfortably:

• Rinse your body before entering the bath
• No swimwear allowed
• Keep towels out of the water
• Enter quietly and avoid splashing
• Tattoos may require using private baths

These simple rules ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Explore hot springs with a private tour

Want to enjoy a hot spring day trip without transfers, crowded trains, or timetable stress?
A private tour lets you relax from the moment you leave Tokyo—especially in winter or on busy weekends.

With door-to-door transportation, flexible schedules, and comfortable vehicles, you can focus on enjoying Japan’s onsen culture instead of managing logistics.
Whether you’re heading to Hakone, Mt. Fuji, or Gunma’s famous hot spring towns, a private tour makes your onsen escape smooth, calm, and truly relaxing.