Other hot spring towns to visit this winter (not

So you won’t be able to book the famous Ginzan Hot Spring this winter. This is probably the case for most of us. The reason why Ginzan Onsen is so popular, especially in winter, is its spectacular snowfall scene hostel (traditional Japanese inn) spanning both sides of the river, and a bright red bridge reminiscent of Studio Ghibli Spirited Away.

Thankfully, Japan has a lot of charming hot spring towns to choose from, and many of them won’t be as crowded as Ginzan. From retro towns to snowy wonderlands, explore the less crowded places beyond Ginzan Hot Springs.

Kinosaki Onsen: Retro Riverside Town

Kinosaki Onsen is located in Hyogo Prefecture and is a retro riverside town with a “hot spring hopping” culture. Here are seven tattoo-friendly public bathhouses, each with its own unique atmosphere and character. The bathhouse is located along a tranquil canal, with quaint bridges and traditional ryokans to wander around. The town looks magical when the river and traditional houses are covered in snow. The lanterns along the roadside also gave off a magical light.

Visitors can purchase a pass to enter all bathhouses, giving them the opportunity to soak in different types of water throughout the day. The most popular of these is Gosho-no-yu, known for its spectacular wooden architecture modeled after the Imperial Palace in Kyoto.

How to get to Kinosaki Onsen

To get to Kinosaki Onsen, you can take the JR limited express from Kyoto, Osaka, Sannomiya, and Himeji to Kinosaki Onsen Station. If you’re already exploring the Kansai region, Kinosaki is a great stop on your itinerary.

Shuzenji Hot Spring: Spring of the Soul

Shuzenji Onsen is located in the heart of the Izu Peninsula and has fascinating connections to the region’s religious history. The town itself is named after Shuzenji Temple in its center and has a long association with the famous Japanese monk Kukai (known posthumously as Kobo Daishi) who founded the temple 1,200 years ago. The town retains the traditional charm of beautiful ryokans, many of which have their own private hot springs.

Sometimes called Izu’s “Little Kyoto,” Shuzenji Onsen also has beautiful riverside trails and iconic red bridges worth exploring. The picturesque setting also makes it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Since Shuzenji is close to Tokyo, it’s perfect for a day trip.

How to get to Shuzenji Onsen

Shuzenji Onsen is easily accessible by taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Mishima Station and then a 30-minute train ride. Additionally, Shuzenji Temple is a short train ride away from Izu Arakawa Station, offering beautiful scenery along the way.

Wading Onsen: Experience history through architecture

Shibu Onsen in Nagano Prefecture is a historic hot spring town located near the famous ski resort Shiga Kogen. Shibu Onsen is unique for its historic ryokans and nine public baths, some of which have been in operation for hundreds of years. The area is like a page from a history book, with narrow streets, traditional ryokans and wooden bathhouses.

A dip in each of the nine baths is said to bring good luck, but all but Okuyu – the ninth and largest – are open only to overnight guests. Shibu Onsen is located near Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild monkeys also enjoy the hot springs.

How to get to Shibu Onsen

To get to Shibu Onsen, visitors can take a train from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station. From there, it’s a quick bus or taxi ride to Shibaku Onsen.

Gero Onsen: one of the three major hot springs in Japan

Gero Onsen is located in Gifu Prefecture between Nagoya and Takayama. It is one of the three major hot spring towns in Japan. Known for its high-quality water and first-class hot spring resorts, Gero Onsen is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience traditional hot spring culture in a vibrant environment.

Gero Onsen has a central river running through it and is home to dozens of inns and public baths. Most visitors choose to stay at one of the hotels to get the full hot spring experience, but purchasing one Dream executioner shape Grants you access to three participating springs. While strolling through the scenic town, guests can dip their feet in one of the many foot baths.

How to get to Gero Onsen

To get to Gero Onsen, you can take the JR Hida Limited Express from Nagoya Station, which takes about 90 minutes, or the Limited Express from Takayama, which takes about 1 hour. There are also buses from Nagoya and Takayama.

Yunishikawa Onsen: Festival of Light

Located in Tochigi Prefecture, Yunishikawa Onsen is a relatively remote small hot spring town famous for its hot springs. Kamakura (Igloo) Festival is held around February. Thousands of colored lights illuminate the Yunishigawa River, adding a magical glow to the town. The hot springs here are also known for their secluded and peaceful nature, often surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Yunishikawa Onsen receives considerable snowfall each year, blending the hot spring experience with the town’s winter festivities. In addition to hot springs, visitors can also enjoy traditional inns and Heike Satoan open-air museum that offers a glimpse into the livelihoods of the villagers who once inhabited the area.

How to get to Yunishikawa Onsen

To get to Yunishikawa Onsen, you can take a bus or train from Kinugawa Onsen Station. Yunishikawa Onsen Station is located inside the tunnel. There are even public bathrooms in the station building.

Shiwan Hot Spring: a quaint mountain resort

When it comes to hot springs in Gunma Prefecture, most people will think of Kusatsu, but Shima, a quaint hot spring town located in the mountains in the northwest of Gunma Prefecture, is worth mentioning. Its appeal lies in the area’s surrounding lush forests, rivers and mountain vistas, as well as the abundant spring water from 40 separate sources scattered throughout the town. Several historic ryokans, public baths, footbaths, and an iconic red bridge span the Shima River Valley, yet the area retains a small-town feel.

Shiman Onsen is famous for its sulfur water and is called “Shiman Healing Hot Spring” due to its healing properties. Healing hot springs and historic buildings tucked into the mountains create a majestic yet soothing resort.

How to get to Shiman Onsen

Shiman Onsen can be reached by bus from Nakanojo Station. To get to Nakanojo Station from Tokyo, you can take a train or Shinkansen. besides road bus From Tokyo to Shiman Onsen. Driving may also be a good option.

Tips for planning a winter hot spring trip

When planning a winter spa vacation, there are several factors that must be considered to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. First, be sure to check the weather forecast; hot spring towns in the snow are especially beautiful, but may not be easy to get to due to conditions. If you plan to visit a more remote hot spring town like Yunishikawa, make sure transportation is reliable and convenient.

Additionally, many spa towns host seasonal events, such as festivals or special winter light displays. Be sure to check the local events calendar and book your accommodation early, as winter is a popular season for hot spring travel.

Finally, while soaking in hot springs, please remember to respect local hot spring etiquette. Please wash yourself thoroughly before bathing and avoid talking loudly.

Enjoy a winter hot spring trip and immerse yourself in Japan’s relaxing and rejuvenating hot spring culture.

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