8 Modern Japanese Onsen Hotels with Traditional Outdoor Hot Springs

With over 27,000 hot spring sources scattered around the country, it's no wonder why onsens play such a major role in Japanese culture and tradition. The word "onsen" means "hot spring" and taking a soak in these natural, mineral-infused bathtubs comes with a number of healing properties for both the body and mind.

Although the use of onsens started all the way back in the 6th century, the practice is still going strong today. Japan's many famous onsen towns, including Kusatsu and Beppu, still beckon loads of tourists year-round with their healing hot springs. 

But one of the best parts of travelling in Japan, is that you can take advantage of the country's many onsen hotels. That way, no matter where you stay, you can get your daily onsen fix without contending with the crowds.

If you're curious about staying in some onsen hotels during your travels in Japan, here's everything you need to know about the health benefits and etiquette, as well as some recommendations of Japanese onsen hotels that feature traditionally-inspired outdoor onsens.

Nudity: Japan's onsen culture requires visitors to be completely nude. This means no clothing or bathing suits. If you're shy about being in the buff in public, consider it a cultural experience or try to find a private onsen. While some western hotels may relax this rule, nudity is still the traditional way to onsen when in Japan.

Wash up: Generally, you will leave your clothes in the changing room and thoroughly wash your body with soap before dipping into the water. This helps to keep the natural water clean.

Wash cloth: You'll be given a washcloth to cover your private areas while you walk from the bathing station to the onsen. This towel should never touch the onsen water. 

Long hair: If you have long hair, you should tie it up. This is another rule to keep the water as clean as possible.

Tattoos: In Japan, tattoos are associated with mafia members. Traditionally, anyone with tattoos was not welcome into an onsen. This cultural custom is still strong today. However, some onsen hotels in Japan will allow guests with tattoos to use the onsen. You may be asked to cover them up. 

Be respectful: The onsen experience is supposed to be a relaxing one not a social one, so just sit back, relax, and let the healing waters do their thing.

Relieve joint and muscle pain: The heat from the water helps to reduce pain in the joints and muscles by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation. Even a short soak can help ease your aching muscles after a long day of hiking, skiing, or walking.  

Increase blood circulation: The minerals found in hot spring waters get absorbed into the skin and can actually help increase blood flow and blood oxygen levels. 

Improve skin health: The mineral-rich hot spring waters are believed to do wonders for skin health – from detoxifying and moisturising to helping improve skin conditions like acne and eczema. 

Reduce stress: The hot, mineral-rich waters help relieve muscle tension, while the tranquil hot spring setting promotes relaxation and stress reduction. Daily onsen use is especially helpful on hectic travel days. 

Aids sleep: With the reduction of stress and muscle tension comes a deeper, more restful night's sleep, another huge perk of staying at onsen hotels during your travels. A simple soak is a lovely way to unwind before bed.

What we love: Flanked by the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Mercure Kochi Tosa Resort & Spa is the ideal place to soak in Kochi's natural beauty. This is a place where tradition meets modernity, both in design and amenities.

When you’re not enjoying the views from your Japanese-inspired rooms or the oceanfront pool, head down to the resort's rock-studded outdoor hot spring, which was designed to emulate the landscapes of Kochi's famous Katsurahama Beach and Cape Muroto. There's nothing more relaxing than soaking under the sun or stars from the comfort of this picturesque hot spring. 

Address: Nishibun, Geiseimura Akigun, 2995 Ko, Kochi 781-5703, Japan

What we love: Tucked away in Urabandai on the outskirts of Bandai-Asahi National Park, Mercure Urabandai Resort & Spa is one of the best onsen hotels in Japan for anyone dreaming of getting out in nature.

Depending on the season, you can spend your days hiking in the forest, skiing on the mountains, or paddling around the lakes.

When you're ready to relax, seek out the resort's picture-perfect natural hot spring, where you can sit back and relax surrounded by rocks, trees, and a shroud of steam. After that, take advantage of the hotel's indoor onsen and sauna.

Address: Oazahibara Kitashiobaramura, 1093-309 Aza Kengamine, Yama District, Fukushima 969-2701, Japan

What we love: Mercure Toyama Tonami Resort & Spa is all about offering relaxation at an affordable price. When you're not skiing at one of the many mountain resorts or seeing the area's famous tulips bloom in the spring, you can spend time each day alternating between the rocky outdoor onsen and the indoor bath.

Address: Yasukawa, 330 Tenno, Tonami, Toyama 939-1438, Japan

What we love: When it comes to unique onsen hotels in Japan that offer a local experience, Mercure Tottori Daisen Resort & Spa is a very cool option. You'll find this gem of a resort at the base of the towering Mount Daisen.

You'll get to alternate between the main outdoor hot spring and the oversized "pot baths" where you can soak all by yourself. There's also an indoor onsen, a steamy sauna, and a tranquil Onsen Lounge with refreshments. 

Address: Houki Cho, 1647-13 Maruyama, Saihaku District, Tottori 689-4108, Japan

What we love: What makes the onsen at Mercure Wakayama Kushimoto Resort & Spa so magical is that this rocky oasis overlooks the famous Hashigui-Iwa Rocks, Kii Oshima, and the Pacific Ocean.

The coastal town of Kushimoto is also known as one of the top "100 best sunrise spots in Japan". So you'll definitely want to wake up early at least once to enjoy an early morning soak and a spectacular sunrise show before hitting up a few of the area's amazing beaches. 

Address: 1184-10 Sangodai, Kushimoto, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-3510, Japan

What we love: Famous for its impossibly blue Okama Crater, world-class ski resorts, and the Zao Fox Village sanctuary, the small town of Zao is an incredible destination to explore, no matter what the season.

When it comes to local onsen hotels, Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa blends traditional Japanese cultural elements with all the modern creature comforts you'd expect from a relaxing retreat. There are two outdoor onsens on-site, as well as an additional indoor onsen.

To complete your traditional experience, opt to stay in one of the "Japanese-Style" Classic Rooms, which blend futon beds and Shoji doors with modern amenities. 

Address: Zaomachi 1-1, Oniishihara Togattaonsen, Katta District, Miyagi 989-0916, Japan

What we love: Located just outside of Nagano, Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa is an ideal home base for exploring all of the area's temples, mountain resorts, and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (home to Japan's famous snow monkeys).

Once you're done exploring for the day, do as the macaques do and soak in the resort's rocky outdoor onsen, which is made even more magical when it's snowing. Of course, you'll also have an indoor onsen and sauna if you want to relax without braving the elements. 

Address: 1372-1 Matsushiromachi Nishiderao, Nagano, 381-1215, Japan

What we love: Set an hour outside of the Fukuoka city centre, Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa is all about blending wellness and nature. The ocean-side property boasts a lovely outdoor hot spring where you can zen out to the sound of the waterfall and the trees rustling in the wind.

Afterwards, be sure to test out the indoor onsen and a sauna. Complete your wellness ritual with a complimentary cup of tea in the tranquil onsen lounge. Wake up the next day, and do it all over again. 

Address: Munakata city, 1303 Tano, Munakata, Fukuoka 811-3514, Japan

That’s it – everything you need to know about staying in one of the many onsen hotels in Japan. No matter where you’re planning on visiting in “The Land of the Rising Sun”, complementing your travels with a stay in an onsen hotel is always a good idea.

There’s nothing quite like ending a long day with a healing soak in an outdoor hot spring. You'll wonder how you ever lived without this classic Japanese tradition.