onsens and ryokans of japan

Japanese onsens and ryokans have long been a popular attraction for travelers. They not only give travelers the chance to experience a big part of Japanese culture, but they also adds an element of luxury to the trip. What are these places, you ask? Ah, let us explain!

For the most part, an onsen is any hot spring in Japan. That could mean a municipal public bath, or it could be a private bathing area inside a hotel or inn. There are other Japanese baths/spas, but what distinguishes an onsen from an ordinary bath is that it is fed by a natural hot spring. Also, you can’t overnight at an onsen.

To contrast a ryokan is a traditional Japanese type of lodging or hotel, where you’ll sleep on tatami mats for sleeping. Most ryokans also feature communal baths, which may or may not be fed by hot springs.

One caveat for folks who are inked, though—because traditionalists in Japan connote tattoos with organized crime, there are some onsens that will reject people with tattoos from taking an onsen. That’s starting to change, however. And even in places where there are restrictions, sometimes you can get around it by covering your tattoo with a bandage. Or, if that’s not possible, some places offer private onsens, where you won’t run the risk of offending anyone.

If you’d like to experience a traditional ryokan or onsen, we can make that happen for you! Here are a few of the top places in Japan to enjoy the experience.

Hakone

Only one hour by train from Tokyo, Hakone is an Onsen spa resort located in the center of the the Kanagawa Prefecture, close to Japan's highest mountain, Mt. Fuji. With more than one hundred accommodations, abundant hot springs, beautiful nature and world-class art museums, Hakone Onsen is a must-visit place.

Kinosaki

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Tourists staying in the ryokans in Kinosaki can receive a free pass to all 7 onsens, which openly accept people with tattoos! Due to the close vicinity of the onsens, it is common for tourists to walk around in their yukata (a light, cotton kimono) to save them having to change into their own clothes. Guests can enjoy taking a relaxing walk around and visiting each onsen one after the other.

Kusatsu

Located in Gunma Prefecture, Kusastsu Onsen is consistently voted as the #1 Onsen in Japan. The onsen water at this city has the strong scent of sulfur, and for that reason, it is recommended to help with skin diseases, diabetes and more.

So what do you say? Ready to visit Japan? We’re ready to send you there! Just drop us a line and let us know when you’d like to go!