Japan · ONSEN & HOT SPRING VISITS

The 15 Best Onsen & Hot Spring Visits Tours in Japan

27 tours  ·  from $5 a head

Good onsen & hot spring visits tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

From Osaka: Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour - Himeji Castle, Japan’s White Heron
Castle Tours, Castle Tours in Osaka, Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Tour Reviews, Tours in Osaka

From Osaka: Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Osaka: Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park and Hot Spring - Nara Park and the deer crackers
1-Day Tours, Nara & the Deer Park, Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Tour Reviews, Tours in Nara

Osaka: Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park and Hot Spring

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Tokyo: Private Tour to Fuji/Hakone - Onsen, Art, Nature - Finding Mount Fuji beyond the postcard view
Hakone Day Trips, Mount Fuji Day Trips, Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

From Tokyo: Private Tour to Fuji/Hakone – Onsen, Art, Nature

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mt. Fuji, Hakone Private Tour from Tokyo - Onsen, Arts and Nature - Mount Fuji views depend on the sky
Hakone Day Trips, Mount Fuji Day Trips, Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tokyo: Mount Fuji 5th Station & Onsen Day Trip - When the 5th Station becomes Shinkurayama Asama Park
1-Day Tours, Mount Fuji Day Trips, Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Mount Fuji 5th Station & Onsen Day Trip

5.Mount Fuji 5th Station & Onsen Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 75 reviews · 1 day · from $50

Travel from Tokyo to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, or Shinkurayama Asama Park outside the summer season. Visit Oshino Hakkai’s clear ponds, then spend two hours at Konohananoyu Onsen, with Gotemba outlets sometimes offered instead on weekdays. English and Chinese support is available, though guide quality may vary.

“Our guide, guixe lin tian Anna was very helpful and informative of the places we have visited during this tour. She gave us tips on how to maximize our visits per stops and the best souvenirs to get.🎉❤️🤣”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Fukuoka: Mount Aso, Kurokawa Onsen, and Shrine Tour - The 8:00 a.m. start at Hakata Station
Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Temple & Shrine Tours, Tour Reviews

From Fukuoka: Mount Aso, Kurokawa Onsen, and Shrine Tour

6.Mount Aso, Kurokawa Onsen, and Shrine Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 72 reviews · 10 hours · from $50

Travel from Fukuoka to Mount Aso, Kusasenri, Aso Shrine, and Kurokawa Onsen with a multilingual guide. You’ll see volcanic scenery, have time for lunch and optional horse riding, then stroll or bathe in Kurokawa’s hot springs. Guides such as Seki and Sun have provided especially clear help for mixed-language groups.

“Given sufficient time at each spot, tour guides were professional, provided informative tips & info.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen - Zenko-ji Temple gives Nagano its center
1-Day Tours, Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Private, Sake Tasting, Sake Tastings in Nagano, Snow Monkey Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Nagano

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

7.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tokyo: Mt Takao Tour with Ramen and Tattoo-Okay Hot Spring - Starting at Takaosanguchi and the Takao 599 Museum
Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Ramen Tours & Workshops, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo: Mt Takao Tour with Ramen and Tattoo-Okay Hot Spring

8.Mt Takao Tour with Ramen and Tattoo-Okay Hot Spring

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 69 reviews · 8 hours · from $120

Join English-speaking guide Jordan for an eight-hour escape from Tokyo to Mt. Takao. Ride the cable car or chair lift, visit the monkey park, walk past shrines and forest views, eat Hachioji ramen or soba, then relax at a tattoo-friendly hot spring. The small group is limited to seven people.

“The trip was lovely! Jordan was knowledgeable about the places we went to, had good relationships with local people and knew all the good spots. Would definitely recommend it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa) - A short stop at Tamamura Honten
Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Snow Monkey Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Nagano

Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa)

9.Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $78

From Iiyama or Nozawa, ride through Nagano’s orchards to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, then walk historic Shibu Onsen with guides such as Tommy, Tome, or Rossella. Priority park tickets save time, but you need good shoes for a 4-kilometer walk and should leave a wide buffer after the tour for trains or dinner.

“We really enjoyed our afternoon, our guide Tome was excellent really friendly and knowledgeable and helpful”

Check availability →Read our full review

[Seasonal Limited] Mt. Fuji 5th Station &Hot Spring Day Tour - Leaving Tokyo from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station
Mount Fuji Day Trips, Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

[Seasonal Limited] Mt. Fuji 5th Station &Hot Spring Day Tour

10.[Seasonal Limited] Mt. Fuji 5th Station &Hot Spring Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · 1 day · from $50

Travel from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, Oshino Hakkai’s clear spring ponds, and Konohananoyu Onsen. You get mountain views, traditional village scenery, and two hours to relax. Guides such as Anna, Ken, Coco, and Jacob have been praised for friendly help, but the route can change with weather, traffic, and weekend crowds.

