Enjoy strolling around town! 8 recommended Hot springs towns in the Kanto region | Relaxing weekend getaways

What are the joys of walking around Hot springs towns in the Kanto region?

We'll introduce the unique charms of Hot springs trip and tips for enjoying Hot springs town.

The charm of a leisurely trip unique to Hot springs town

Charming streets with retro architecture and cobblestones, footbaths, street food like Hot springs steamed buns, and souvenir shopping.Hot springs town offers a variety of attractions that stimulate all five senses. Enjoying a shooting game with your spouse, reminiscent of your childhood, is one of the unique pleasures of Hot springs town. You'll be able to enjoy a pleasant stroll through the town, enveloped in the steam of the hot springs.

Tips for enjoying a stroll around town

Hot springs town offers various ways to enjoy yourself depending on the time of day. During the day, we recommend strolling around Hot springs town, stopping by a cafe, or enjoying a local specialty lunch.At night, enjoy the cityscape transformed by the illuminations.While strolling through Hot springs town is nice, enjoying the view of Hot springs from the open-air bath at your inn is also a delightful experience.

In recent years, "photogenic Hot springs towns" have also become popular. Taking commemorative photos with your spouse against the backdrop of places like the Yubatake (hot spring field) in Kusatsu Hot springs or the stone steps of Ikaho Hot springs is highly recommended.

Steam and lively atmosphere! A classic destination for strolling around town: famous Hot springs towns in the Kanto region.

Here are three popular Hot springs towns in the Kanto region that are a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy Hot springs getaway.

[Gunma] Kusatsu Hot springs | A townscape of one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, adorned with a Yubatake (hot spring field).

Kusatsu Hot springs, along with Gero Hot springs and Arima Hot springs, is considered one of Japan's three most famous hot springs. At the heart of Hot springs town is the "Yubatake," where Hot springs gushes forth, and steam is constantly rising from it.

To get to Kusatsu Hot springs, take the JR Limited Express "Kusatsu/Shima" from Ueno Station and then transfer to a bus; the Access takes about 3 hours. By car, it's about 90 minutes from the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange.

Enjoy a stroll while experiencing "Yumomi" (hot spring water stirring) and "Onsen Manju" (Hot springs steamed buns).

Around the Yubatake (hot spring field), there are numerous tourist attractions such as "Netsunoyu," where you can see Kusatsu's famous yumomi (hot spring water stirring) and dance shows, and "Osayu," where you can see monkeys stirring Hot springs and capybaras enjoying the baths. There are also many hot Hot springs manju (steamed bun) shops, and Yamabiko Hot springs Manju's "age manju" (fried steamed bun) has become a new Kusatsu specialty. Another attraction is the opportunity to play in retro Showa-era shops such as shooting galleries and candy stores.

For sightseeing, we recommend staying at a hotel near the Yubatake (hot spring field).

Hotels located around the Yubatake hot spring area are convenient for sightseeing. Among them, "Kusatsu Onsen Daitokan" "KAMENOI HOTEL KUSATSU RESORT" and "KAMENOI HOTEL KUSATSU YUBATAKE" are particularly recommended.Guests staying at any of the hotels can use the large public baths at all three hotels free of charge.Therefore, both the hot spring hopping and the strolling will be more satisfying.

[Gunma] Ikaho Hot springs | A retro stroll along the 365 stone steps

Ikaho Hot springs in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, boasts a history of over 400 years. Its symbol is the 365-step stone staircase, considered one of Japan's three most famous staircases. Souvenir shops, amusement parks, and Hot springs inns line both sides of the staircase, allowing visitors to enjoy a townscape full of Hot springs charm. Footbaths are also scattered throughout the area, so you can soothe your tired feet while strolling through Hot springs town.

If you Access the area from Tokyo Station by JR Joetsu Shinkansen and bus, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (via Takasaki Station and Shibukawa Station). By car, it takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Nerima Interchange.

Enjoy a food tour in the birthplace of onsen manju (Hot springs steamed buns).

Hot springs "Yunohana Manju" from Ikaho Hot springs is said to be the original of the brown Hot springs buns that are a familiar sight in Hot springs town. Hot springs town also has shops selling soft serve ice cream, fried chicken, octopus crackers, and more, so you can enjoy eating your way around the town.

