20 Onsen in Hyōgo worth your time

A coastal hot spring town in Hyogo known for its residential thermal water system and proximity to Sanin Kaigan National Park.

What it is

• A hot spring resort established in 1981 as a national energy conservation model project.
• Part of the Hamasaka Onsen-kyo National Health Resort in Hyogo Prefecture.
• A rare community where hot spring water is supplied directly to eight hundred local households.
• The hot spring source was first discovered during drilling in March 1978.

What to see

• The Ajihara River area which is a designated historical landscape district.
• Public bath facilities including Utopia Hamasaka and Matsunoyu.
• A free footbath located directly in front of the local train station.
• The Kato Buntaro Memorial Library dedicated to the famous mountain climber.
• Nearby coastal scenery of the Sanin Kaigan National Park.

Getting there

• Accessible via the JR Sanin Main Line at Hamasaka Station.
• Direct bus connections are available from Osaka and Kobe.
• Local bus services link the area to nearby Yumura Onsen.

Read more about Hamasaka Onsen

A public natural hot spring facility in Kato City featuring mineral-rich waters, a sauna, and an on-site restaurant.

What it is

• A public natural hot spring facility originally opened in October 2000.
• The official name was changed to Kato City Takino Koryu Hoyokan in 2006.
• The spring water contains specific levels of calcium ions and sodium chloride.
• A popular destination that reached 3.5 million total visitors in November 2021.

What to see

• Natural hot spring baths managed by professional operators.
• An on-site sauna available for visitor use.
• A restaurant located within the facility grounds.
• Proximity to the nearby Hyogo Prefectural Harima Chuo Park.

When to go

• Daily operating hours are from 11 AM to 9 PM.
• The facility is closed every Wednesday unless it falls on a holiday.

Getting there

• Located approximately 3 kilometers away from Takino Station.
• A free parking lot is available with space for 130 vehicles.

Official site

kansai.pokanavi.jp

Read more about Katō City Takino Kōryū Hoyōkan

A historic hot spring town founded in 848 where visitors boil eggs in 98-degree water and enjoy extensive public footbaths.

What it is

• A hot spring resort discovered by the monk Ennin in the year 848
• A designated landscape formation district that served as a famous drama filming location
• The source of sodium bicarbonate, chloride, and sulfate mineral waters
• A thermal area featuring the high-temperature Arayu spring reaching 98 degrees Celsius

What to see

• The Arayu spring where visitors boil eggs and vegetables in the natural heat
• A public footbath along the river that accommodates up to 74 people at once
• The bronze statue of Yumechiyo located directly opposite the Arayu spring
• Refresh Park Yumura which contains thirteen different types of baths and a pool

When to go

• The Yumura Fire Festival held annually during the month of August

Getting there

• Local buses connect the hot spring area to Hamasaka and Yoka stations

Official site

global.yumura.gr.jp

Read more about Yumura Onsen

A day-use hot spring facility in Kobe featuring natural radium water, rock salt baths, and late-night operating hours.

What it is

• A day-use hot spring facility located on the northern slope of Mount Takatori.
• Opened in 2004 as a public bath before discovering natural radium spring water.
• Features a simple weak radioactive cold mineral spring source named Kobo no Yu.
• Operates as a relaxation center with an on-site restaurant and massage services.

What to see

• Natural radium spring water sourced from deep underground at 21.3 degrees Celsius.
• Specialized bathing areas including rock salt baths and sulfur baths.
• Sauna facilities available for visitor use within the complex.
• Large parking area with space for 120 vehicles.

When to go

• Open daily for visitors from 10:00 until 24:00.

Getting there

• Accessible by taking a bus from Koso-Nagata Station.

Read more about Hana no Yu Onsen

A historic hot spring area along the Yumesaki River featuring carbonated waters and traditional inns established over three centuries ago.

What it is

• A hot spring area established over three hundred years ago along the Yumesaki River.
• The site consists of Shiota Onsen and Himeji Yumesaki-gawa Onsen.
• It serves as a lodging point for travelers on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
• The spring water contains carbon dioxide and sodium bicarbonate.

