Hot Spring Hotels for the Ultimate Wellness Trip to Japan
Experience Japan’s Therapeutic Hot-Spring Culture
Beyond the traditional practice of toji (medicinal hot spring bathing), modern onsen culture has evolved into a holistic retreat where guests can reconnect with nature and savor seasonal local delicacies.
To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, please observe hot spring etiquette. First, wash thoroughly at the bathing station before entering the water. Once in the bath, please keep conversations quiet and focus on relaxation. Also, please keep in mind that the ideal soaking time depends on the temperature: roughly 10 minutes for milder waters (38°C–40°C / 100°F–104°F), and no more than 5 minutes if the water is 42°C / 107.6°F or hotter.
The true allure of Japan’s hot springs lies in their geographical diversity; because mineral compositions and therapeutic benefits vary by region, every destination managed by Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts offers a unique wellness experience. We invite you to immerse yourself in this traditional relaxation, where the blessings of hot springs transform luxury into an extension of daily life.
Table Contents
- Hakone: Hot Spring Heaven, Nature, and Art
- - Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel: A Highland Resort with Golf Course
- - The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko: A Lakeside Onsen Retreat
- Manza Onsen: High-Altitude Detox Resort with Mixed-Gender Baths
- - Manza Prince Hotel: Designed for Onsen Lovers
- - Manza Kogen Hotel: Scenic Rock Garden with Open-Air Baths
- Izu-Nagaoka Onsen: A History-Rich Hot Spring Resort in Izu
- - Sanyo-so: Ryokan with Private Onsen Baths and Garden
- Oiso Onsen: Modern Wellness by the Ocean
- - Oiso Prince Hotel: The Ultimate Wellness Retreat
- Karuizawa: Stylish Relaxation in a Renowned Resort
- - Karuizawa Prince Hotel West: Forest Serenity and Modern Wellness
- - Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel: Spa with Mountain Views
- Furano Onsen: Energy Recharge in Hokkaido
- - Shin Furano Prince Hotel: Hot Springs and Sauna by the Slopes
Hakone: Hot Spring Heaven, Nature, and Art
Just a short journey from central Tokyo, Hakone is a premier wellness destination celebrated for its extraordinary geological diversity. This region boasts multiple hot-spring clusters, each offering unique mineral compositions ranging from skin-beautifying waters to therapeutic baths ideal for fatigue recovery. Hakone also offers splendid natural scenery, including the silhouette of Mount Fuji, the serene waters of Lake Ashi, and mountain views that transform with the seasons.
A stay of several days is highly recommended to fully appreciate the combination of world-class art museums and outdoor activities that this area offers. Whether you pair your onsen experience with a morning of yoga, a round of golf, a scenic hike, or a quiet afternoon of art appreciation, Hakone provides an environment where traditional hot-spring culture meets modern, active restoration.
Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel: A Highland Resort with Golf Course
Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel, located at an elevation of 935 meters, offers a premier highland retreat combining the relaxation of a hot spring escape with the adjacent Hakone Yunohana Golf Course. As the highest onsen facility in Hakone, the hotel’s spa offers an unrivaled view of the night sky from its open-air bathing area, where the stars feel remarkably close.
The spa at Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel features simple sulfur springs, which are believed to help relieve muscle soreness, neuralgic pain, and fatigue. For a complete restorative onsen experience, the hotel serves carefully balanced Japanese kaiseki cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients. Guests stay in modern Japanese-style rooms and can choose between Western beds or traditional futon bedding, based on their preferences.
The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko: A Lakeside Onsen Retreat
The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko is located on the shores of Lake Ashi, surrounded by forest-covered mountains. Renowned for its beautiful architecture and elegant rooms, the hotel provides a wide range of outdoor activities and a sophisticated hot spring spa for guests seeking stylish relaxation in nature.
The spa features an open-air bath facing the lake, an indoor bath, a mist sauna, and a cold water plunge. All baths are supplied by the on-site Takogawa Onsen, a private source of mild spring water believed to relieve neuralgia, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko serves as an ideal destination for rejuvenating both body and mind while immersing yourself in the natural splendor of Hakone. Guests can enhance their hot spring retreat with serene morning yoga by the lake, scenic cruises across Lake Ashi, or peaceful walks to the historic Peace Torii Gate and Kuzuryu Shrine, which honors a local dragon deity.
Manza Onsen: High-Altitude Detox Resort with Mixed-Gender Baths
Located at 1,800 meters up in the mountains, Manza Onsen is known as the "hot spring resort closest to the starry sky." The milky-white waters at Manza have a high sulfur content and have been revered for centuries for their therapeutic benefits. The resort also features rare mixed-gender communal baths, allowing couples and families to enjoy the springs together using yuami-gi (bathing wear).
