If you're looking for a relaxing escape from Tokyo, visiting hot springs nearby is the perfect getaway. Just a short trip from Tokyo, these top-rated hot springs offer natural mineral waters and beautiful scenery. Whether you're planning a day trip or an overnight stay, these onsen spots near Tokyo provide the ultimate relaxation experience.
1Atami Onsen, Shizuoka – Relaxing Hot Springs Just Outside Tokyo
Atami Onsen, Shizuoka
Atami Onsen, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of the best hot springs near Tokyo with a history dating back to 713 AD. This renowned onsen near Tokyo is famously known for serving Tokugawa Ieyasu, the legendary military leader who established the Edo samurai era (1603–1867), as a therapeutic retreat.
The spring water at Atami Onsen is mildly alkaline, making it gentle and beneficial for your skin. This soft water is especially popular among women, as it helps protect the skin with its natural salt content. The hot springs are also reputed to ease symptoms of cold sensitivity and neuralgia.
Atami boasts a rich volume of natural hot spring water, estimated at 16,600 liters per minute, with multiple geysers erupting throughout the city. Seven of these famous springs, collectively called Atami Shichiyu, are popular spots to experience authentic Japanese bathing culture.
Scenic Drive from Tokyo to Atami Onsen
Traveling by car from Tokyo to Atami Onsen offers breathtaking views along the way, making your day trip from Tokyo to hot springs even more memorable:
Urban cityscapes transitioning to coastal scenery along Sagami Bay
Stunning mountain and ocean views of the Manazuru Peninsula
Beautiful natural landscapes of Hakone if you take a scenic route
Iconic views of Mount Fuji from the Ashigara Service Area
Picturesque streets and coastal views of the Atami Onsen town
On clear days, the combination of the ocean and Mount Fuji views is truly spectacular, adding to the allure of this Tokyo hot springs destination.
2Hakone Onsen, Kanagawa – Popular Onsen Resort Within Easy Reach of Tokyo
Hakone Onsen, Kanagawa
For centuries, Hakone Onsen in Kanagawa Prefecture has been one of the most popular hot springs near Tokyo. Today, the region boasts over a dozen natural springs supplying water to numerous bathhouses and traditional ryokans throughout Hakone.
The most famous hot spring in the area is Yumoto Onsen, located near Odawara, known for its long history and high-quality spring water. Beyond Yumoto, the scenic hills and valleys of Hakone, as well as the shores of Lake Ashi, feature many more hot spring facilities waiting to be explored.
Visitors can enjoy relaxing baths at public bathhouses or ryokans. While guests staying at ryokans have free access to the baths, day visitors can also experience the onsen by paying an admission fee ranging from 500 to 2000 yen.
The drive from Tokyo to Hakone Onsen takes about 2 hours by car.
Scenic Drive from Tokyo to Hakone Onsen
The journey by car from Tokyo to Hakone offers stunning views, making this a memorable day trip from Tokyo hot springs:
Tokyo skyline and Tokyo Bay views immediately after departure from the city center
Passing over the Tama River and into lush suburban landscapes with greenery and rolling hills
Approaching western Kanagawa, enjoy the majestic Tanzawa Mountain Range, showcasing Japan’s natural beauty
Depending on your route, catch distant views of Sagami Bay’s coastline, where the contrast between sea and mountains is striking
Nearing Hakone, experience the charming mountain roads, valleys, and traditional onsen town atmosphere
This scenic route perfectly complements your visit to one of the most iconic Tokyo hot springs destinations.
3Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma – Famous Hot Springs with High Acidity Near Tokyo
Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma
One of Japan's most renowned hot spring resorts, Kusatsu Onsen, is famous for its high-quality, highly acidic hot spring water believed to have powerful healing properties. Located in the mountainous region of Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu has been cherished for centuries.
In the late 1800s, German doctor Erwin von Baelz further popularized Kusatsu by endorsing its water for therapeutic benefits. Situated approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, Kusatsu offers not only relaxing hot springs but also skiing and hiking opportunities during winter and summer seasons.
Scenic Drive from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen
The approximately 3-hour drive from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen offers stunning views along the way:
Expansive Kanto Plain landscapes as you leave Tokyo
Approaching Gunma’s mountainous terrain, lush green valleys and forests appear
Beautiful views of notable peaks such as Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna, especially breathtaking on clear days
The picturesque Agatsuma Gorge, visible from national and surrounding roads, showcasing seasonal natural beauty
Finally, the charming and historic streets of Kusatsu Onsen town, filled with bubbling steam and traditional architecture
This scenic route perfectly complements your visit to one of the most iconic Tokyo hot springs destinations.