What to see

• Two traditional inns currently operating within the hot spring area.
• The Yumoto Ueyama Ryokan which was founded in eighteen seventy-four.
• An image of Kobo Daishi erected on the site in nineteen thirty-eight.

When to go

• The Yakushi Festival is held annually on April twelfth.

Getting there

• Buses run from Himeji Station to the Shiota Onsen stop.
• The site is located five minutes from the Yumesaki Smart Interchange.

Read more about Shiota Onsen

A roadside station and hot spring facility in Miki City featuring rare carbon dioxide-rich waters drawn from deep underground.

What it is

• A day-trip bathing facility and roadside station known as Michi-no-Eki Yokawa.
• The hot spring water is drawn from fifteen hundred meters underground.
• The spring contains high levels of carbon dioxide for therapeutic bathing.
• The site includes the Yamada Nishiki no Sato exchange facility.

What to see

• A public footbath located at the entrance of the facility.
• Two main bathing areas named Sachi-no-yu and Fuku-no-yu.
• A large parking lot capable of accommodating two hundred thirty-six vehicles.

When to go

• The new Michi-no-Eki station is scheduled to open on April 22, 2025.

Getting there

• The facility is located five minutes from the Yokawa Interchange.
• Buses run to the site from Shin-Sanda and Sannomiya Stations.

Official site

www.76-2401.com

Read more about Yokawa Onsen

A coastal hot spring resort on Awaji Island featuring alkaline radon waters and views of a historic hillside castle.

What it is

• A hot spring resort area established during the Showa era in Sumoto City.
• The resort stretches along the coast from Ohama to Komoe.
• The spring water is simple alkaline containing radon sourced from 1300 meters underground.
• Some facilities provide access to two different types of private hot spring sources.

What to see

• A footbath near the Awaji Cultural History Museum with views of Sumoto Castle.
• Santopia Marina resort facility featuring a large yacht harbor.
• Coastal views spanning from Ohama Coast to Komoe Coast.

Getting there

• Express buses run from Sannomiya Station to the Sumoto Bus Center.
• Direct buses serve specific accommodation facilities from major stations.
• The area is accessible by car via the Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway.

Read more about Sumoto Onsen

One of Japan's three oldest hot spring towns, famous for its unique iron-rich waters and historical connection to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

What it is

• One of the three oldest hot spring resorts in Japan.
• A mountain town sitting at an altitude of 350 to 500 meters.
• A historical healing destination visited nine times by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
• A source of iron-rich salt water and transparent carbonate springs.

What to see

• Kin-no-yu public bathhouse featuring the iron-rich golden water.
• Gin-no-yu and Taiko-no-yu public bathhouses for transparent silver waters.
• Local shops selling traditional carbonated crackers and bamboo baskets.
• Natural spring waters reaching temperatures up to 98 degrees Celsius.

When to go

• The Arima Grand Tea Ceremony held every autumn since 1950.

Getting there

• Accessible via Arima Onsen Station on the Kobe Railway.

Official site

www.arima-onsen.com

Read more about Arima Onsen

A historic iron-rich mineral spring facility reopened in 2018, offering traditional wooden baths and local buckwheat noodles.

What it is

• A cold mineral spring facility originally discovered in 1582.
• Reopened in 2018 as a one-story wooden Japanese-style building.
• The water is an iron-containing sodium chloride cold mineral spring.
• Located in Ono City near the Kuwatani Shrine.

What to see

• Traditional wooden Japanese-style architecture and bathhouse facilities.
• A restaurant serving noodles made from locally produced buckwheat.
• Natural spring water with a source temperature between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius.

When to go

• Open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the facility is closed.

Getting there

• An eight-minute walk from JR Onomachi Station.
• Accessible via the JR Kakogawa Line which runs near the hot spring.

Read more about Kuwatani Onsen

A coastal hot spring resort in Setonaikai National Park known for its mineral-rich waters and scenic views of the inland sea.

What it is

• A hot spring resort district established in 1969 within Setonaikai National Park.
• Recognized as one of the top 100 hot spring destinations in Japan.
• The area features seven Japanese inns utilizing calcium chloride and radon spring water.
• A coastal destination also commonly referred to as Ako Onsen.

