Hidden gem | Hotels and Ryokan (Japanese inn) that are popular based on reviews!

The appeal of Dai-ichi Takimotokan's hot springs goes beyond the sheer variety of its baths. Right in front of the open-air bath lies the rugged landscape of Jigokudani ("Hell Valley"), the source of Noboribetsu's famous onsen water. The billowing steam and the distinct aroma of sulfur create a powerful and immersive hot spring experience. Soaking in the onsen while gazing at the stark mountainside by day and the magically illuminated valley by night offers a rustic, secluded bathing adventure unlike any other.

This hotel is located near the last stop, Minakami Station, which is 25 minutes away by bus from Jomo-Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen. The open-air bath offers a magnificent Breathtaking view. This is Ryokan (Japanese inn) where you can forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The food is delicious, and you can enjoy the bounty of the mountains.

The hot spring at Sounkyo Onsen Choyo-tei is truly worthy of being called a hidden hot spring. From the rock-built open-air bath, you can enjoy Breathtaking view of the Sounkyo mountains and their rocky surfaces up close. In addition, the large windows in the large bath overlook the surface of Mount Kurodake in the Daisetsu mountain range, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal scenery, including autumn leaves and snow-covered landscapes. After the hot spring, the whole family will be very satisfied with the dinner buffet, which includes sushi, steak, and tempura cooked right before your eyes.

The reason we recommend this Ryokan (Japanese inn) is that you can enjoy the famous Manza Onsen hot springs in the middle of nature surrounded by mountains on all sides. Ryokan (Japanese inn) is not a large modern hotel, but it has everything you need and you won't feel inconvenienced. Above all, the hot springs are so satisfying that you can try out the different baths.

This is a solitary lodge of pure tranquility, nestled deep within the Daisetsuzan mountains. All five of its hot spring sources are 100% free-flowing, allowing you to directly feel the earth's bounty—from a gentle, lukewarm calcium spring to iron-rich, reddish-brown water. Immerse yourself in the open-air bath, surrounded by a primeval forest, and enjoy a long, luxurious soak while gazing at the untouched nature that changes with the seasons. The accommodations, centered around charming Japanese-style rooms, are spacious and designed for ultimate relaxation.

This quiet hot spring hotel is located in Asahidake Onsen, about an hour from Asahikawa, and has an exterior reminiscent of a European mountain resort hotel, with relaxing rooms. Although it is in the mountains, the full-course Western meal service is delicious, using ingredients unique to Hokkaido. Needless to say, there is a wonderful hot spring, but there are also three free private baths that you can enjoy whenever they are available. This is a recommended place for trips around Asahikawa.

Although it can no longer be called a secret hot spring, why not visit the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido? The hotel I recommend is the Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel. It has an open-air bath facing the Sea of Okhotsk. This hotel serves delicious seafood from the north. What's more, the portions are generous.

How about "Kyukamura Shikotsuko"? It is built on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, and is a relaxing inn surrounded by Hokkaido's nature. You can enjoy the natural hot spring baths while feeling the four seasons of Lake Shikotsu. Another plus point is that the food is delicious.

Although it is only about an hour away from Shinjuku Station, I think this hot spring inn is not well known. It is located above Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, which is said to be one of the three new great night views in Japan, and the night view of the Kofu Basin that can be seen at night is very beautiful. The open-air bath while watching the night view is a masterpiece.

We recommend that you consider the Shiretoko Prince Hotel Fuunamiki in Shiretoko as one of your options. You can enjoy the hot springs while immersing yourself in the forest bathing atmosphere in the garden-style open-air bath 100% natural hot spring. You can fully enjoy nature here. Children can play freely in the kids' space, so it's a hotel that the whole family can enjoy.

The greatest charm of Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga is the incredible variety of hot spring baths, so diverse it's hard to believe they're all in one hotel. In the garden open-air bath, the water level is designed to match the surface of Lake Akan, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel at one with the lake. From the 8th-floor "Sky" open-air bath, you can enjoy a grand panorama of the Akan mountains and the lake below. With other unique options like a cave bath and a cypress hinoki bath that evoke the feeling of a secluded hot spring, the whole family can delight in a full day of onsen enjoyment.