Hi! I will be visiting Japan in late April/early May. While I will be in Japan for two weeks, I am looking to spend 2 of those days in a location with an onsen. I am planning to head to the location with an onsen directly after either Tokyo or Kyoto.
I would prefer a more traditional, luxurious onsen that is in either a more natural or more traditional environment (not in Tokyo). While not necessary, it would be nice if there were traditional towns and shrines or forests to explore near the onsen.
I have looked into Kusatsu, Hakone, Kurokawa, Ginzan, and Kinosaki. While I have read up on all of these locations, I have not visited any of them so my knowledge of them and their onsens is limited.
Any suggestions on which of these locations you think is best and why would help a ton. Thanks!
3 comments
Unrelated, but did you know you are coming during Golden Week, the busiest travel week in Japan?
I highly recommend going to Kinosaki if you’re looking for a more traditional side of Japan. It’s perfect for a two day trip. Some onsens at Kinosaki are open on alternate days, so it’s possible to visit them all within two days. 🙂
I’ve been to Kusatsu which is a great 2-day option from Tokyo and Kinosaki which is a great 2-day option from Kyoto. Both would have lots of ryokan options to choose from.
– [My Kusatsu Onsen Trip Report](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/meafbh/trip_report_kusatsu_onsen_in_gunma/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [My Kinosaki Onsen Trip Report](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/sna5au/kansai_side_trip_tattoo_friendly_kinosaki_onsen/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
Hakone and Nikko are also both pretty easy 2-day trips from Tokyo with lots to see/do too. But if what you are going for is a quintessential onsen town, then I’d choose Kusatsu or Kinosaki hands down.