Shizuoka Prefecture has a great number of onsen hot springs from one can gaze out on the sea. Enjoy the feeling of watching the wakes of fishing boats and pleasure craft from an onsen. Watching the golden sun setting over the sea white soaking in the bath soothes both soul and body.
Mountain Fuji hot springs are well-known hot springs in secluded spots in the mountains, surrounded by nature. There is nothing like enjoying a bath and viewing mountain landscapes, letting you experience the changing of the seasons up close.
High among the attractions of Shizuoka prefecture are its many natural hot springs and spas. The eastern part of the prefecture contains the vast Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and the Izu peninsula, which has more than 2,400 hot springs.
The area’s spa resorts and famous sights can be reached by local trains linked to main stations on the Shinkansen Bullet Trains and Tokaido Honsen lines as well as by using the tourist routes that crisscross the prefecture. The east coast of the Izu peninsula has been designated a model area for international tourism.
Learn to enjoy the unparalleled pleasure of the hot springs and experience how Japanese pamper themselves. Widely used throughout Japan, hot springs are health enhancing as well as a way to improve and beautify skin tone. The soothing waters of hot springs help relieve the stress of modern day life. Far from the noise of congested cities, they are regaining popularity for their many beneficial aspects and are considered a new style of leisure activity.
The inns are classics of Japanese architecutral style and are most often in the most gorgeous locations — next to a bamboo grove, beside a running river, overlooking the ocean. Each inn pride itself on offering the very best of Japan’s excellent cuisine, and serve tasty delicaces in the most elegant manner.
The many types of hot spring attract young and old and can be enjoyed in all of Shizuoka’s distinct four seasons. You will enjoy relaxing in comfortable yukata (cotton kimono) and geta (wooden clogs) provided by all inns and hotels. Everyone wears them — leaving the clothes and cares of their busy lives behind in their rooms!
Toi Spa, Izu City
The oldest onsen on the West Izu coast, from when water first gushed out during the Edo Period. Blessed by warm weather, this is famous as a summer and winter resort.
Access – From lzuhakone Railway Shuzenji Station, approximately 50 minutes by bus.
Kanzanji Spa, Hamamatsu City
The Shore of Lake Hamana has a number of hot spring areas. As well as hot springs, it is a popular, bustling holiday area with amusement parks and a zoo nearby.
Access – From JR Hamamatsu Station (JR Tokaido Main Line), approximately 40 minutes by bus.
ATAMI SPA – On the Pacific Ocean seaside in Atami City
This is one of Japan’s three most famous spa resorts, and is visited by many celebrities with more than 300 inns and hotels on the slope overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a hot spring that was a favorite of Tokugawa leyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Atami is also known for its night view of the city when sparkling lights appear like a diamond bracelet under the broad sky. In summer you can swim in the ocean during the day and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at night while relaxing in your yukata.
Museums, a plum orchard (Atami Baien) and a park famous for azalea and rhododendron (Himenosawa Koen) are just some of the highlights of this seaside resort. The waters of Atami spa are renowned for treating rheumatism, skin diseases, various female complaints, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Access – JR Atami Station (JR Tokaido Main Line)
Ito Spa, Ito City
Together with Atami, this is one of Japan’s three most famous Spa resorts. Day visitors are also welcome to hotels and traditional ryokan inns, letting you enjoy baths throughout town.
Access – JR Ito Station (JR Tokaido Main Line)
Bentenjima Spa, Hamamatsu City
Rising from the lake, the huge vermilion torn is the landmark gateway to Bentenjima Spa. This huge panorama shows the sweeping view towards Lake Hamana, the torn, Hamana Bridge, and the sea at Enshu.
Access – From JR Bentenjima Station (JR Tokaido Main Line), an approximately 3-minite walk.
Yaizu Kuroshio Spa, Yaizu City
This hot spring is close to Yaizu port. The salt concentration about half that of sea water is famous for promoting health and beauty. Hot spring hotels are close to the Okuzure coast and the port, and there are many sightseeing spots nearby.
Access – from JR Yaizu Statton (JR Tokaido Main Line), an approximately 5 minutes by taxi.
Rendaiji Spa, Shimoda City
Onsen resorts in the mountains, traditional Ryokon Inns steeped in Japanese character in the Inozawa river and attributions as well as the Rendaiji river is famous for its abundance onsens, and there are many historic sites remaining from the end of Edo Period.
Access – Izu Kyuko line Izuku-Shimoda Station
Nanadaru Spa, Kawazu Town
A quiet onsen town perched in a gorge on the upper reaches of the Kawazu River. Famous as the setting for Yasunari Kawabata’s; The Dancing Girl of Izu, this has many sights in addition to the seven famous waterfalls, such as the Old Amagi tunnel.
Access – From Izu KyuKo Line Kawazu Station, approximately 30 minutes by bus.
