On each of our tours, there's a reason we have incorporated Onsen Towns on our stops. Imagine a heavy day of riding in the elements, you’ve just conquered a challenging route and you need to get a bit of R&R. Well, the best way to do that in Japan is to relax in the hot springs to recover your aching muscles, refreshing you for another day of intense and fun riding.
These destinations offer a unique blend of scenic rides, cultural immersion, and the ultimate relaxation in natural hot springs. Here’s a guide to the top three onsen towns you will visit on our tours, and which you should consider visiting on your next visit to Japan.
What is an Onsen?
An onsen is a Japanese hot spring, often part of a bathing facility that uses naturally geothermally heated water believed to have healing properties due to its mineral content.
What is an Onsen Town?
An onsen town is a town famous for its hot springs, typically featuring multiple onsens, bathhouses, and often ryokans (traditional inns), making these towns popular destinations for both relaxation and health tourism in Japan.
Hakone, Kanagawa
Situated in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is famed for its scenic beauty and rich variety of onsens. Visitors can enjoy everything from sulfurous springs overlooking volcanic valleys to serene baths set in beautifully landscaped gardens.
Hakone has been a celebrated resort area for centuries, notably during the Edo period when it served as a checkpoint on the Tōkaidō road, the highway on which samurai and nobility traveled between Tokyo and Kyoto. Its strategic location and natural beauty have made it a perennial favorite for those seeking rest and rejuvenation.
Local Delicacies
Hakone is famous for its "onsen tamago," eggs cooked slowly in the naturally hot waters of the springs, which are said to bring longevity and health. Another must-try is "Hakone soba," featuring noodles made with local buckwheat and served in a hot broth or chilled with a dipping sauce.
Riding Experiences Nearby:
The ride to Hakone from Tokyo is a brilliant journey through changing landscapes. Riders can enjoy the thrilling Hakone Turnpike, known for its smooth, winding paths that offer spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding lush greenery.
This is the reason why we have incorporated Hakone and its roads in both the Fuji Explorer 7 day and 10 Day tour. It is so popular with motorcyclists that the famous Bikers Paradise is situated along this route, so you not only get some good twisty mountain bends, but also a place to stop and soak in some of the local motorbike passion.
Kusatsu, Gunma
Kusatsu Onsen is well known for its water quality, said to cure every ailment (except for heartbreak). The town’s central attraction is the Yubatake, a hot water field where steaming water flows through wooden channels, cooling it before it's distributed to various bathhouses around town.
The healing properties of Kusatsu’s waters have been known since at least the 12th century, and it was later endorsed by Dr. Erwin von Baelz, a German physician who served at the imperial court in the late 19th century. His advocacy for the therapeutic qualities of the springs put Kusatsu on the map as a destination for those seeking healing.
Local Delicacies:
Kusatsu offers unique treats such as "onsen manju," a steamed bun filled with red bean paste. The local specialty "Shibu kawa mochi," mochi coated with a sweet soy sauce-based syrup, is also not to be missed. Both are perfect for enjoying after a soothing dip in the hot springs.
Riding Experiences Nearby:
Approaching Kusatsu offers a challenging yet rewarding ride through the mountains of Gunma. The area's steep, winding roads are perfect for experienced riders looking for an adventurous twist to their journey. It is for this very reason that we have placed Kusatsu as a key stop on the Fuji Explorer 10 day tour for you to enjoy.
Gero, Gifu
Gero Onsen is one of the top three onsens in Japan, highly esteemed for centuries. The town provides a range of public bathhouses and private ryokan facilities where visitors can immerse themselves in healing waters with views of the Hida River and surrounding mountains.
Gero's fame as an onsen destination dates back over a thousand years, with mentions in the Nihon Shoki, an ancient chronicle of Japanese history. The town has been regarded as one of Japan's top three onsens for many centuries, attracting visitors from all over the country, including samurai and nobles.
Local Delicacies:
Gero is renowned for its "Hōba miso," a regional dish where miso paste is grilled on magnolia leaves, often with mushrooms or vegetables. This dish captures the essence of the local cuisine, offering a rich flavor that compliments the relaxing effects of the onsen waters. Additionally, the area is known for its river fish dishes, including sweetfish (ayu) grilled over an open flame.
Riding Experiences Nearby:
The route to Gero features the scenic beauty of the Gifu Prefecture with roads that meander along river valleys and through dense forests, offering a peaceful ride. The region's relatively less trafficked roads make it an ideal route for those looking to enjoy a tranquil riding experience combined with stops at local attractions.
Nearby to Gero is the famous mountain outpost of Takayama, one of our most favourite places in the area, as well as one of the most beautifully preserved ancient villages of Shirakawa-go where people still live today!
We loved Gero so much that we made it a key stop on the challenging and fun Mountain Strider Tour launching in 2026.
We can’t understate the joy of relaxing in an onsen after a day of riding. It’s one of the most ultimate experiences and quite frankly, a godsend for a heavy day of riding. We look forward to experiencing some of these places with you when you join us on a Shogun Motorbike Adventure.
