6 Best Onsen Towns Near Tokyo to Escape to This Autumn

Tokyo is a bustling city that never really stops. Even when you’re relaxing, there’s always a train to catch, a crowd to navigate, a new neighbourhood to explore. Which is why a quick escape to the onsen towns nearby can feel like hitting the reset button. No notifications, just hot steam, cold air, and time moving a little slower than usual.

So from sulphuric springs in the mountains to quiet seaside soaks, here are six onsen towns near Tokyo worth carving out a night or two for, including how long it takes to get there, and what makes each one special.

Also read: A Guide to Onsens in Japan for Singaporean First-Timers

1. Kusatsu (Gunma Prefecture)

This onsen town deep in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture is home to some of the most potent, mineral-rich springs in Japan. At the centre of town, hot sulphuric water gushes through the yubatake, which is a massive wooden chute system where the water is cooled naturally before flowing into nearby bathhouses.

There’s a lot of charm packed into this alpine town: free public foot baths, small traditional inns, and local performances of yumomi, a centuries-old technique where women in yukata stir the hot water with giant paddles while singing. The air smells faintly of sulphur, but somehow, that just adds to the experience.

In winter, snow settles on the rooftops while steam rises from every corner. In summer, it’s a refreshing mountain escape. And while you could technically visit as a day trip, it’s worth staying overnight to see the yubatake lit up in the evening.

Duration from Tokyo: ~3 to 4 hours
How to get there: Take the JR Limited Express from Ueno to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi (~2.5 hr), then a 25-minute bus to Kusatsu Onsen.

Also read: 7 Best Ryokans in Kyoto for Autumn 2025: Garden Views, Onsen & Kaiseki

2. Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture)

This mountain town near Tokyo is one of the most popular spots for a classic onsen getaway for a good reason. With views of Mount Fuji on clear days and dozens of ryokan tucked into forested slopes, Hakone offers that perfect mix of nature and comfort.

You’ll find all kinds of baths here, from rustic open-air pools to modern onsen resorts. If you’re after something fun and different, check out Yunessun, a theme park with unusual baths like red wine, green tea, and sake. For a more traditional soak, many ryokan have their own serene outdoor tubs, sometimes with views of Lake Ashi or the surrounding hills.

Between dips, ride the ropeway over volcanic landscapes, visit the open-air sculpture museum, or take a leisurely cruise across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship.

Duration from Tokyo: ~1 to 1.5 hours
How to get there: Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku or the Shinkansen to Odawara, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line.

Also read: Exploring Japan: 9 Easy Day Trips from Tokyo

3. Ikaho (Gunma Prefecture)

Tucked into the hills of Gunma, Ikaho is famous for two things: iron-rich thermal waters and a 365-step stone staircase that winds through the heart of town. The water here has a reddish tint from its high iron content and is said to be good for circulation and fatigue.

At the top of the staircase sits the source of the spring and a public outdoor bath with sweeping views. Along the steps, you’ll find souvenir shops, small cafés, and ryokan that have been welcoming bathers for generations.

Just outside town, Mizusawa Temple is a popular detour, especially for the hand-pulled udon shops that line the road there.

Duration from Tokyo: ~2 to 2.5 hours
How to get there: Take the Shinkansen to Takasaki, transfer to the JR Joetsu Line to Shibukawa, then a 25-minute bus to Ikaho Onsen. Direct highway buses from Shinjuku are also available.

Also read: How to Ride the Shinkansen in Japan: 8 Hacks Every Traveller Should Know

4. Atami (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Perched on the coast of Shizuoka Prefecture, Atami is where the sea meets the spring. This onsen town was once a glamorous resort for Tokyoites, and while its popularity dipped for a while, it’s now making a quiet comeback.

Atami has both public and private seaside baths, with some offering full views of the Pacific Ocean. There are also plenty of old-school ryokan and newer, design-forward stays like Soki Atami. If you’re visiting as a couple, book a private rotenburo overlooking the water for a quiet soak with a view.

Beyond the baths, you can visit quirky attractions like Atami Castle and the local sex museum, stroll through the MOA Museum of Art, or catch one of the town’s famous fireworks festivals.

Duration from Tokyo: ~30 to 55 minutes
How to get there: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. The fastest trains get you there in under 30 minutes.

Also read: How to Spend a Rainy Day in Tokyo: The Best Things to Do Indoors

5. Kinugawa (Tochigi Prefecture)

If you’re planning a trip to Nikkō, Kinugawa is a great place to base yourself for some post-shrine soaking. This quiet riverside town has long been a weekend getaway spot for Tokyo residents, and while it saw a decline in the past, recent efforts have revived its charm.

There are foot baths near the river, well-maintained public baths, and a few larger hotels with outdoor tubs set against a backdrop of forested cliffs. The water here is mild and gentle, making it a good match for first-time onsen visitors.

You can also drop by Tobu World Square, a miniature theme park featuring famous landmarks, or venture further out to more remote spots like Yunishigawa Onsen, known for its snow house festival in winter.

Duration from Tokyo: ~2 to 2.25 hours
How to get there: Take the Tobu Limited Express direct from Asakusa or Shinjuku to Kinugawa-Onsen Station.

6. Shuzenji (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Shuzenji Onsen is one of the oldest hot spring towns in Japan, and you can feel it in the air — not just the steam, but the quiet, historic stillness of its stone paths and wooden ryokan. Located in the Izu Peninsula, it’s a town built around a temple where monks are said to have first discovered the spring in the 8th century.

Here, the water is soft and soothing, and many inns have open-air tubs facing the forest or garden. You’ll also find teahouses, handmade craft shops, and peaceful walks along the Katsura River. It’s a great place to slow down even further, especially if you’re looking for something less commercial than Hakone or Kusatsu.

Duration from Tokyo: ~1.75 to 2 hours
How to get there: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Mishima Station, then transfer to the Izu-Hakone Railway to Shuzenji Station.

Also read: A Guide to Goshuin Collecting in Japan: The Quiet Art of Shrine Stamps

Final thoughts

These onsen towns near Tokyo offer more than just a good soak. They invite you to slow down, even just for a day or two. Whether you’re drawn to mountain air, seaside views, or old stone steps lined with steam, there’s a quiet kind of joy in letting the hot water do its work while the world outside waits.