4Ikaho Onsen, Gunma – Charming Stone Steps Hot Springs Close to Tokyo
Ikaho Onsen, Gunma
Ikaho Onsen is one of the best hot springs near Tokyo, nestled on the eastern slopes of Mount Haruna in Gunma Prefecture. Along with Kusatsu, Minakami, and Shima, it is considered one of Gunma’s top four hot spring resorts, famous for its unique reddish-brown iron-rich thermal waters.
The heart of Ikaho is its iconic 300-meter-long stone staircase, lined with traditional ryokan inns, nostalgic game arcades, and quaint shops. This area captures the atmosphere of the Showa Period (1926–1989), making it feel like a step back in time. If you're seeking a retro onsen near Tokyo, Ikaho is an excellent choice.
The drive from Tokyo to Ikaho Onsen takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by car.
Scenic Drive from Tokyo to Ikaho Onsen
The route from Tokyo to Ikaho is more than just a road trip—it's a scenic journey through some of Kanto’s most charming landscapes, making it a top choice for day trips from Tokyo hot springs lovers.
Transition from Urban to Rural Japan: Witness the transformation from Tokyo's soaring skyscrapers to the peaceful countryside. The journey begins in the bustling metropolis and gradually shifts to suburban homes, then to rice fields and open landscapes.
The Vast Kanto Plains: Driving through Saitama and Gunma, you'll enjoy sweeping views of flat farmlands and serene rural settings, offering a relaxing prelude to your onsen experience.
Majestic Mountains: As you approach Gunma, the dramatic ridgelines of Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna dominate the view. Their lush forests and towering presence create a truly picturesque setting.
Each season paints this route in a different light—spring brings fresh greenery, while autumn offers spectacular foliage, making Ikaho one of the most visually rewarding Tokyo hot springs destinations.
5Kinugawa Onsen, Tochigi – Relaxing Hot Springs with Scenic River Views Near Tokyo
Kinugawa Onsen, Tochigi
Kinugawa Onsen is one of the best hot springs near Tokyo, located along the scenic Kinugawa River in Tochigi Prefecture. This tranquil resort town is ideal for those seeking both relaxation and fun during a short getaway from the capital.
The heart of Kinugawa Onsen lies in its large riverside Ryokan hotels, where you can soak in open-air baths while enjoying views of the mountains and river below. The town also offers popular attractions like Tobu World Square and Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, making it one of the most well-rounded day trips from Tokyo hot springs.
While the area has seen major development over the past decades, including large hotel complexes, some of these have since closed—leaving behind a mix of modernity and nostalgia along the riverbank. Still, the town retains its charm as a Tokyo hot springs destination.
Kinugawa Onsen is included in the Nikko Free Travel Zone, making it easily accessible if you’re already planning a visit to Nikko. Whether you're exploring ancient shrines or hiking through national parks, staying overnight at Kinugawa Onsen is a perfect way to unwind and enjoy one of the hot springs near Tokyo.
It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Tokyo to Kinugawa Onsen.
Scenic Drive from Tokyo to Kinugawa Onsen
Driving from Tokyo to Kinugawa Onsen isn’t just convenient—it’s also visually rewarding, as the landscape transforms dramatically along the way. Here’s what to expect on this relaxing route to one of the best onsen near Tokyo:
Urban Tokyo Skyline
Start your journey amid Tokyo’s towering skyscrapers and bustling expressways. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of the Tokyo Skytree.
Peaceful Countryside of Saitama and Tochigi
As you leave the city behind, the scenery shifts to quiet farmlands and rural towns. Rolling hills and open fields stretch out on either side, offering a peaceful contrast to the city.
Majestic Nikko Mountains
After passing through Utsunomiya, the view opens up to the Nikko mountain range, including peaks like Mount Nantai and Mount Nyohō. This area marks the beginning of a more dramatic natural landscape.
If you're planning to visit Kinugawa Onsen in Tochigi, we also recommend combining it with a sightseeing tour of Nikko! The area is rich in culture, history, and stunning nature, making it one of the best day trips from Tokyo hot springs.
To Enjoy the Best Hot Springs Near Tokyo, Use CBL’s Private Sightseeing Taxi Service
Charter Bus & Limousine Japan
Exploring hot springs near Tokyo is one of the most relaxing and culturally enriching activities you can experience during your Japan trip. Many of the best onsen in the Kanto area are located just a short drive away from the city, making them perfect for both overnight stays and day trips from Tokyo.
Whether you’re visiting Tokyo hot springs for the first time or you're a repeat traveler seeking new hidden gems, we highly recommend booking a sightseeing taxi with [Charter Bus & Limousine Japan].
Taking a hot spring trip with CBL means you can sit back, relax, and soak in Japan’s natural beauty—literally.
Have fun exploring the best hot springs near Tokyo with us!
