Onsen by region.
Japan's onsen culture varies sharply by region — from the volcanic north of Hokkaido to the geothermal heart of Kyushu. Browse by the eight traditional regions, each gathering its prefectures.
Japan's northernmost island — volcanic, deep-snow country with famous onsen towns like Noboribetsu and Jozankei.
The north of Honshu, where historic hot-spring hamlets such as Nyuto and Ginzan sit in some of the country’s heaviest snow.
The Greater Tokyo region — day-trip onsen like Hakone and Kusatsu are within easy reach of the capital.
Central Honshu, spanning the Japan Alps to the Pacific coast, with the onsen of Nagano, Gifu, and Shizuoka.
Western Honshu around Osaka and Kyoto — home to Arima, one of Japan’s oldest recorded hot springs.
The western tip of Honshu, along the San’in and San’yo coasts.
The smallest of the main islands, home to Dogo Onsen — often called Japan’s oldest.
The southern islands and Japan’s most geothermally active onsen region, anchored by Beppu and Yufuin.