Japan’s best luxury onsens off the tourist trail

When relaxation is your top priority, venture beyond the usual tourist routes to these under-the-radar onsens that offer privacy and beauty in spades

‘Relaxing’ and ‘crowds’: not two words you are likely to see together, especially when the subject is onsen bathing in Japan. Peace and quiet, seclusion and a beautiful natural setting are vital to the Japanese luxury onsen experience, which is why it pays to stray from the tourist hot spots when planning where you’ll enjoy this sacred tradition. Start by dipping your toe into these five lesser-known onsen destinations, each of which provide a distinctive and authentic immersion into the country’s spa culture.

Nishimuraya Honkan, Hyogo Prefecture

Located in the charming onsen town of Kinosaki in northern Hyogo, Nishimuraya Honkan is a renowned 150-year-old hot spring inn that exemplifies Japanese luxury. The ryokan’s traditional ‘Sukiya-zukuri’ architecture and meticulously maintained Japanese garden exude tranquility, with most rooms overlooking the private gardens.

Guests can enjoy private open-air baths in their rooms, and they also have complimentary access to Kinosaki’s famous seven hot springs.

Getting there

Nishimuraya Honkan is accessible via JR Kinosaki Onsen Station (Sanin Main Line), about 2.5 hours from JR Kyoto Station or 3 hours from JR Osaka Station by limited express train. A complimentary shuttle is available from the station.

Keishokan Sazanamitei, Hiroshima Prefecture

Set in the seaside town of Tomonoura, Keishokan Sazanamitei overlooks the serene Seto Inland Sea. Surrounded by lush woods and coastal views, this onsen retreat offers a peaceful escape from Hiroshima’s urban pace, reconnecting guests with nature.

Visitors can relax in the natural hot springs with views of the sea, wander through the quaint old town, and enjoy fresh seafood sourced from the local waters.

Getting there

Located at the southern edge of Fukuyama City, Keishokan Sazanamitei is about 60 minutes from Hiroshima Airport. For train travelers, take the Sanyo Shinkansen to JR Fukuyama Station (around 4.5 hours from Tokyo or 1 hour from Osaka) and book a free shuttle from the station in advance.

Tokachigawa Onsen Sanyoan, Hokkaido Prefecture

In Hokkaido’s Tokachi region, Tokachigawa Onsen is famed for its rare moor hot spring water, celebrated for its hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities. Tokachigawa Onsen Sanyoan, a heritage site, is a traditional inn with only 11 guestrooms, designed to create an intimate atmosphere.

Each room offers ample relaxation space, a private open-air bath crafted from Japanese cypress, and soothing ambient lighting by renowned designer Reiko Chikada. The onsen also hosts the annual Hakucho (Swan) Festival, featuring the Sairinka audiovisual light show from late January to late February.

Getting there

Tokachigawa Onsen Sanyoan is a 20-minute taxi ride from Obihiro Station (Nemuro Main Line), which is about 2 hours 20 minutes from New Chitose Airport or 2 hours 45 minutes from Sapporo Station by train.

Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura, Akita Prefecture

Kakunodate is famed for its preserved samurai-era buildings and streets lined with weeping cherry trees dating back to 1620. Just outside this historical town lies Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura, an exclusive retreat blending Japanese and Western design.

This onsen ryokan offers 10 private rooms, each with its own hot spring spa, as well as access to private open-air baths, massage treatments, a stargazing deck, and a kaiseki dining experience led by a Michelin-starred chef from Tokyo.

Getting there

Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura is a 15-minute drive from JR Kakunodate Station. A complimentary limousine service is available from the station, which is about 3 hours and 10 minutes from Tokyo via the Akita Shinkansen.