Update date: 2025/10/01

Onsen Japan: Guide to Ryokans with Spectacular Views

Contents

1Spectacular Onsen Views of Mount Fuji
2Secret Onsen with Breathtaking Snowy Views
3Onsen with Spectacular Ocean Views
4Enchanting Mountain & Valley Onsen
5Summary

An essential part of any journey to Japan is the onsen experience. Blessed with abundant natural hot springs, Japan has long cultivated a culture of "onsen travel," where the act of healing mind and body in these therapeutic waters is a destination in itself.But the magic of onsen goes far beyond just warming your body and soothing weary muscles. The true essence is found in the rotenburo—the open-air bath—where you can feel completely at one with nature.Here at 47trip, we have specially curated a list of onsen ryokans (traditional inns) that boast breathtaking rotenburo views. From the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji to enchanting, snow-covered vistas, we will introduce you to accommodations where you can encounter the unforgettable scenery of Japan's four seasons.

Spectacular Onsen Views of Mount Fuji

Hot springs with a view of Mt. Fuji image

Tucked away in Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, you'll find some of Japan's most spectacular onsen, all offering breathtaking views of the nation's highest peak: Mount Fuji. Not only will the warm, therapeutic waters warm you to the core and melt away your daily stress, but just beyond the tub lies the majestic mountain, its appearance constantly shifting throughout the day.The experience is especially magical in the early morning, when the crisp, clear air reveals the mountain's sharp silhouette—perfect for a luxurious morning soak. As dusk falls, bathing against a backdrop of a sunset-painted sky offers an equally special moment, allowing you to feel completely at one with the grand nature surrounding you.This is the ultimate onsen experience, where you can have a quintessentially Japanese landscape all to yourself.

Recommended Hotel

Hotel Kaneyamaen(Yamanashi Prefecture)

Hotel Kaneyamaen's main highlight is its rooftop open-air bath, providing a full, panoramic view of Mt. Fuji. It has a unique three-tiered design, with the top level offering a completely unobstructed view of the majestic mountain, from its peak to its base. In addition, guests can enjoy spectacular Fuji views from other scenic open-air baths and the hotel's indoor baths as well.

Access: A 10-minute free shuttle bus ride from Mt. Fuji Station (Fujikyu Railway Line).

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Other recommended hotels

Hotel Green Plaza Hakone Mount Fuji View

Hotel Green Plaza Hakone(Shizuoka Prefecture)

Access:
From Hakone-Yumoto Stn: 40-min ride on Izuhakone Bus, then a 5-min walk from Ubako Bus Stop.
From Ubako Stn (Ropeway): 3-min walk.

Hotel Details

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La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko(Yamanashi Prefecture)

Access: Approx. 11 minutes by taxi or free shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Line).

Hotel Details

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Secret Onsen with Breathtaking Snowy Views

On your winter journey in Japan, why not experience Yukimi-buro—the special tradition of watching the snow fall while soaking in an onsen? As snow blankets the world in silence, the view from the steaming hot spring resembles a traditional sumi-e (ink wash painting), with its beautiful contrast of black and white.In a secluded hitou, or hidden hot spring, far from the city's hustle, the freshly fallen snow absorbs all surrounding sound, leaving only the gentle murmur of the water. This profound silence creates a tranquil atmosphere—an ambiance unique to the Japanese winter. This magical scenery, which can only be enjoyed in winter, will transform your onsen experience into an unforgettable memory.

Recommended Hotel

Hatcho no Yu Hot Spring Ryokan(Tochigi Prefecture)

Hatcho no Yu Hot Spring Ryokan open air bath

Hatcho-no-Yu is a secluded hot spring deep in the mountains, reachable only on foot. Its wild, natural open-air baths all feature a beautiful, ink-painting-like contrast between the white snow and dark rock formations. In particular, the bath directly facing a waterfall provides the ultimate yukimi-buro (snow-viewing) experience during the winter months.

Access: From Kinugawa-Onsen Station, it's a 100-minute Nikko City Bus ride or drive to Meotobuchi. From Meotobuchi, a free 30-minute shuttle bus will take you to the hotel.

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Other recommended hotels

Manzaonsen Nisshinkan(Gunma Prefecture)

Access:
From JR Karuizawa Station: Approx. 105 minutes by Seibu Kanko Bus.
From Manza-Kazawaguchi Station (JR Agatsuma Line): Approx. 40 minutes by Seibu Kanko Bus.

