Spas with outdoor baths in Japan

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.

Hakone, Kanagawa

Day-use hot spring in Tōnosawa, Hakone, styled like an old farmhouse village, with communal baths and 19 private open-air rental baths.

Shibu Onsen, Nagano

Reservation-only private hot spring and sauna suites at a Nagano brewery complex, built around a craft beer bathing plan for two to four guests.

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.

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido

A free natural footbath fed by hot spring overflow along the Oyunumagawa trail near Taisho Jigoku in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido.

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.

Kamijima, Ehime

An all-inclusive resort on Yugejima island in Setouchi's inland sea, with ocean-view outdoor baths, ocean-front rooms, and a day-pass option.