Enjoy the free-flowing hot spring water at "Ishidan no Yu"

At "Ishidan no Yu," a day-trip Hot springs facility located a short climb up a stone staircase, you can enjoy the "Golden Hot Spring" in a stone-built bathtub. The Golden Hot Spring is said to have benefits such as relieving fatigue and improving circulation.

A historical walk visiting historical sites and shrines is also recommended.

Just as you begin climbing the stone steps, you'll find historical sites such as the "Hawaiian Kingdom Minister's Villa" and the "Ikaho Checkpoint," and at the top of the steps stands the "Ikaho Shrine," which protects Ikaho Hot springs. Enjoying a historical stroll is one of the charms of Ikaho Hot springs.

[Kanagawa] Hakone Hot springs | Enjoy diverse nature and art

Hakone attracts approximately 20 million tourists annually. While there are various areas such as Gora and Lake Ashi, Hakone-Yumoto, the gateway to Hakone, is recommended for those who want to enjoy strolling through Hot springs town. From Hakone-Yumoto Station, you can take the Hakone Tozan Railway and enjoy art appreciation at the Hakone Open-Air Museum (get off at Chokoku-no-Mori Station).

From Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, it takes a minimum of 75 minutes by Odakyu Romancecar. Access car, it takes approximately 45 minutes from Ebina Junction.

Let yourself be soothed by the magnificent nature of Hayakawa.

One of the attractions is the magnificent natural scenery centered around the Hayakawa River that flows in front of Hakone-Yumoto Station. There is a rickshaw stand at Ajisai Bridge, and you can take a tour of Hot springs town with a rickshaw driver as your guide.

Enjoy browsing the souvenir shops in the shopping street in front of the station.

The shopping street in front of Hakone-Yumoto Station is lined with souvenir shops selling a variety of items, including bath salts made with hot spring minerals, Hakone's famous sweets, and marquetry. It's recommended to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy shopping.

There's also a great selection of photogenic street food.

In Hot springs town of Hakone, you can enjoy photogenic street food such as Kikukawa Shoten's "Hakone Manju" and Ajino Meika Teyakido's "Heart-shaped Senbei." Both are sold on-site, so you can enjoy them freshly made, which is another attractive feature.

Immerse yourself in nature and history! Explore hidden gems and unique Hot springs towns in the Kanto region.

We've carefully selected and introduced some hidden gem Hot springs towns that are easily Access from Tokyo yet offer a relaxing getaway.

[Tochigi] Shiobara Hot springs | Abundant forests and beautiful valleys

Shiobara Hot springs is a hot Hot springs resort that boasts a rare combination of six different types of spring water with seven different colors. With over 80% of its area covered in forest, it offers a relaxing and natural setting. Access is accessible from Tokyo in about 2 hours and 20 minutes by Tohoku Shinkansen (Nasuno) and bus, or about 113 minutes by car via the Nishinasuno Shiobara Interchange.

Explore the breathtaking scenery created by suspension bridges and gorges.

Shiobara Hot springs boasts 12 suspension bridges, primarily centered around Shiobara Gorge. Among them, the "Momiji Valley Suspension Bridge" spanning the Shiobara Dam Lake and the "Beni no Suspension Bridge" located in the heart of Hot springs town are particularly recommended due to their easy Access by public transportation.

Compare and contrast "Tote-yaki," a new type of sweet from Shiobara Hot springs.

"Tote-yaki" is a type of sweet where the ingredients used to wrap the sweets vary from shop to shop. Since it's sold at 11 different stores, why not try comparing them while you're out and about?

For your sightseeing base, it's recommended to choose a hotel in the central area of Hot springs resort town.

Since Shiobara Hot springs is spread out over a wide area, choosing a hotel in the center of Hot springs town is generally convenient in terms of the abundance of tourist attractions and gourmet spots, as well as ease of getting around.For those looking for a reasonably priced place to stay, we recommend "YU-FURI NASU-SHIOBARA".As it's a freestyle-stay hotel, you're free to eat outside the hotel or bring your own Food. Another attractive feature is that you can enjoy the natural Hot springs, which are free-flowing from the source, from 5 AM until midnight.
For those who want to enjoy the nature of Shiobara Hot springs with their beloved dog, "Wan Wan Paradise Premier Shiobara" is highly recommended.Located about a 5-minute drive from the center of Hot springs town, it features a large public bath and open-air bath with free-flowing hot spring water. For dinner, you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine made with local ingredients.