Hotel Details

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Myousenwaraku Rankeisou Ryokan Large bath

Myousenwaraku Rankeisou Ryokan(Niigata Prefecture)

Access:
From JR Tsubame-Sanjo Station:Approx. 40 minutes by local bus or taxi.A free shuttle bus service is also available.
From Higashi-Sanjo Station:A free shuttle bus service is available.

Hotel Details

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Onsen with Spectacular Ocean Views

Why not enjoy the changing beauty of the ocean from a seaside onsen? The view of the orange sunset from the warm hot spring is especially beautiful. The morning brings a sparkling sun, while the night sky is filled with stars and the lights of fishing boats, known as isaribi.In a coastal open-air bath, the gentle sound of the waves provides a natural, relaxing background music. By closing your eyes and listening to the waves, you can release your daily stress and experience true tranquility. We also recommend trying an "infinity bath," designed so the water's edge appears to connect to the horizon, creating a feeling of being at one with the ocean.

Recommended Hotel

Ryokan Bousui(Shizuoka Prefecture)

At "Bousui" in Izu-Hokkawa Onsen, every single guest room features a spectacular ocean view. From the infinity-edge open-air baths, designed to make you feel at one with the sea, to a variety of unique, private reservable baths, you can enjoy completely unobstructed seascapes. Perhaps Bousui's greatest charm is that no matter where you are in the ryokan, you are treated to the grand, ever-changing panorama of the ocean.

Access: A complimentary shuttle service is available from Izu-Atagawa Station on the Izukyu Line.

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Other recommended hotels

Akou Onsen Yuubaenoyado Ginpaso Ryokan Large bath

Akou Onsen Yuubaenoyado Ginpaso Ryokan(Hyogo Prefecture)

Access from JR Banshu-Ako Station:
By Local Bus: Approx. 20 minutes to Misaki Bus Stop, followed by a 1-minute walk.
By Free Shuttle Bus: Approx. 15 minutes.

Hotel Details

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Inatoriso Hotel(Shizuoka Prefecture)

Access: A 7-minute complimentary shuttle bus ride from Izu-Inatori Station on the Izukyu Line.

Hotel Details

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Enchanting Mountain & Valley Onsen

Hot springs in the mountains and valleys image1

Hot springs in the mountains and valleys image2

When you visit an onsen in a deep mountain valley, you can enjoy stunningly different scenery in each season. In spring, the landscape is bright with cherry blossoms and vibrant new leaves, while in autumn, the mountains are covered in brilliant fall colors. Soaking in a warm onsen while surrounded by the beauty of the season is a true luxury.Furthermore, being far from urban areas means no city lights interfere with the night sky, which is filled with countless stars. This is an onsen experience that lets you heal and completely disconnect from the noise of the city—truly, a perfect retreat.

Recommended Hotel

Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku (Gunma Prefecture)

Osenkaku in Takaragawa Onsen is a ryokan renowned for having some of the largest open-air baths in Japan. Dotted along the Takaragawa mountain stream are several enormous baths that boast a combined area of over 760 square meters (the equivalent of 470 tatami mats). From every pool, you can enjoy an intimate, up-close view of the flowing river and the surrounding valley, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of the changing seasons, including fresh spring greenery, vibrant autumn leaves, and serene winter snowscapes.

Access:
Approx. 45 minutes by free shuttle bus, available from both JR Jomo-Kogen Station and Minakami Station.

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Other recommended hotels

Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Yamanoha open air bath

Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Yamanoha(Toyama Prefecture)

Access: A 3-minute walk from Unazuki-Onsen Station on the Toyama Chihou Railway Line.

Hotel Details

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Awanoyu(Nagano Prefecture)

Access: Approx. 70 minutes by bus bound for Shirahone Onsen from Shin-Shimashima Station (Kamikochi Line).

Hotel Details

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Summary

We've guided you through onsen with incredible views, from the grand Mt. Fuji and peaceful snowscapes to the vast, open sea. In Japan, an onsen is a unique place where the experience goes beyond simple relaxation; it’s about connecting with unforgettable scenery.Was there a view among 47trip's selections that you'd love to see for yourself? For your next journey to Japan, we encourage you to find that special onsen inn. We wish you a luxurious and healing time surrounded by spectacular views.

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47Trip Staff Team

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