Sumatakyo Spa, Kawanehoncho Town
An onsen that has been selected as one of the 100 Natural Spots to Preserve’ in the 21 Century. ‘The water in this onsen is popular for its beneficial effects on the skin, and is known as a ‘Hot Spring That Makes Women Beautiful’
Access – From Oigawa Railway Senzu station, approximately 30 minutes by bus.
Shuzenji Spa, lzu City
This atmospheric onsen has a long and distinguished history on the Izu Peninsula. Hotels are built along bath banks of the Katsura River. Make sure you visit the famous shrine at Shuzenji which gave its name to this resort.
Access –From Izuhakone Railway Shuzenji Station approximately 30 minutes by bus.
Gotemba Spa, Gotemba City
An onsen resort situated in ‘the green of a alpine plateau town. Since ancient times, this has been known as the start location for when climbing Mt. Fuji, and this offers a truly outstanding landscape in which we can enjoy Mt. Fuji throughout the four seasons.
Access – JR Gotemba Station (JR Tokaido Main Line).
Izu Nagaoka Spa, Izunokunio City
People who visit enjoy the idyllic natural scenery such as Mt. Katsuragi with its panoramic view of the Keno River. Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. The water in the onsen is kind to the skin, and is also great to drink.
Access – From Izuhakone Railway Station, approximately 5 minutes by bus.
Amagi Yugashima Spa, Izu City
Amagi Yugashima, where Yasunari Kawabata both wrote and set The Dancing Girl of Izu. Water gushes up from over a dozen springs, and most of the hotels boast natural spring water onsens.
Access – From Izuhakone Railway Shuzenji Station, approximately 30 minutes by bus.
Inatori Spa, Higashiizu Town
In addition to onsens that look out upon Izu Oshima, there are those at which you can enjoy the Hanged Doll Ornament Festival, alfonsino and famous boiled rice with tea, and fireworks displays.
OIGAWA – Enjoy hot springs and a nostalgic ride on a steam locomotive
The steam locomotive, which had disappeared from the Japanese railway system, was restored on the Oigawa Railway in 1975. The train runs from Kanaya to Senzu along the Oi River. Tourists and fans of the steam locomotive all come to the Oigawa Railway to enjoy the nostalgia of an earlier time.
Sumatakyo Hot Springs is a 40-minute drive by bus from Senzu. It is located in a deep ravine that affords the visitor a grand view of the Southern Japan Alps. This hot spring is alternately called “The Hot Spring that Creates Beauty” because bathing in its sulfur waters leaves your skin tangibly smooth and silky.
There is a “Green Shower Road” (a trip of 3 kilometers) where one can enjoy bird-watching while “bathing” (as the Japanese refer to it) in the clear air and rejuvenating greenery of the forest. The 90-meter long suspension bridge called “Yume no Tsuribashi” is one of the main attractions of the area. As you walk over the emerald green river the bridge thrills you as it swings ever so gently. This area is especially beautiful in Autumn when its many maple trees turn a brilliant red.
Izu Peninsula – Renowned spas just 1hr. 20 mins. from Tokyo
IZU – West Coast
From the west coast of the Izu Peninsula you can enjoy the special pleasure of bathing in an outdoor spa that gives you a splendid view of Mt. Fuji on one side and the wide blue sea on the other Heda, Toi, Ugusu, Dogashima and Matsuzaki are the famous spa areas on the west coast. These hot springs have long been acknowledged for their effectiveness in treating various diseases. While relaxing in the invigorating waters you have an unobstructed view of the sun setting in the west.
Japanese cuisine at its most delectable is another good reason for a visit to this area which is famous for succulent giant crabs, skipjack (a type of tuna), and unusually tasty dishes made from vegetables harvested from the sea. Fresh and refreshingly sweet and delicious loquats (similar to apricots) usually ends the meal in this region.
IZU – East Coast
Atami, Ito, Atagawa, Inatori, Imaihama, and Shimoda all have outdoor hot springs. The view of gentle waves on a billowing sea in the sunshine while bathing in these outdoor hot springs is what awaits you on Izu’s east coast. Natural hot springs right at the shore side give you the feeling of being part of the surrounding nature. Here, sea breezes, mountain flowers, and tempting delicacies all conspire to refresh you, body and soul.
Access – Izu Kyuko Line Izu-lnatori Station.
How to use Onsen (Hot Springs Spa)
- To accustom yourself to the temperature, enter slowly.
- First, sit your lower body in the bath.
- You should stay in the bath until you break a slight sweat.
- To enjoy the medicinal properties of the water, do not shower after getting out.
- Drink plenty of water, and rest for a while.
- Casual foot baths
Foot baths are a great way of improving your circulation by warming just your feel, and are a great way of getting rid of chills. These have the same effect as a lower-body bath, and their casual use is popular. Why not try one out for feet that are tired from walking?
