Japan Onsen Atlas
Features that pair hot springs with local food, performing arts and festivals. Experiences you can book today are kept separate from ideas we hope to realise.
663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0
Kyoto's geiko-district stages, the geisha hall in Atami and the Yamanaka-za theatre in Yamanaka Onsen: Japanese classical dance is still performed in spa towns today. We picked only performances with officially sold tickets, and set out dates and travel times so you can pair them with a soak.
Mti · CC BY-SA 3.0
You can see maiko dance on the stages of Kyoto's geiko districts and at events run by the official foundation. Pair them with Arashiyama Onsen in the city or Yunohana Onsen in Kameoka for a trip of hot springs by day and dance by night. Kitsu Onsen in Tango is about two and a half hours from Kyoto Station by train, so give it a separate day.
663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0
Atami's fireworks over the bay keep going through autumn and winter. This feature separates spa-town fireworks you watch from fireworks you set off yourself. We list a hands-on experience only where an official programme could be confirmed; everything else is marked as an idea.
Σ64 · CC BY 3.0
In Yamanashi's Kofu basin, vineyards, wineries and hot springs are linked by rail. Since you'll be drinking, leave the car at home: here is a two-day trip using JR trains, the city bus and taxis.
Asturio Cantabrio · CC BY-SA 4.0
Kinosaki on the Sea of Japan, Wakura on the Noto Peninsula, Yunokawa on the Tsugaru Strait: hot spring towns near fishing ports are also towns of sushi and seafood. We picked only places that can be confirmed on official tourism or market websites.
STA3816 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Jigoku-mushi steam cooking in Kannawa, Beppu; eggs boiled in the Yuzutsu spring at Yunomine in Kumano; onsen eggs in Wakura on Noto. Some towns have long used the heat of their springs as a kitchen. Here we separate places where you can cook for yourself from places you can only look at.
