With the cold weather settling in and winter fast approaching, we tend to want to stay warm and cozy at home. And that's certainly a sensible choice. But how about braving the cold temporarily to enjoy the many onsen (hot springs) around Tokyo?
Of course, there are hundreds of sento (Japanese public baths) in the capital. They generally use running water that is heated and arranged according to the needs of the place. Thus, sento are used for practical purposes (washing) but also for relaxation and socializing.
Onsen, on the other hand, are thermal baths using water from volcanic springs with various properties (treating skin diseases, heart conditions, muscle pain, and many others). Therefore, it is very difficult to find them in Tokyo itself. Within an hour or two by car or train, the prefectures of Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Gunma, and Tochigi are full of onsen offering numerous surprises and benefits.
Kusatsu Onsen 草津温泉
Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring town perched on a plateau at an altitude of 1200 meters and is ranked among the three most popular hot spring resorts in Japan. Located in Gumna Prefecture, the resort is popular in summer for mountain hiking thanks to Joshin Estsu Nature Park and for skiing in winter. The common thread between the two? Relaxing in one of the many onsen after a hard day of hiking or skiing.
We recommend the Sainokawara bath (西の河原) located in the park west of the city. Situated along the river in the heart of the forest, this bath is renowned for treating muscle and nerve pain, as well as burns and bruises.
Hottarakashi Onsen ほったらかし温泉
Rather than a hot spring resort, Hottarakashi Onsen consists of two separate open-air baths. Hot water here: Hot water there. Their special feature? They leave your skin incredibly soft! Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, atop a hill covered in vineyards, this bath offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Open from early morning until late evening, you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset over Mount Fuji while soaking in the relaxing water.
http://www.hottarakashi-onsen.com/
Shima Onsen 四万温泉
Next, we return via Gumma Prefecture and the hot spring town of Shima, or Shima Onsen. Built around the river of the same name, the town is famous for its renowned ryokan (旅館), which served as the model for Miyazaki's film, Spirited Away. Its red bridge, the architecture of its historic building, and its baths will transport you and surely make you want to watch this animated masterpiece again.
Kinugawa Onsen 鬼怒川温泉
Located a few kilometers from Nikko, the town of Kinugawa is built on the banks of the Kinu River. It provides access to the gorges downstream and, along with Hakone and Atami, forms one of the three main hot spring resorts in the Kanto region. Its soft water is excellent for the skin. The spring is said to be effective in relieving nerve pain, heavy shoulders, and general fatigue.
Atami
Finally, a stop on the Izu Peninsula and the famous Atami hot spring resort, less than an hour from Tokyo. Having flourished in the 1980s, the resort is a bit like our Saint-Tropez. A haven for many Tokyoites during weekends or holidays, the resort offers magnificent views of the coast. Nearly 6 million tourists visit the area each year. Thus, this place is a must-see for anyone passing through Shizuoka Prefecture.
Below is our recommendation:
![[Japon Pratique] 5 adresses pour profiter du festival des pruniers](https://espaceprof.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rena-cu5QpZmrmc8-unsplash-scaled-e1643387295118-860x500-1-400x300.jpeg)