Onsen Guide Japan’s Most Scenic Outdoor Onsen —15 Rotenburo Worth Traveling For
A region-by-region guide to Japan's most scenic outdoor onsen — from remote mountain baths to ocean-facing rotenburo, ranked easy to hard to reach.
Onsen Guide 
Overnight Stays Ryokuzanso, Norikura Kogen –Private Open-Air Baths and Milky Sulfur Water Beneath Mt. Norikura
Stay at Ryokuzanso in Norikura Kogen, Nagano. Two private open-air baths, milky white sulfur water, views of Mt. Norikura, and hearty Shinshu cuisine.
Overnight Stays Gamelan, Yubara Onsen –A Bali-Inspired Retreat Where Every Room Has Its Own Hot Spring
Stay at Gamelan in Yubara Onsen, Okayama. Every room has its own source-fed hot spring bath, Balinese-inspired design, and a refined French-style dinner.
Overnight Stays Guesthouse Yamatosou, Ito Onsen –Ocean Views and Private Hot Spring Baths at a Great Price
Stay at Guesthouse Yamatosou in Ito Onsen, Izu. Hot spring baths bookable as private rooms after 7pm, sweeping ocean views, and great value.
Overnight Stays Zao Astraea Hotel, Zao Onsen –Real Source-Fed Sulfur Springs, Ski-Slope Convenience
Stay at Zao Astraea Hotel in Zao Onsen. A ski-slope-side hotel with a genuine pH 1.8 acidic sulfur spring, mountain views, and hearty Yamagata cuisine.
Overnight Stays Zenshichinoyu, Zao Onsen –A pH 1.5 Sulfur Spring Across Five Distinct Private Baths
Stay at Zenshichinoyu in Zao Onsen. An extremely acidic pH 1.5 sulfur spring, five distinct private baths, and an all-you-can-drink dinner plan.