Stay at Nagasawa Heihachi, the iconic inn at Ginzan Onsen — snow-covered streets, all-wood private baths, and kaiseki dining in Yamagata.

Stay at Imagine Hotel Hakodate — 10 min from the airport, with ocean-view hot springs, all-you-can-eat snow crab dinner, and a salmon roe breakfast buffet.

Takamine Onsen in Nagano sits at 2,000m and is reachable by snowcat in winter. Open-air baths, alpine views, rare 36°C spring water, and wild animals await.

A full review of Tsurunoyu, the legendary thatched-roof ryokan deep in Akita's mountains. Milky sulfur baths, mixed-gender outdoor pools, 4 spring sources & mountain cuisine. Access from Tokyo included.

Trek across a suspension bridge to Yugawasou, a hidden Nagano gem. This healing sanctuary is known for its milky white baths and historic tubs covered in 50 years of mineral deposits.

Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese luxury at Okunikko Konishi Hotel.Experience the therapeutic cloudy-white sulfur springs and enjoy multi-course meals and private baths.