A hot-spring town may contain dozens of baths, so a town name alone is not enough for planning. This guide names one reliable day-use facility in each area and lists the actual entrance fee, address, access and closure pattern.
Prices and operating dates can change because of snow, maintenance, peak dates or special events. Check the linked official site before departure.
Quick comparison
| Name | Best for / character | Address | Access | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noboribetsu Onsen: Dai-ichi Takimotokan | Large bath with several spring types; scheduled closure 5–15 Apr 2027 | 55 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido | About 15 minutes by bus from JR Noboribetsu Station | Adult ¥2,500, child ¥1,500; reception 9:00–18:00 |
| Kusatsu Onsen: Ohtakinoyu | Powerful acidic water and traditional cooling-bath method; maintenance closures only | 596-13 Kusatsu, Kusatsu, Agatsuma, Gunma | About 12 minutes on foot from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal | Adult ¥1,200, child ¥600; 9:00–21:00 |
| Hakone Yuryo | Woodland open-air baths near Tokyo; date-based pricing | 4 Tonosawa, Hakone, Ashigarashimo, Kanagawa | Free shuttle, about 3 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station | Adult weekday ¥1,700–1,800; weekends/holidays ¥2,000–2,200 |
| Gero Onsen: Kua Garden Open-Air Bath | Easy open-air introduction to Gero water | 894-2 Yunoshima, Gero, Gifu | About 12 minutes on foot from JR Gero Station | Adult ¥800, primary student ¥400; 8:00–20:45; closed Thu |
| Arima Onsen: Kin no Yu | Iron-rich golden water; closed 2nd/4th Tue and Jan 1 | 833 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo | About 5 minutes on foot from Arima Onsen Station | Adult ¥800 (ordinary weekdays ¥650), child ¥340; 8:00–22:00 |
| Dogo Onsen Honkan | Historic architecture; upstairs packages cost more | 5-6 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime | About 5 minutes on foot from Dogo Onsen Station | Kami-no-Yu 1F adult ¥700, child ¥350; 6:00–23:00 |
| Beppu Onsen: Takegawara Onsen | Public-bath culture and sand bathing; closed 3rd Wed | 16-23 Motomachi, Beppu, Oita | About 10 minutes on foot from JR Beppu Station | Ordinary bath adult ¥300, child ¥100; sand bath ¥1,500 |
How to choose
Choose Kusatsu for powerful acidic water, Hakone for an easy Tokyo-side retreat, Gero or Arima for a walkable hot-spring town, Dogo for architecture, Beppu for public-bath culture and sand bathing, and Noboribetsu for multiple spring types. Tattoos, towels, age limits and private-bath rules differ by facility.
Practical tips
- Wash before entering and keep the small towel out of the water.
- Do not wear swimwear unless required; tie up long hair.
- Hydrate before and after. Avoid bathing while intoxicated or against medical advice.
Official sources and date checked
Information checked on 30 August 2026.