What to see

• The Iwatsuhime Shrine located near the hot spring district.
• The Ako Misaki Lighthouse standing along the coastline.
• Tabuchi Garden, which is a designated national scenic spot.
• Views of the surrounding Seto Inland Sea from the resort area.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Banshu-Ako Station to reach the hot spring area.
• The bus journey from the station takes approximately 14 minutes.

Read more about Akō-Misaki Onsen

A historic hot spring retreat in a V-shaped valley, offering scenic river views and traditional inns near Takarazuka.

What it is

• A hot spring area located in a valley along the Muko River.
• Reportedly discovered by Takedao Naozo in 1641 and named after his family.
• The setting for the novel Sakuramori written by Tsutomu Mizukami.
• A former site for Takedao ware production during the Meiji and Taisho eras.

What to see

• The Takedao Bridge, a local landmark suspension bridge over the river.
• Views of the surrounding V-shaped valley opposite Mount Kakewatari.
• Two remaining traditional inns available for overnight stays.
• Simple thermal spring waters maintained at 25.3 degrees Celsius.

Getting there

• Accessible via Takedao Station on the JR Fukuchiyama Line.
• Located five minutes from the Takarazuka-kita Smart Interchange.

Read more about Takedao Onsen

A municipal hot spring in Arima Onsen featuring iron-rich water and a free outdoor foot bath for visitors.

What it is

• A municipal hot spring facility located in the historic Arima Onsen area
• Opened in 2002 to replace the former Arima Onsen Kaikan public bath
• Uses water from the Ariake spring source containing iron and sodium chloride
• The natural spring water reaches a temperature of 82.4 degrees Celsius

What to see

• A free outdoor foot bath located next to the main entrance
• An 1827 stone monument standing at the entrance of the facility
• Two indoor public baths named Ichinoyu and Ninoyu
• Traditional spring water source points though drinking the water is currently prohibited

Getting there

• A five-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station
• No dedicated parking lot is available on the premises

Official site

arimaspa-kingin.jp

Read more about Kin no Yu

A public day-use hot spring in Tamba-Sasayama featuring local stone baths and mineral-rich waters sourced from 1300 meters deep.

What it is

• A public day-use hot spring facility founded after tapping water in 1999.
• Named after a nearby statue of the Yakushi Nyorai deity.
• The site includes a restaurant, souvenir shop, and a farm produce market.
• The city plans to convert this facility into a roadside station.

What to see

• Baths constructed using local Tanba-yaki pottery and Tanba stone.
• Men's and women's baths that switch every Wednesday for different experiences.
• Mineral-rich spring water containing sodium, calcium, chloride, and radioactive elements.

Getting there

• Buses run to the facility from Aino Station on the Fukuchiyama Line.
• A free parking lot is available for visitors with approximately 250 spaces.

Official site

yume-konda.com

Read more about Konda Yakushi Onsen

A municipal bathhouse in Arima Onsen offering clear carbonic and radium spring water for a relaxing soak near Mount Rokko.

What it is

• A municipal hot spring facility located in the Arima Onsen district of Kobe.
• Opened in 2001 as a sister facility to the Kin no Yu bathhouse.
• Features a unique blend of carbonic and radium spring water.
• Situated near Mount Rokko and the historic Gokurakuji Temple.

What to see

• Indoor baths filled with clear mineral-rich spring water.
• A steam sauna and a waterfall shower for visitor use.
• A dedicated rest area for relaxing after a soak.

Getting there

• Arima Onsen Station is a ten minute walk from the facility.
• The Rokko Arima Ropeway station is reachable within a ten minute walk.
• Gokurakuji Temple is located within a two minute walk of the entrance.

Official site

arimaspa-kingin.jp

Read more about Gin no Yu

A day-trip hot spring facility at the foot of Mount Kasagata featuring alkaline waters, a pottery studio, and sushi.

What it is

• A day-trip hot spring facility located at the foot of Mount Kasagata.
• The facility opened in 1997 and does not offer overnight accommodations.
• Alkaline simple hot spring water is pumped from 1508 meters underground.
• The site includes a specialized rolled sushi shop and a pottery studio.