[Tochigi] Yunishigawa Hot springs | A hidden gem where the legend of the Heike clan refugees lives on

Yunishigawa Hot springs is a secluded hot spring resort in northern Kanto, steeped in legends of the Heike clan's refugees. Hot springs town is lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants serving seasonal cuisine. It can be Access from Tokyo by train and bus in about 3 hours (via Asakusa Station and Yunishigawa Hot springs Station), or by car in about 60 minutes from the Imaichi Interchange.

"Heike no Sato" makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Heian period.

"Heike no Sato" is a folk village created to preserve the lifestyle established by the Heike refugees for future generations, by relocating thatched-roof houses from within the village. At the sweet shops and souvenir shops, you can enjoy the Heike refugees' proud specialties such as "Tochimochi" (rice cakes with horse chestnut leaves), "Oshiruko" (sweet red bean soup), and "Sobagaki" (buckwheat dumplings).

Head to "Yunishigawa Mizu no Sato," where you can enjoy day trips to Hot springs and footbaths.

Yunishigawa Mizu no Sato boasts excellent facilities, including open-air baths and large public baths with free-flowing hot spring water, a symbolic suspension bridge, and souvenir shops. Restaurant serves Yunishigawa's famous handmade soba noodles and mackerel soup with local specialty "Bandai mochi" rice cakes.

Enhance your hotel stay with our wide range of services.

"KAMENOI HOTEL NIKKO YUNISHIGAWA ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT" is located across from Heike no Sato and is about a 5-minute Access from Yunishigawa Mizu no Sato, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.The hotel offers a variety of services, including a "guest lounge" stocked with alcohol and snacks, and a selection of colorful yukata (traditional Japanese summer kimonos) for women.Therefore, the satisfaction level of the hotel stay is also increased.

[Tochigi] Okunikko Hot springs | Enjoy the milky-white hot springs by Lake Yunoko

Oku Okunikko Hot springs is Hot springs resort known for being discovered and opened by Shodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko. Located in the heart of Nikko National Park, it is characterized by its milky-white hot spring waters. The Hot springs spring town is located on the northern shore of Lake Yunoko, where visitors can enjoy strolling around and visiting free footbaths and Hot springs Shrine.

From Tokyo, it takes about 3 hours by train (such as the Limited Express Spacia or Tohoku Shinkansen) and bus. By car, it takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes from Urawa Access.

We head to the "Okunikko Hot springs Source," where the smell of sulfur hangs in the air.

The "Okunikko Hot springs Source" is Hot springs source located in the Yunodaira Marshland. Each spring is protected by a roof, and many mineral deposits (yunohana) can be seen on the ground. It is located north of Hot springs town and is Access on foot.

Take a short trip from Hot springs town and enjoy the spectacular views of the three famous waterfalls of Oku-Nikko.

Yudaki Falls, located at the southern end of Lake Yunoko, is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Oku-Nikko. There is an observation deck at the base of the falls where you can enjoy the powerful waterfall with both your eyes and ears. To the south of Yudaki Falls lies Senjogahara, offering panoramic views of the wetlands. It is about a 5-minute bus ride from the Yumoto Hot springs bus stop in Hot springs town (get off at the Yudaki Entrance bus stop), or about a 3-minute drive.

A hotel conveniently located for exploring Hot springs town, where you can fully enjoy the milky-white hot spring waters.

"KAMENOI HOTEL OKUNIKKO" is a hotel nestled beside Lake Yunoko. Guests can enjoy a variety of baths, including a chicly designed large public bath and an open-air bath. Approximately a 5-minute walk from the hotel is...The Nikko Yumoto Visitor Center, which gathers information for enjoying Nikko National Park, is a recommended base for sightseeing.is.