Unlike the bustling atmosphere of typical resort towns, Manza is a place of profound tranquility, cradled by the primeval forests of a national park. Visitors come here specifically for toji—the traditional therapeutic retreat—seeking a restoration and wellness experience that only high-altitude seclusion can provide. For a detailed introduction to the features and hot spring facilities at Manza Onsen, please visit this page.
Manza Prince Hotel: Designed for Onsen Lovers
The Manza Prince Hotel features three distinct hot spring areas, headlined by Komakusa no Yu, which offers five outdoor baths. This includes a communal bath where couples and families can soak together. For a more private experience, guests can visit Shakunage no Yu, a serene female-only outdoor spring crafted with traditional wood, or Nanakamado no Yu, whose indoor baths offer a quintessential Japanese onsen atmosphere.
Beyond the springs, the resort offers Japanese and Western-style guest rooms and diverse dining options: Japanese, Western, and buffet-style cuisine. Set against a tranquil highland backdrop, it is the perfect retreat for those seeking complete relaxation in nature. Manza Prince Hotel is easily accessible via a complimentary shuttle bus from Karuizawa Station.
Manza Kogen Hotel: Scenic Rock Garden with Open-Air Baths
The Manza Kogen Hotel boasts eight open-air baths sourced from four distinct mineral springs. Its crown jewel is the Sekitei Rotenburo (“Rock Garden Open-Air Spa”), home to seven mixed-gender communal baths. Renowned for its stunning outdoor layout, guests can soak while taking in seasonal blooms, starry summer skies, or serene winter snowscapes. The garden offers a unique sensory journey, featuring milky-white waters, crystal-clear springs, and rare yellow mineral baths unique to the Manza area.
For a more traditional experience, Hyakusen no Yu provides spacious indoor and outdoor baths for men and women. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of Manza’s rugged natural beauty. Situated just a 3-minute walk from the Manza Onsen Ski Resort, the hotel is an ideal retreat for those looking to combine world-class skiing with therapeutic hot springs. After a day on the slopes, guests can unwind in comfortable Western-style rooms.
Nagaoka Onsen: A History-Rich Hot Spring Resort in Izu
Nagaoka Onsen in Izu is a resort with alkaline simple hot springs, celebrated as "skin-beautifying waters" because they leave the skin silky and smooth. This destination offers a sophisticated blend of history and healing, as the landscape is steeped in the legacy of the Kamakura shogunate. Visitors can explore historical temples and stone monuments linked to iconic figures like shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-1199) and Hojo Masako (1157-1225).
The area is also distinguished by its preservation of traditional geiko culture, which is seldom found elsewhere in eastern Japan. Beyond its local charms, Nagaoka Onsen serves as a gateway to Izu’s most famous attractions, including Shuzenji Temple and the breathtaking heights of Izu Panorama Park. At this resort, the pursuit of physical wellness combines with a deep, intellectual connection to Japan’s heritage.
Sanyo-so: Ryokan with Private Onsen Baths and Garden
Sanyo-so, a luxury ryokan operated by Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts in Izu-Nagaoka Onsen, boasts a storied history. Originally built in the 1920s as a villa for magnate Iwasaki Hisaya, its main building is now a designated Important Cultural Property. The sprawling estate features a masterfully preserved garden designed by the legendary Kyoto landscape architect Ogawa Jihei, where guests can immerse themselves in the shifting beauty of the seasons.
In addition to the tranquil public indoor and outdoor hot springs, every guest room features a private onsen bath—an ideal feature for international travelers seeking a more personal bathing experience. The spacious accommodations blend Japanese and Western aesthetics, all offering serene garden views. To complete the experience, Sanyo-so serves exquisite kaiseki cuisine that perfectly mirrors the refined relaxation of the springs, making it a premier destination for traditional Japanese hospitality.
Oiso Onsen: Modern Wellness by the Ocean
Ideally situated just an hour from central Tokyo by car or rail, Oiso Onsen offers a sophisticated coastal escape with breathtaking views of Sagami Bay. This destination merges traditional mineral-rich hot springs with a modern, Nordic-inspired wellness philosophy at the THERMAL SPA S.WAVE within the Oiso Prince Hotel—one of Japan’s premier spa facilities. Here, a stunning infinity pool that appears to merge with the Pacific horizon can be enjoyed along a diverse array of therapeutic saunas.
While the restorative mineral components of the local springs remain the foundation of the experience, the contemporary spa elements provide a refreshing, international approach to relaxation. Oiso is the perfect resort for the urban traveler seeking a high-end atmosphere where the rhythmic sound of the waves and cutting-edge wellness design create a truly modern narrative of rejuvenation.
