Spas with family friendly

Gero, Gifu

An outdoor-only onsen in Gero with rock-built baths, a cascade bath and three-temperature pools, open daily except Thursdays.

Nozawa Onsen, Nagano

A public day-bathing hall in Nozawa Onsen village with indoor hot and warm baths plus an outdoor hot spring bath, open to walk-ins year-round.

Arima Onsen, Hyogo

A moderately priced onsen bathhouse in Arima Onsen, Kobe, with a forest sauna, a large outdoor bath, yoga and an award-recognized restaurant.

Ibusuki, Kagoshima

Oceanfront outdoor onsen in Ibusuki where the two gender-assigned baths swap daily, with views of Mount Kaimon, the East China Sea, and Take-yama.

Arima Onsen, Hyogo

Hotel spa in Arima Onsen with Arima's rare iron-rich "ginsen" waters, outdoor baths, sauna and jacuzzi, run as an all-inclusive overnight stay.