What to see

• Natural hot spring water heated from a source temperature of 28.6 degrees Celsius.
• A dedicated shop selling specialized rolled sushi on the premises.
• An onsite pottery studio available for visitors to explore.
• Scenic views of the surrounding landscape at the base of the mountain.

Getting there

• The facility is a 20-minute drive from JR Fukusaki Station.

Read more about Kasagata Onsen Seseragi no Yu

A sodium-chloride cold mineral spring facility in Hyogo offering day-trip bathing in heated waters near a famous rock formation.

What it is

• A day-trip hot spring facility located in Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture.
• Features a sodium-chloride cold mineral spring with a pH value of 8.0.
• The spring water is naturally 21.0 degrees Celsius and heated for bathing.
• Operated by Yoi Onsen Kanko Co., Ltd. for public use.

What to see

• Indoor baths supplied with heated mineral spring water.
• A hot spring stand where water can be obtained.
• The nearby Yoi no Domon natural rock formation.

When to go

• The facility is closed to visitors every Tuesday.
• Open for day-trip bathing for an adult fee of 800 yen.

Getting there

• Located a 15-minute drive from the Yamasaki Interchange.

Official site

yoionsen.co.jp

Read more about Shisō Yoi Onsen

A historic day-trip hot spring in Kobe offering five types of baths with 100 percent free-flowing mineral water.

What it is

• A day-trip hot spring facility with no lodging options available.
• The current facility has been in operation since 1938.
• All bathtubs use 100 percent free-flowing spring water.
• The water contains carbon dioxide, sodium, calcium, bicarbonate, chloride, and small amounts of arsenic.

What to see

• Five types of baths featuring different water temperatures for visitors.
• A gas steam boiler used to heat the natural 28 degree Celsius spring water.

When to go

• The facility is open daily from 5:00 until 23:30.

Getting there

• Located a five-minute walk from the Hirano bus stop.
• Free parking is available on-site for up to 20 cars.

Read more about Minatoyama Onsen

A public bathhouse in Asago City featuring high radon spring water, open-air baths, and an on-site restaurant.

What it is

• A public bathhouse facility located in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture.
• Managed by the Yofudo Onsen Management Association for public use.
• Features natural spring water with a high radon content.
• The facility includes an on-site restaurant and a souvenir shop.

What to see

• Indoor baths and open-air baths for visitors to use.
• A sauna facility located within the bathhouse complex.
• Natural spring water with a temperature of 25.1 degrees Celsius.

Getting there

• A ten minute drive from the Wadayama Interchange.
• A bus runs directly from Wadayama Station to the facility.
• A ten minute taxi ride from Yanase Station.

Official site

yofudo-onsen.jp

Read more about Yofudo Onsen

A historic carbonic acid spring in Tamba-Sasayama featuring a single traditional inn and a monument to a former beverage factory.

What it is

• A hot spring area in Tamba-Sasayama formerly known as Shiogasaki Onsen.
• A historic site where Heike clan fugitives reportedly treated their illnesses.
• A destination once popular with Tamba sake brewers for hot spring cures.
• The site of a Mitsuya Cider factory that operated from 1920 to 1966.

What to see

• The Yunotsubo inn, which is the only remaining accommodation at the site.
• A monument commemorating the former beverage factory that once stood there.
• Natural spring water containing carbonic acid and salt near the Hazuka River.

Getting there

• The location is accessible by taxi from Sasayamaguchi Station.

Read more about Kagobō Onsen

A modern day-trip hot spring facility in Shiso City featuring mineral-rich waters sourced from a local fault line.

What it is

• A day-trip bathing facility known as Mahoroba no Yu opened in 2002.
• The facility is located within the grounds of the Ebara Remains Park.
• Sodium and calcium chloride spring water originates from the Mikatagawa fault line.
• The reinforced concrete building has been managed by Beaver Record since April 2022.

What to see

• Indoor bathing areas featuring tubs made of stone and cypress wood.
• Outdoor rock baths available in both of the facility's bathing areas.
• A modern reinforced concrete bathhouse structure situated in a park setting.

Getting there

• Buses run from Yamasaki directly to the Mahoroba no Yu stop.

Read more about Ichinomiya Onsen