Japan · SPA & HOT SPRINGS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 onsen & hot spring days worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Visit Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, Arima Onsen, and Mt. Rokko on a value-packed 10-hour day tour from Osaka.
“Gary was really funny and treated us very well on our trip. He was very knowledgeable about the history behind the castle, and was very accommodating during the trip. We had a wonderful time.”
See Nara’s deer, Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Uji’s matcha streets, and a hot spring on a practical 10-hour day trip from Osaka.
“The tour gives you enough time to explore Nara and Uji. Tour Guide Liao was a great and friendly”
Escape Tokyo for a private Fuji and Hakone day trip with lake views, shrine walks, an outdoor museum, and a tattoo-friendly onsen.
“A brilliant day trip from the city. Quickly out into the beauty of the areas surrounding Hakone, it was a welcomed and relaxing reprieve from the bustle of the city. Elie knows all the best spots to stop for a photo and a bit of history. The old tea house, shrines, and onsen made for an informative and immersive experience. I highly recommend.”
See Mt. Fuji from the 5th Station, visit Oshino Hakkai, and soak in a mountain-view onsen on this practical Tokyo day trip.
“Standing at Fuji's 5th Station and seeing the mountain up close was so worth the cold winter wind — the views of Mt. Fuji from there were breathtaking. The hot spring afterwards warmed me right up, and the matcha served with the onsen was the perfect finish.”
See Mount Aso’s smoking crater, ride across Kusasenri, visit Aso Shrine, and enjoy Kurokawa Onsen on a full-day trip from Fukuoka.
“the weather didn't allow half the iteniary, we arrived to a mountain which you couldn't see two steps a head of you, so I just sat down for lunch, other stop in the iteniary was cancelled because of poor weather, the aso shrine was interesting and the kurokawa onsen was alright, but that the only thing I've experienced, on the bright side the guide Seki was really good and professional, I was the only guy on tour who spoke English, so after explaining everything for the other tour members in Chinese, she explained and translated everything for me personally in English”
See Nagano’s snow monkeys, Zenko-ji, Obuse, sake, and Hokusai with a private guide on an efficient 8-hour day tour.
“Our tour guide was Hori and he was absolutely fantastic! His knowledge of the area and history behind everything was great. Our experience was so much fun. The hike was icy when we went in March so I definitely recommend having gooRead more”
Escape central Tokyo for Mt. Takao views, monkeys, ramen, shrines, and a tattoo-friendly hot spring with guide Jordan.
“Thank you Jordan for a great day, loved all of it!”
See Jigokudani’s wild snow monkeys, walk historic Shibu Onsen, and visit a sake brewery on a practical half-day tour from Iiyama or Nozawa.
“We did the snow monkey tour, with a stop at a sake brewery and a few other stops. Tommy our guide was great. Very informative and fun.”
![[Seasonal Limited] Mt. Fuji 5th Station &Hot Spring Day Tour - Reaching the 5th Station at 2,300 meters](https://media3.thejapanesetraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/seasonal-limited-mt-fuji-5th-station-hot-spring-day-tour.jpg)
Visit Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, Oshino Hakkai, and a Fuji-viewing onsen on a practical day trip from Tokyo.
“The tour was well-organized from start to finish: the bus was comfortable and on time, the guide was friendly and helpful, and the schedule balanced sightseeing and relaxation perfectly. I’d definitely recommend this tour to anyone wanting to experience the best of Mt. Fuji and a classic Japanese hot spring day!”
Soak in natural hot springs, explore a rooftop garden, and enjoy Osaka's ryokan-style atmosphere at Solaniwa Onsen for $14.
“Love this family friendly onsen. Couldn’t work out how to get the lunch that we bought with our ticket and ended up having to purchase it again but overall we still would recommend the experience.”
Hike sacred Mount Kurama from Kyoto, visit Kibune and Kurama temples, then unwind at a mountain hot spring with an expert local guide.
“We had a tremendous day with Phillippe, who's deep knowledge of the area and Japanese culture made this hike and temple visit one of the highlights of our holiday. Highly recommended!”
See Aso’s smoking volcano, Kamishikimi Shrine, and Kurokawa Onsen on a long but rewarding Kyushu day tour from Fukuoka.
“Amazing trip. Excellent guide and well Organized. Places we have visited were indeed the highlights of our trip. Strongly recommend”
Explore Beppu’s back streets, bamboo craft, artist studios, local market, and a century-old house on this small-group cultural walk.
“Fascinating walk through back streets of Beppu and the bamboo factory is not too be missed. Very knowledgeable tour guide Lou.”
See Nagano’s snow monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple, and local sake on an 8 to 9-hour winter tour from Nozawa Onsen.
“A really enjoyable, fun family experience with a great guide. The walk is icy but beautiful, and the monkeys are special, particularly for the kids. The afternoon was relaxed and fascinating.”
Hike Hakone’s caldera rim with Fuji views, a local lunch, and onsen soak. A demanding 8 to 9 km walk for fit hikers.
“This was a great day's hike. Good views and a very interesting and patient guide. I think it's best for active families or individuals and there is uneven terrain but it was delightful day. We are glad we did the hike even though it was foggy and we couldn't see Fuji.”
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