Hot springs are a familiar presence to the Japanese, and relaxing in them soothes both body and mind. There are many hot spring resorts all over Japan, and many people enjoy hot spring trips and hot spring tours.
So this time, NetLab will be conducting a survey on the theme, “Which hot spring registered in the ‘100 Famous Hot Springs of Japan’ would you like to visit?” Which of the “100 Famous Hot Springs of Japan” would you like to visit? First, we will introduce three hot spring areas.
Kusatsu Onsen is famous as a representative tourist destination in Gunma Prefecture. It boasts the highest natural spring water output in Japan at 32,300 liters per minute. In addition, in the center of the hot spring town, there is the Yubatake, where 4,000 liters of hot spring water gushes out every minute. When you see the rising steam, you know you’ve really come to Kusatsu Onsen.
The hot springs are highly acidic and are said to have a strong bactericidal effect. The famous Kusatsu song, “Kusatsu-bushi,” sings the tune, “Neither a doctor nor the hot springs of Kusatsu can cure your illness,” proclaiming that the waters are effective against all ailments other than love troubles.
Echigo Yuzawa Onsen is a hot spring resort in Niigata Prefecture. It is known for being the model for Yasunari Kawabata’s masterpiece “Snow Country.” The area receives heavy snowfall, and in the winter, you can enjoy the scenery of the hot spring town covered in snow.
There are also many ski resorts in the area, so you can enjoy winter sports during the day and relax in hot springs at night. It’s also easily accessible from Tokyo, making it a great place to go with friends or family.
Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture is known as a hot spring resort beloved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and is attractive for its environment surrounded by rich nature. Arima Onsen is characterized by the presence of the murky reddish brown “Kinsen” and the colorless and transparent “Ginsen.” It’s fun to soak in both types of water and experience the difference.
Arima Onsen also has a wide variety of gourmet foods that can be enjoyed casually, such as “carbonated rice crackers” and “Arima cider.” I’m sure there are many people who dream of “spending a relaxing holiday at Arima Onsen!”
Among the “100 Famous Hot Springs of Japan” scattered all over Japan, which hot spring would you like to visit? Please let us know in the comments why you want to go and what you would like to do there. We look forward to your votes and comments!