The 6 Best Onsen & Hot Spring Visits Tours in Japan

1.Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 339 reviews · 10 hours · from $53Our pick

This 10-hour bus tour links Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, Arima Onsen, and Mt. Rokko from Osaka for $53. English or Chinese-speaking guides such as Gary, Harry, or Nick lead the day, while you explore most stops independently. Add the Japanese lunch set if you want an easy meal, and bring cash for the onsen fee and any castle charges after March 1.

“Our guide Harry, was great. he told us many interesting stories. we had option with dinner which was in Japanese restaurant, and was very tasty, even my 10yo son ate (almost) everything.”

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2.Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park and Hot Spring

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 302 reviews · 10 hours · from $57

Spend 10 hours visiting Nara Park, Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and Uji from Osaka, with an English, Japanese, or Chinese-speaking guide. Feed deer with provided crackers, sample matcha treats, see Byodo-in Temple or the Tale of Genji Museum, then relax at Genji no Yu. Admissions, meals, and the hot spring fee cost extra.

“Thank you Vivi for a great time! We had so much fun in Nara Park and we could relax & chill in hot springs.”

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3.Private Tour to Fuji/Hakone – Onsen, Art, Nature

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 10 hours · from $322Top rated

Spend 10 hours traveling from Tokyo to Hakone in a private or small-group vehicle with an English, French, or Japanese guide. Stop at Fuji viewpoints, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, Tenzan Onsen, and possibly the Open-Air Museum or Pola Museum. Guides such as Elie, Lenny, Luca, and Evan tailor the day to your interests.

“Our day trip was one for the books. Greatly enhanced by our young guide Leny. Even though he is not Japanese, his passion for Japanese culture shone through his knowledge and passionate storytelling. As a person he was also very, very personable and such an interesting, relatable human being. It helped he had creative judgment as we made him co-director of our tiktoks. The itinerary itself was well thought through --- we went to a temple and an onsen...we did not get to see Mt. Fuji (it was cloudy) but that did not matter in the end. Thank you Leny!”

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4.Mt. Fuji, Hakone Private Tour from Tokyo – Onsen, Arts and Nature

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews

Travel from Tokyo in a private vehicle with guides such as Elie, Lucas, Lenny, Evan, and Dominik. See Mt. Fuji viewpoints, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, a 400-year-old tea house, an onsen, and an art museum. The day can shift between the Open-Air Museum and Pola Museum depending on weather and your interests.

“This was an amazing experience! Elie is so professional and knowledgeable. Very engaging! The onsen is definitely and immersive experience that will take you out of your comfort zone and in to a world of relaxation. I highly recommend this tour with Elie. You will not regret it. 5 stars isn't enough.”

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5.Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · from $337

Spend about eight hours exploring Nagano with a private English-speaking guide and transport. Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, Obuse, and possibly the Hokusai Museum, with time for local food, sake, or an onsen. Guides such as Hori, Mutsumi, and Fumiko have helped tailor the day to families, older visitors, and special interests.

“WeiWei was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the local towns, foods, culture and monkeys :) She was very patient as we stayed with the monkeys for over an hour taking photos and observing them. We had a great time with her, and highly suggest booking a private tour, so you can go at your own pace with the monkeys, saki tasting, and a bit more of a local's experience.”

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6.1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $150

Travel from Nozawa Onsen with an English-speaking local guide to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, and Nishinomon-Yoshinoya Sake Brewery. The day includes park entry, lunch, temple guiding, and sake tasting. Guides such as Jens and Yama have led past departures, and winter boots are essential for the icy 1.6 km forest walk.

“Great day out with a fantastic guide and safe driver. Lunch was very tasty too! The guide was very knowledgeable and shared information in an easy going manner.”

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