Oiso Prince Hotel: The Ultimate Wellness Retreat
Oiso Prince Hotel is a premier seaside retreat in the Shonan area, located just an hour from Tokyo near historic Kamakura. The resort is defined by its cutting-edge THERMAL SPA S.WAVE, a comprehensive wellness hub featuring an infinity pool, hot spring baths, and a fitness gym. Positioned adjacent to the Oiso Long Beach, it is loved by those who seek rejuvenation by the ocean.
Guests can choose from modern accommodations with sweeping views of either the Pacific Ocean or the Tanzawa Mountains. The hotel’s dining experience is equally elevated, offering refined Japanese and Chinese cuisine in spacious, glass-walled restaurants. For travelers seeking a stylish, contemporary take on the traditional Japanese hot spring experience, Oiso Prince Hotel is an unmatched coastal escape.
Karuizawa: Stylish Relaxation in a Renowned Resort
Karuizawa’s hot springs offer a transformative wellness experience powered by the harmony of crisp forest air and renowned mineral-rich waters. As one of Japan’s most sophisticated resorts, Karuizawa invites travelers to indulge in a refined lifestyle where fine dining, high-end shopping, and artistic strolls through local galleries are woven into the fabric of daily life.
Karuizawa is the ultimate destination for "wellness to indulge yourself," where the traditional healing of the onsen meets the cosmopolitan elegance of a mountain retreat. Whether you are seeking a quiet meditative soak or an active exploration of the verdant surroundings, Karuizawa offers a seamless, one-stop destination for complete relaxation.
Karuizawa Prince Hotel West: Forest Serenity and Modern Wellness
Located near the JR Karuizawa Station, a Shinkansen stop, Karuizawa Prince Hotel West is home to the stylish MOMIJI HOT-SPRING. This modern spa features an indoor bath with expansive windows and an outdoor spring that offers breathtaking views of Mount Momiji, famous for its vibrant crimson maple leaves in autumn. The facility is a complete wellness destination, featuring a lounge, terrace, and a glass-walled fitness room where guests can exercise while immersed in the surrounding forest scenery.
Accommodations range from hotel rooms to pet-friendly private cottages with terraces. With the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza just a two-minute walk away, this resort is the best choice for travelers who want to balance tranquil mountain relaxation with world-class shopping and dining.
Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel: Spa with Mountain Views
Located in a secluded mountain setting, Karuizawa Asama Prince Hotel is a 20-minute complimentary shuttle ride from JR Karuizawa Station. The resort boats Breeze in Plateau, a hot spring facility reached by a scenic one-minute monorail ride from the hotel. Here, guests can soak in silky, mineral-rich indoor and outdoor baths while taking in panoramic views of majestic Mt. Asama.
For deeper rejuvenation, the on-site aromatherapy salon offers a range of facial and body treatments. With the Karuizawa Asama Golf Course directly adjacent, the hotel is a premier choice for those looking to pair a round of highland golf with a spa retreat.
Every guest room is designed for comfort, featuring a private balcony with stunning mountain vistas. At the hotel’s signature restaurant, Dining Bloom, our guests can savor dishes made with local ingredients while enjoying the view of Mt. Asama.
Furano Onsen: Energy Recharge in Hokkaido
Set against the vast, untamed horizon of Hokkaido, Furano Onsen offers a wellness experience defined by the grand scale of its natural landscapes. This destination transforms with the seasons, offering a dramatic duality: the breathtaking purple of summer lavender fields and lush green meadows give way to superb powder snow in the winter months.
A cornerstone of the Furano journey is "food wellness," a philosophy rooted in the bountiful local produce of Hokkaido’s fertile land. Guests can nourish their bodies with nutrient-dense, seasonal cuisine that supports systemic health from the inside out. Whether you are soaking under an endlessly high sky after a day on the slopes or wandering through fragrant summer blooms, Furano provides a profound sense of liberation and holistic well-being.
Shin Furano Prince Hotel: Hot Springs and Sauna by the Slopes
Located in the heart of Hokkaido, Shin Furano Prince Hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring the vibrant lavender fields of Furano-Biei in summer and world-class powder snow in winter.
The resort boasts Shisai no Yu, a therapeutic hot spring drawn from 1,010 meters underground, offering mineral-rich waters designed to soothe travel fatigue. This wellness facility features a unique Finnish-style sauna built from aged pine, which radiates a gentle, even heat, complemented by an automated steam system that boosts metabolism and promotes deep relaxation. Guests can refresh in the open-air cold plunge bath or visit the Relaxation Corner for aromatic massages and foot care.
With modern Western-style rooms, the forest playground Furano no Mori ASOBOU, and direct access to the slopes, the hotel seamlessly integrates outdoor adventure with thermal restoration for a complete one-stop resort experience.
Hotels Featured in This Article
