What Are Japan's Three Great Hot Springs? Understanding Water Types and Their Benefits
Japan's Three Great Hot Springs (Nihon San Meisen) refers to three legendary onsen: Kusatsu Onsen, Gero Onsen, and Arima Onsen.
According to official Gero Onsen sources, the Muromachi-period Zen poet Banri Shūku and Edo-period Confucian scholar Hayashi Razan both praised these springs as among Japan's finest.
Banri Shūku celebrated the three hot springs — Kusatsu, Arima, and Gero (then called "Yushima") — in his poetry collection Baika Mujinzō, and Hayashi Razan later endorsed this in his Sesshū Arima Onsenki.
According to Japan's Ministry of the Environment, the therapeutic benefits of hot springs come from a combination of the water's mineral content, the thermal effects of bathing, the surrounding environment, and climate — all working together to produce physiological and psychological responses.
However, the same materials note that certain health conditions may worsen with bathing, and those seeking therapeutic treatment should do so under the guidance of a qualified physician.
Kusatsu Onsen: Acidic and Sulfur Springs Plus a Walkable Hot Spring Town
What the Water Feels Like: Key Characteristics
Kusatsu Onsen is located in Kusatsu Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, and is known for its acidic and sulfur-rich waters.
According to Ministry of the Environment materials, highly acidic springs can sting the skin during bathing and have strong bactericidal properties, as do sulfur springs.
At the same time, people with sensitive skin or mucous membranes, as well as elderly individuals with dry skin conditions, may need to exercise caution with these water types.
If you feel strong irritation, don't push through — try shorter soaking sessions and always prioritize how your body feels.
Exploring the Town: A Stroll Around the Yubatake
The Yubatake (hot water field), located at the heart of the town, is Kusatsu Onsen's iconic landmark.
About 4,000 liters of hot spring water gush out per minute, creating a dramatic steamy landscape. The surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely walk, with foot baths and souvenir shops to explore.
The Yubatake area is illuminated at night, offering a magical atmosphere quite different from daytime.
Local Treats: Street Food and Sweets
Kusatsu Onsen's official tourism guides highlight local eateries and street food options around the town.
The Yubatake area can get busy, so if you're eating while walking, find a spot to stand aside rather than blocking pedestrian traffic.
How to Get to Kusatsu Onsen
Take a bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line — the ride takes about 25 minutes.
From Tokyo, the JR limited express "Kusatsu-Shima" is a convenient option.
By car, it's approximately 80 minutes from the Shibukawa-Ikaho IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
Gero Onsen: Mild Alkaline Simple Springs and a Riverside Town Walk
What the Water Feels Like: Smooth and Gentle
Gero Onsen is located in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, and is officially classified as a simple hot spring (alkaline simple spring).
According to Ministry of the Environment materials, alkaline simple springs are known for their mild and gentle character, making Gero a popular choice for first-time onsen visitors.
With a pH of around 9, the water has a silky, smooth texture often described as "bijin no yu" (beauty bath), leaving the skin feeling soft and polished.
The skin can feel dry after bathing, so moisturizing, staying hydrated, and resting between baths is recommended.
Exploring the Town: A Leisurely Stroll Along the Hida River
Gero Onsen's hot spring town is centered around the Hida River, as described in official guides.
A relaxed pace works best — wander and pop into shops that catch your eye as crowds allow.
Free foot baths are scattered throughout the town, offering quick ways to enjoy the hot spring water between stops.
Local Specialties: Hida Beef and Regional Souvenirs
Gero City's official guides highlight Hida beef as a signature local delicacy.
Sampling regional flavors at restaurants and souvenir shops along the hot spring street adds a delicious layer to your trip, even if you're just passing through.
How to Get to Gero Onsen
Get off at Gero Station on the JR Takayama Main Line. From Nagoya Station, the limited express "Hida" takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
By car, take the Chuo Expressway to the Nakatsugawa IC, then follow National Route 257.
Arima Onsen: Gold Spring vs. Silver Spring and How to Explore the Town
What Makes the Water Special: Gold Spring for Warmth, Silver Spring for Carbonation
According to the official Arima Onsen website, the resort features two signature spring types: Kinsen (Gold Spring), rich in iron and salt, and Ginsen (Silver Spring), which includes carbonated and radon (radioactive) springs.
Kinsen is colorless and transparent at its source but turns a distinctive reddish-brown as its iron content oxidizes upon contact with air.
Ministry of the Environment materials explain that chloride springs leave a layer of salt on the skin that helps retain warmth and improve circulation, while carbon dioxide springs allow carbonation to absorb through the skin, also aiding warmth retention and circulation.
Arima Onsen contains 7 of the 9 major mineral components designated by the Ministry of the Environment for therapeutic springs — making it one of the world's rarest multi-mineral hot springs.
Different facilities in Arima offer different water types.
Check on-site signage or official guides to choose the bath that interests you most.
Exploring the Town: Souvenir Hunting on the Hillside Streets
Arima Onsen is located in Kita Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and features a charming hot spring town filled with slopes and narrow lanes.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and take your time browsing local sweets and souvenirs.
The public bathhouses Kin no Yu (Gold Bath) and Gin no Yu (Silver Bath) offer an easy way to experience both Kinsen and Ginsen.
Must-Try Treat: Tansan Senbei and Other Local Specialties
The official Arima Onsen website highlights tansan senbei (carbonic acid crackers) as a signature local treat.
Some shops serve them freshly baked — check on-site guides or shop signage to find the best options.
How to Get to Arima Onsen
Get off at Arima Onsen Station on the Kobe Electric Railway — the town is right at the station.
From Osaka, the trip takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes by train. From Sannomiya (Kobe), it's approximately 30 minutes.
How to Enjoy Hot Springs Safely: Bathing Etiquette and Important Tips
Basic Bathing Steps (Easy to Follow, Even for First-Timers)
- Start with kake-yu (pouring water over your body) to acclimate, beginning from your feet
- Limit each soak to about 10–15 minutes and take breaks to avoid overheating
- Drink water before and after bathing
- Don't put your towel in the bath water — this is standard etiquette at Japanese onsen
When to Skip the Bath: Health Considerations
Ministry of the Environment materials advise against bathing during active illness, such as when you have a fever.
Certain water types may also require caution for people with sensitive skin or elderly individuals with dry skin conditions.
If you have any concerns, don't force it — consult a doctor if needed.
Tips for International Visitors
Photography is prohibited inside the bathing areas at most hot spring facilities.
Some facilities may refuse entry to guests with tattoos.
Checking the facility's policies on their official website beforehand will help you avoid any surprises.
Choosing Your Onsen: Comparing Japan's Three Great Hot Springs
Kusatsu Onsen stands out for its acidic and sulfur-rich waters and the iconic Yubatake scenery. Gero Onsen offers mild alkaline simple springs and a relaxing riverside stroll. Arima Onsen features the unique contrast between Kinsen and Ginsen plus a charming hillside town walk.
How you experience the water's benefits depends on your physical condition and bathing approach.
Check official sources at each destination for local rules and guidance, and enjoy Japan's Three Great Hot Springs at your own pace.
