Japan Hot Springs And Cherry Blossoms

The Land of The Rising Sun in spring is what fairytales are made of! With the iconic cherry blossoms in full bloom, streets clad in pink canopies, and Japan’s hot springs beckoning tourists and natives alike to take time out and relax, the country turns into a treat for the eyes and soul in the spring season.

Japan’s hot springs are, in fact, one of its most popular attractions between March and May. Click pictures at stunning Sakura blossom spots and then treat yourself to a relaxing and luxurious Onsen experience for an unforgettable spring holiday this season.

If you are booking Japan tour packages this spring, here we have a guide to some of the best Japanese cherry blossom viewing spots and the best Onsen in Japan.

What is an Onsen?
The Best Onsen Towns in Japan
The Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan
Wrapping Up: The Best of Japan’s Hot Springs And Cherry Blossoms
FAQs

What is an Onsen?

Hot springs or Onsen in Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/dryadphotos

Onsen is essentially a natural hot spring in Japan. Characterized by warm temperatures, rich mineral compositions and healing features, Onsen experiences in Japan can be a part of public baths, luxury ryokan facilities or private resorts. Many places offer opulent Onsen resorts with stunning views particularly in and around places like Japan’s beloved Mt. Fuji.

Depending on the nature of the Onsen, you will need to follow basic etiquette when using it; for example, some Japan’s hot springs that are a part of public baths may not accept full nudity, while private Onsen in Japan do.

Benefits of Onsen

Over and above being a relaxing and leisurely experience, onsen offer several health benefits, as they are rich in minerals. Here are some of their healing and therapeutic properties:

Improves blood circulation – Onsen water is generally warm with mild temperatures; this helps dilate blood vessels thereby enhancing blood flow and improving overall cardiovascular health
Enhances skin health – Being rich in minerals, onsen water can heal the skin and fix skin issues to an extent, lending smooth and healthy skin
Relieves stress – Onsen experiences are often set in serene, peaceful ambiences. Put together with its warm temperature, an onsen bath helps put the body and mind at ease and reduce stress
Reduces pain and muscle tension – The minerals in onsen water combined with its heat can help reduce muscle tension and pain. For the same reason, Japan’s hot springs are highly popular among travellers with persistent issues like arthritis or other sports injuries.

Also Read: Japan Visa For Indians: Requirements And How to Apply

The Best Onsen Towns in Japan

Here are some of the most popular and best onsen towns in Japan. These places offer comprehensive relaxation experiences in addition to being home to the best of Japan’s hot springs.

Hakone Onsen

Hakone Yumoto Onsen in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/bryant_24

Hakone is an exceptional Onsen town in the Kanagawa prefecture, located just a short trip from Tokyo. For the same reason it is also one of the most easily accessible natural hot spring resorts in the country. You can simply sort your accommodation at one of the best hotels in Tokyo and take a day trip from there.

It features resorts with stunning open air baths, indoor baths, and private onsen, all with breathtaking views of the majestic Mount Fuji. Because it is so easily accessible for all, and features different options of onsen experiences, it is a great favourite among seasoned as well as first time travellers. Plus, it offers a host of other attractions for tourists such as art museums and volcanic sites. This makes Hakone one of the best of Japan’s hot spring locations.

Arima Onsen

Arima hot spring resort in Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture in Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/beeboys

Arima Onsen located in the picturesque Hyogo prefecture is one of Japan’s oldest natural hot spring resorts. It is best known for its two distinct types of hot spring water; Kinsen (gold spring) and Ginsen (silver spring). While Kinsen is a reddish-brown colored water high in iron and salt content, Ginsen is a transparent and clear water that contains either carbonic acid or radon, both of which are believed to stimulate body cells.

In addition to these highly beneficial Onsen experiences, the resort also holds a history spanning at least a century, making it a wholesome trip for tourists.

Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is a special one among Japan’s hot springs. In addition to being one of the country’s top three, the place is well-known for its high-acidity sulphuric onsen water, which is believed to be most effective for muscle health recovery and skin health. An interesting highlight of Kusatsu is that it features a “Yubatake” or a hot water field right in the town center, where you can admire the dramatic sight of steaming hot water gushing out of the earth’s surface. The aesthetics in the little onsen town are no less of a sight to behold. Featuring charming streets lined with traditional ryokans, public baths and seasonal attractions like festival paraphernalia, the Kustatsu onsen is both a visual and a physical treat.

Beppu

Situated in the Oita prefecture on Kyushu Island, the Beppu onsen is famous for “Hells of Beppu” – a fascinating collection of seven, sometimes eight dramatic hot springs in vivid colours, which are intensely hot and steaming, typically not ideal for bathing. Starting from cobalt blue to milky white and boiling grey, this range of natural hot springs is one of the biggest attractions in all of Japan. You can enjoy elaborate tours of these hot springs, try mud baths and steam baths in the surrounding resorts, visit the luxury hotels and boutique shops nearby, admire stunning views of Mount Yufu and try “jigoku-mushi” – a unique range of foods steamed in the hells.

