While Japan is beloved for its cooking ribs, centuries-old architecture, and Kawaii culture, you must incorporate an outdoor hot spring trip into your itinerary on any trip. In Japan, soaking in the natural hot springs is a great place to relax, the cornerstone of life. What could be better than a day in a hot spring? Staying the night, of course.
Like Western hot spring resorts, a ryokan will turn your favorite hot spring soak into a blissful overnight experience. Ryokans are traditional-style inns with tatami floors, futon beds, and other nods to the country’s past. Still, the stars of the show are those inviting hot springs. During the colder months, ryokans are a nice place to be comfortable and popular with locals and tourists. Still, seriously, there is a right time to go.
While you can find natural and artificial onsen inns all over Japan, most of them are hidden in the peaks and valleys of Shikoku Island – we’ve rounded up some of the best. The attributes of these tranquil spas range in price, geography, and amenities. Still, each promises an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Shikoku Island has some of the most magical hot spring hostels, from five-star geothermal springs deep in Yakaya to seaside resorts with private beaches.
Wanoyado Iyaonsen, Miyoshi City, Tokushima
Surrounded by stunning views of the iconic Tangoku, this hostel is the most coveted property in Shikoku. Step into the instantly relaxing retreat, and you’ll notice tatami floors, futon beds, in-room massage chairs, and sweeping views of the surrounding valley. The cable car will also take you directly to the private open-air bath at the bottom of the valley, with hot spring water flowing directly from the source. Guests are invited to indulge in a full Kaiseki meal in a corner restaurant overlooking the valley below.
Remember that a trip to the Wanyodo Hotel is not for the faint of heart. A 30-minute drive from JR Oboke station, the resort sits atop a cliff that cuts through the Shikoku Mountains. Happily, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to and from JR Obock station for guests on foot.
AoAwo Naruto Resort Tokushima Naruto
It is located in the coastal area of Tokushima Prefecture, and you can quickly check into the Naruto Aoi Resort and never leave. This sprawling resort boasts several relaxing facilities, including a private beach, rooms with sea views and terraces, a swimming pool and hot tub, and two hot springs. There are also snack bars, restaurants, and room service on-site for those who need to refuel after a day of detoxification.
If you want to get away from the fantasy resort, this area is also a popular spot for cycling. Bike hire is available for those who wish to explore the coastline and neighboring Naruto Park on two wheels.
Houseboat, Matsuyama, Ehime
Located in the heart of Ehime Prefecture, just a stone’s throw from the Togo Onsen train Station, this spa is ideal for travelers who want to experience a relaxing thermal bath without sacrificing the city’s creature comforts. The 380-year-old hot spring has everything you could want for a spa resort: multiple hot springs, a peaceful Zen garden, a sauna, and optional massages.
Although the Boathouse is centrally located, it features traditional Japanese rooms and suites with futon beds and tatami MATS. It should be noted that “Western” rooms also still incorporate Japanese design elements. Still, instead of the traditional futon beds, these rooms have the typical bed frames and mattresses in a modern hotel.
Dogokan, Matsuyama, Ehime
This hot spring is one of the oldest and most famous in the region. The hot springs of Dogo are mentioned in Man’y Shi (written in 759), which indicates that their history dates back more than 1,000 years. Today, Onsen is still famous with locals, and despite being located in central Matsuyama, the area around Onsen feels more like a resort than a bustling Japanese city.
Although the Dogao Pavilion is less than a minute away from the Dogao Onsen, the affiliated hostel is separate from the Onsen and open to the public. However, the property has a large outdoor bathroom reserved for guests in the 90 rooms.
Matsuyama, Ehime, Oborozukiyo
For an intimate experience, head to Oborozukiyo, just down the road from Dogo Hot Springs. In keeping with Japanese tradition, most Onsen (and onsen hotels) offer two separate Spaces for men and women and require basters to be fully nude. Suppose you’re timid or want to dip with your partner somewhere quiet. In that case, Oborozukiyo offers private open-air hot springs filled with fresh springs that come directly from the fabled Dogo hot springs next door.
The tranquil ryokan offers spacious rooms that mix traditional Japanese and modern styles. You can get those cozy tatami MATS, queen-size beds, a free minibar, and massage chairs.
Hotels Kazurabashi, Miyoshi, Tokushima
Head to Miyoshi in Tokushima Prefecture and dip in the rooftop hot spring at Hotel Wabashi. The stunning panoramic views of the natural landscape below will inspire you. It’s a particularly striking sight in the fall when the leaves change color and reflect the soft water.
The hotel also features a sauna, games room, on-site massage, and a traditional restaurant where your meals are cooked over an open fire at your table. While the property has many high-end amenities, it is still considered relatively conventional, and the bathrooms are shared.
Kiyosumi Samso Hankikikai, Takamatsu, Kagawa
In Saai-cho on the Seto Inland Sea, visitors will find Kiyomi Sanso Hanajukai, a 35-room modern ryokan with panoramic views of the ocean and neighboring islands to the north and the city skyline to the south. Guests can also enjoy the large open-air public bath.
The modern lobby and floor-to-ceiling Windows blend perfectly with the traditional rooms’ bustling tall pine views below.
Head to Miyoshi, Tokushima Prefecture, and dip in the rooftop hot springs at the Wobashi Hotel. The stunning panoramic views of the natural landscape below will inspire you. It’s a particularly striking sight in the fall when the leaves change color and reflect the soft water.
The hotel also features a sauna, game room, on-site massage, and a traditional restaurant where your meals are cooked over an open flame at your table. Although the property has many high-end amenities, it is still considered relatively conventional, and the bathrooms are shared.
Clear Mimoto Hanjukai, Takamatsu, Kagawa
In Saai-cho on the Seto Inland Sea, visitors can find the 35-room modern Japanese-style hostel Kiyosumi Sangso Hanaiju. The hostel has views of the ocean and neighboring islands to the north and the city skyline to the south. Visitors can also enjoy large open-air public bathrooms.
The modern lobby and floor-to-ceiling Windows blend perfectly with the bustling views of tall pine trees in the traditional rooms.