[Chiba] Yoro Valley Hot springs | Enjoy nature walks and relaxing Hot springs in the secluded area of Boso Peninsula

Yoro Valley Hot springs is a Hot springs resort town located in the heart of the Boso Peninsula. It offers several hiking trails, allowing visitors to enjoy walks through nature, including the Awamata Falls (Yoro Falls).

From the Tokyo area, it's about a 45-minute drive from Umihotaru PA. If traveling by train from Tokyo Station, it Access approximately 2 hours (via Goi Station).

The "two-story tunnel" is known as a photogenic spot for social media.

The "Two-Story Tunnel (Mukoyama-Kyoei Tunnel)" is unusual in that it has a two-tiered structure with an older tunnel on top and a newer tunnel on the bottom. It is a hand-dug tunnel that is approximately 110m long. When photographed, the tunnel appears green due to the wavelength (color temperature) of the fluorescent lights, making it popular as a "mysterious tunnel" and a "spot that looks good on social media."

Cross the vermilion-painted Kannon Bridge to reach the "Kannon of Success."

The Kannon Bridge, a double arched bridge spanning the Yoro River, blends beautifully with the surrounding nature. Across the bridge lies Yorosan Rikkokuji Temple, affectionately known as the "Kannon of Success." It is said that those who pray here for good fortune and successful relationships will receive good fortune and success, and that those suffering from illness will be quickly cured, so why not pay a visit?

A hotel where you can enjoy the flavors of the Boso Peninsula and a panoramic bath.

If you want to enjoy the gourmet food and Hot springs of the Boso Peninsula, head to "KAMENOI HOTEL KAMOGAWA" located about 30 minutes by car from Yoro Valley Hot springs.

A buffet with an open kitchen where you can enjoy freshly prepared dishes.You can enjoy dishes featuring splendid alfonsino, grilled dried fish skewers, and the hotel's original "Medetai Meshi" (celebratory rice dish). We also offer a special kaiseki (multi-course) meal plan where you can savor abalone and spiny lobster caught in Kamogawa, a town known for its thriving coastal fishing industry, as well as Kazusa Wagyu beef raised in Kazusa.

Inside the hotel,The hotel features a large observation bath on the 7th floor overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a garden bath with an open-air bath (standing bath), and two private baths.The fact that you can enjoy visiting various hot springs is also a major attraction.

[Chiba] Asahi Kujukuri Hot springs | Seaside strolls and local seafood cuisine

Kujukuri stretches for approximately 60 km from Gyobu Cape (Asahi-shi) to Taito Cape (Isumi City) on the eastern coast of the Boso Peninsula. "Asahi Kujukuri Hot springs" is one of Hot springs located along Kujukuri. Situated with the Pacific Ocean stretching out before it, it offers the opportunity to enjoy a stroll along the coast.

The nearest station, Asahi Station, is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station by limited express train (Shiosai). If Access by car from the Tokyo area (via Yokoshibahikari Interchange), it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

From morning till night, head to the observation deck where the breathtaking scenery changes with the time of day.

The Byobugaura coastline, sometimes called the "Dover of the East," features towering cliffs stretching for approximately 10 kilometers. At its westernmost point is the "Asahi-shi Iioka Gyobu Cape Observation Deck - Light and Wind." Selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Sunrises," "Japan's Top 100 Sunsets," and "Japan's Top 100 Night Views," it offers breathtaking scenery that changes with the time of day.

"Byobugaura" is breathtaking even when viewed from below.

When you visit Iioka Gyobu Cape Asahi-shi, I recommend making a trip to the sandy beach at the westernmost point of Byobugaura. Looking up at Byobugaura, with its cliffs reaching 60 meters in height, you can enjoy a breathtaking view.

A hotel where you can enjoy Hot springs and seafood of Kujukuri.

"KAMENOI HOTEL KUJUKURI" is a hotel where you can enjoy a variety of baths, including a panoramic bath, a beauty bath, and a jet bath. The buffet uses ingredients from Chiba Prefecture.You can create your own seafood rice bowl using sashimi made primarily from seafood caught in Kujukuri.

Summary

The Kanto region boasts numerous Hot springs resorts easily accessible from Tokyo. Each offers a unique charm, from its lush natural surroundings and charming old-world atmosphere to its delicious seafood cuisine. Find your favorite Hot springs resort and hotel, and embark on a relaxing getaway!