With so many experiences to indulge in, Beppu offers one of the richest onsen tours in Japan.

Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki, located in the Hyogo prefecture is most known for being a historic town in addition to its rich onsen . Featuring seven ancient public baths, the town boasts an interesting tradition of strolling between these 7 baths in a yukata – a cotton kimono. It also carries hot spring water rich in a composition of sodium chloride, making it an excellent treatment to improve blood circulation. Besides the town’s Onsen, you will also find beautiful streets lined with cherry trees and willow trees, canals, and aesthetic buildings making for a serene and romantic getaway. If you and your significant other find yourselves in Japan this season, Kinosaki is one of the best Onsen in Japan and is a must-visit.

Also Read: How to Plan an Easy Japan Trip From India: Everything You Need to Know

The Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan

Philosopher's Path, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto, Japan — Philosopher’s Path, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/takuya kanzaki

A spring escapade to the Land of the Rising Sun would be incomplete without a thorough indulgence of the country’s famous cherry blossoms.

Here are some of the best places for cherry blossom viewing in Japan.

Ueno Park in Tokyo which features over 700+ Japanese cherry blossom trees
The Meguro River Canal in Tokyo lined with 800+ cherry trees
Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto, lined with over hundreds of cherry trees
Arashiyama in Kyoto, which features scenic backdrops of rivers, mountains and cherry blossoms in full bloom
Mt. Yoshino in the Nara prefecture, well known as Japan’s premier spot
Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, which features many varieties of cherry blossoms that bloom at different times throughout the year

The Best Time to Visit Japan For Cherry Blossom Viewing

Sunrise over Mt. Fuji with cherry blossoms
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/abdullah mubarak achmad

Cherry blossom season in Japan technically runs from late March to early April. This is when the peak spots of Tokyo and Kyoto are in full bloom. However, you can also find late blooms in places like Hokkaido during mid-April to early May.

If viewing cherry blossoms is a priority on your travel agenda, be sure to visit Japan during this time; book cheap flights to Tokyo or Kyoto and click away when you find these spots. In case you miss the first window, you can plan your itinerary according to the later window as well.

Also Read: Sushi And More: 10 Japanese Foods That You Will Absolutely Love

Wrapping Up: The Best of Japan’s Hot Springs And Cherry Blossoms

Spring time in Japan is a world that exudes happiness and cheer in every corner. So much so, that it gives Disneyland a run for their money. If you’ve ever considered visiting Japan, now is the right time! Secure your Japan visa promptly to book your spring vacation to Japan this year. Give yourself the gift of a culture-rich journey that is also aesthetically pleasing and memorable. Be sure to apply for your visa with a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries for a hassle-free journey.

FAQs

What are the top 3 most scenic places in Japan?

Japan is home to many scenic places including the iconic Mt. Fuji and its surrounding regions. However, the top 3 most widely recognized scenic places in Japan, chosen centuries ago are Matsushima Bay or the pine-clad islands, Amanohashidate and Itsukushima – the floating tori gates. Itsukushima is also known for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine.

Which month is best for cherry blossoms in Japan?

The best month to visit Japan to see cherry blossoms is typically late March to early April. This is when the major cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka bloom in full. However, you can also find blooms during late April and early May in places like Hokkaido in the north.

Which part of Japan has the best hot springs?

Some of the most famous regions in Japan for natural hot springs are:

Kanto region – Kusatsu Onsen
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Beppu

Which city is best to see cherry blossoms in Japan?

Yoshino in the Nara prefecture is Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Some other stunning cities in Japan perfect to see cherry blossoms include:

Ueno Park, Meguro River Canal, and Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo
Arashiyama and Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto

Is Tokyo or Kyoto better for cherry blossoms?

Both cities offer exceptional sightings of blooming cherry blossoms in early spring. While in Kyoto you get to see cherry blossoms against backdrops of historic streets, temples and shrines, Tokyo offers cherry blossoms set against more urban scenery. Kyoto also offers more diverse varieties of cherry trees including late bloomers, while Tokyo is best known for its striking mix of nature and city life.

Which Japanese city is famous for its cherry blossom Festival?

Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan is famous for its cherry blossom festival. It typically happens during March or early April.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

Yes, Indian nationals are required to obtain a Japan tourist visa to travel to Japan.

Which city in India has cherry blossoms?

Shillong in Meghalaya in India is known to have stunning cherry blossoms. They typically bloom fully during November and December, and the area also holds a festival during this time to honour the spectacle of nature.

Where is the least crowded place to see cherry blossoms in Japan?

Shingashi River, in Kawagoe is known to be a quieter and less crowded place, outside of Tokyo that offers excellent sightings of cherry blossoms.

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