“The tour was well-organized from start to finish: the bus was comfortable and on time, the guide was friendly and helpful, and the schedule balanced sightseeing and relaxation perfectly. I’d definitely recommend this tour to anyone wanting to experience the best of Mt. Fuji and a classic Japanese hot spring day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Osaka: Solaniwa Onsen Hot Spring Visit - Tenku Garden, torii gates, waterfalls, and footbaths
Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Tour Reviews, Tours in Osaka

Osaka: Solaniwa Onsen Hot Spring Visit

11.Solaniwa Onsen Hot Spring Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 51 reviews · 1 day · from $14

At Solaniwa Onsen OSAKA BAY TOWER, you get a full day of hot spring bathing, saunas, scrubbers, footbaths, and access to the 3,000-square-meter Tenku Garden. The slightly alkaline water rises from 1,000 meters underground. It is a convenient Osaka escape with traditional touches, seasonal plants, torii gates, and waterfalls.

“Love this family friendly onsen. Couldn’t work out how to get the lunch that we bought with our ticket and ended up having to purchase it again but overall we still would recommend the experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kyoto: Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama - From Kibune Shrine to the cedar forest
Hiking & Trekking, Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama

12.Hike and Hot Springs in Kurama

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 hours · from $80

Ride the Eizan train from Demachiyanagi into Kyoto’s cedar-covered north, then hike from Kibune toward Kurama Temple with an English or French-speaking guide. Expect steep steps, shrine legends, mountain views, and time in Kurama village for lunch or an optional hot spring bath. Guides such as Philippe and Chris are praised for local insight.

“Philippe was very knowledgeable about the history and stories behind the shrines, temples and towns we visited. Being a localized Kyoto citizen, he was able to supply us a plethora of local insights behind Japanese culture and traditions. With his extensive background of hiking the forests and mountains of Kyoto, the route was impeccably planned such that it was a seamless experience despite the daunting climb up to the mountain temple. An amalgamation of nature and history, overall it was a rejuvenating experience providing a much welcome contrast from the conventional and routinely frequented tourist spots in Kyoto City Center.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Fukuoka: Mt. Aso Volcano & Kurokawa Onsen Scenic Day Tour - Starting in Fukuoka and settling into the van
Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Tour Reviews, Tours in Fukuoka

Fukuoka: Mt. Aso Volcano & Kurokawa Onsen Scenic Day Tour

13.Mt. Aso Volcano & Kurokawa Onsen Scenic Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 37 reviews · 10 hours · from $90

Leave Fukuoka with an English- or Chinese-speaking guide and head into Kyushu’s volcanic country. Visit Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, Mt. Aso and Kusasenri, then spend about 100 minutes at Kurokawa Onsen. The $90 fare covers transport, guide, fuel, tolls, and parking, but not meals, attraction fees, or bathing.

“Amazing trip. Excellent guide and well Organized. Places we have visited were indeed the highlights of our trip. Strongly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Become a local! A Walking Tour of Arts, Crafts&Onsen Culture - Meeting at Beppu Station and starting at the market
Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Become a local! A Walking Tour of Arts, Crafts & Onsen Culture

14.Become a local! A Walking Tour of Arts, Crafts & Onsen Culture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $59

Walk downtown Beppu with a local guide such as Masahiro Ide, visiting a fish market, a bamboo factory, artist studios, and Space Beppu, a century-old house with a gallery and history room. This small-group tour lasts about two hours to two and a half hours, but the route can change with workshop availability.

“Het was erg interessant om meer over Beppu en Japanse gebruiken te horen van een echte local, en ontzettend leuk om de kunstenaars te spreken en te zien waar zij werken!”

Check availability →Read our full review

1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake - Warming up over lunch at Japanese Dining GOEN
1-Day Tours, Onsen & Hot Spring Visits, Sake Tasting, Sake Tastings in Nagano, Snow Monkey Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple and Shrine Tours in Nagano, Tour Reviews, Tours in Nagano

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

15.1-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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Onsen & Hot Spring Visits

★ 5.0Snow Monkey Park, Soba Lunch and Shibu Onsen TourFrom $9712 reviews
★ 5.0Guide tour of Japanese bathing culture at Funaoka OnsenFrom $4515 reviews
★ 5.0Snowshoe Adventures and Onsen Bliss Winter Escape in FuranoFrom $7812 reviews
★ 4.0Mt Fuji Lake Kawaguchi & Yamanaka Hot Spring Day TourFrom $6814 reviews
★ 4.9From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys and Zenko-ji Day Trip & SakeFrom $13513 reviews
★ 5.0Become a local! A Walking Tour of Arts, Crafts&Onsen CultureFrom $5813 reviews

Keep browsing

Tours in TokyoTours in KyotoMount Fuji Day TripsTemple & Shrine ToursFood ToursWalking Tours
Scroll to Top

Explore Japan

Pick a temple, a counter, a mountain or a circuit.

Old Japan

Temples & ShrinesTea CeremoniesGion & GeishaSamurai & NinjaCastles

The table

Food ToursSake TastingsCooking ClassesSushi ClassesRamen Workshops

Out of the city

Mount FujiHakoneHiroshima & MiyajimaNaraShirakawa-go

Only here

SumoCar MeetsStreet Go-KartsSnow MonkeysAnime & Manga