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Best Winter Hot Springs in Japan: Top Onsen to Visit in 2025–2026

2025/11/20

• OnsenWellness
• Winter
• AllJapan
• HotSpringsJapan
• WinterActivities
• SnowyOnsen

Japan’s winter is the perfect season to experience one of the country’s greatest traditions: relaxing in natural hot springs surrounded by snow. Whether you’re looking for quiet mountain retreats or famous onsen towns with rich history, Japan offers unforgettable winter escapes that combine warmth, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

This guide introduces the best winter hot springs in Japan, plus tips on how to travel, what to expect, and how to enjoy an authentic onsen experience.

Why Winter is the Best Time for Hot Springs in Japan

Winter transforms Japan’s hot spring towns into peaceful, postcard-like landscapes. Snow-covered rooftops, steaming baths, and quiet streets create the ideal environment for relaxation.

Here’s why winter onsen trips are so special:

• Snow-view outdoor baths (rotenburo)—Japan’s most iconic winter experience
• Clear air and colder temperatures make hot springs feel even better
• Seasonal food such as nabe, wagyu, and winter seafood
• Fewer insects, fewer crowds, and a deeper sense of calm

For many travelers, winter onsen visits become the highlight of their Japan trip.

How to Travel to Onsen Areas in Winter

Popular hot spring towns are located in mountain regions, making winter travel more challenging. Roads may be icy, buses run less frequently, and routes often require multiple transfers.

Many travelers prefer door-to-door travel to avoid:

• Carrying luggage through snow
• Navigating unfamiliar train systems
• Waiting for buses in cold weather

For comfortable, safe winter travel, consider options like Japan Private Tours or Japan Charter Bus Rentals. Both offer custom routes, English support, and flexible pickup anywhere—ideal for families and groups.

Best Winter Hot Springs in Japan(Top 5)

1Noboribetsu Onsen(Hokkaido)

Noboribetsu Onsen is famous for its volcanic landscape, dramatic steam vents, and highly mineralized waters. The surrounding snow-covered Hell Valley (Jigokudani) creates one of the most spectacular winter scenes in Japan.

Why visit in winter?

• Powerful mineral springs perfect for cold weather
• Snowy landscapes unlike anywhere else in Japan
• Easy access from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport

Great for: First-time onsen travelers, families, winter lovers

2Kusatsu Onsen(Gunma)

Frequently ranked among Japan’s top onsen, Kusatsu is known for its strong acidic waters and the iconic Yubatake, a steaming hot-water field in the heart of town.

Why visit in winter?

• Town looks magical under snow
• Outdoor baths are especially refreshing in cold air
• Traditional performances like yumomi (stirring hot water)

Great for: Tokyo day trips, couples, culture lovers

3Hakone Onsen(Kanagawa)

Just an hour from Tokyo, Hakone offers stunning mountain scenery and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji views from open-air baths. In winter, the mountain air becomes crisp and perfect for long soaks.

Why visit in winter?

• One of the easiest onsen towns to access from Tokyo
• Many ryokan offer private rotenburo
• Hot springs feel better in colder weather

For travelers who want a seamless visit, explore the Hakone Private Tour.

Great for: Families, photographers, first-time visitors

4Ginzan Onsen(Yamagata)

Ginzan Onsen is Japan’s most photogenic winter hot spring town. Gas-lit streets, wooden ryokan, and heavy snowfall create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere that feels like stepping into the early 1900s.

Why visit in winter?

• Fairy-tale snow views
• Unique historical townscape
• Limited ryokan → book early

Great for: Couples, honeymoon trips, photographers

5Beppu & Yufuin(Oita)

In Kyushu, winter brings cool air but milder weather than northern Japan—perfect for visitors who want the winter onsen experience without extreme cold.

Why visit in winter?

• Dramatic steam rising across the town
• Variety of hot springs (mud baths, sand baths, etc.)
• Trendy cafés and walkable streets in Yufuin

Great for: Foodies, families, seniors

What is “Rotenburo”?

The word rotenburo refers to a traditional open-air hot spring bath—usually surrounded by nature, wooden decks, or stone gardens.

The best English explanations for American readers are:

• “outdoor mineral hot spring bath”
• “snow-view outdoor bath”
• “open-air volcanic hot spring”

Rotenburo experiences are must-do during the winter season.

Onsen Etiquette for First-Time Visitors

Japanese hot springs follow long-standing cultural rules. Here are the essentials:

• Wash thoroughly before entering
• Enter quietly—no splashing, no running
• No swimsuits (except in rare mixed baths)
• Towels stay out of the water
• Photography is not allowed
• Tattoos may be restricted(check in advance)
• Long hair should be tied up

Following these rules ensures a comfortable and respectful experience.
Experience hot springs in Japan

Travel Comfortably with a Private Tour

Winter is the perfect time to experience Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns. Whether you’re soaking outdoors under falling snow, exploring historic ryokan streets, or enjoying seasonal cuisine, Japan’s winter onsens offer warmth, culture, and scenery you’ll never forget.

Use this guide to plan your ideal winter escape—and consider a private tour or charter vehicle for the safest, smoothest, and most enjoyable way to explore Japan’s best winter hot springs.