The three most famous hot springs in Japan are said to be Kusatsu Onsen, Arima Onsen, and Gero Onsen.
The origin of these three famous hot springs in Japan is that Manri Shukyu (a poet) in the Muromachi period (1336-1573) introduced them as "three famous hot springs" in his collection of poems, and Hayashi Razan, who served Tokugawa Ieyasu in the Edo period (1603-1867), also wrote that they were "three famous hot springs under the sky. Hayashi Razan called these three famous springs "holy hot springs" and described them as mysteriously effective hot springs. The three famous springs of Japan (Nihon sanmeisen) refers to three particularly famous hot spring resorts in Japan. These hot springs have been popular with many people since ancient times and have flourished as therapeutic hot springs and tourist destinations. The following are representative hot spring resorts that are included in the three most famous hot springs in Japan.
・Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan.Kusatsu Onsen has been known as a therapeutic hot spring since ancient times and is popular with many people.Dotted with historic buildings and traditional onsen ryokan (Japanese-style inns), the area has a unique atmosphere for a hot spring resort.High temperature sulfur spring:Kusatsu Onsen is a high-temperature sulfur spring, and visitors can enjoy hot spring water directly from the source. The sulfur content in the hot spring water is said to moisturize and relax the skin. The water at Kusatsu Onsen is cloudy, and this cloudy color is a testament to the mineral components contained in the hot spring water. Soaking in the hot springs will warm your body and relieve fatigue. The area around Kusatsu Onsen is also rich in beautiful nature and sightseeing spots. Kusatsu-Shiranesan, Yubatake, and Kusatsu-Yunotaki waterfalls allow visitors to enjoy both hot springs and nature at the same time.
・Arima Onsen
This is also one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan and has been loved by many people since ancient times.The historical background of the hot springs, traditional architecture and hot spring culture have been preserved in abundance.
Types and Qualities of Hot Springs:Arima Onsen has a variety of different types of hot springs.The sodium spring is especially famous for its skin-beautifying effects, and the iron spring is effective for treating colds and neuralgia.In addition, visitors can enjoy hot spring water that has been discharged from the source.Surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery that changes from season to season.The scenic landscape is surrounded by valleys, mountains and trees.The area surrounding Arima Onsen is also rich in tourist attractions such as hot spring resorts, historical buildings, shrines, and temples.Arima Temple, Mt. Rokko, and other historical and cultural sites are scattered throughout the area. In addition, dishes made with local ingredients and gourmet foods that can be enjoyed in the hot spring resort area are popular. In particular, local specialties such as Arima-ni and Arima senbei are famous.
・Gero Onsen
Gero Onsen Gero Onsen is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan.Gero Onsen is a sodium chloride spring that is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain. The quality of the spring water is also said to relax and beautify the skin.The amount of hot spring water is extremely abundant, and visitors can enjoy the hot spring water flowing from the source.You can fully enjoy the freshness of the hot spring water.The hot spring resort area is dotted with historical buildings and traditional ryokan (Japanese-style inns), creating an emotional atmosphere.Strolling through the streets, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of a hot spring resort.Surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, visitors can enjoy the scenery of each of the four seasons.In particular, the natural beauty of autumn leaves and cherry blossoms in spring attracts visitors.
・Famous hot springs in Ishikawa Prefecture, the birthplace of Kutani ware
Kaga Onsen-kyo is a hot spring resort area that spans the cities of Kaga and Hoku in Ishikawa Prefecture, and is dotted with numerous hot spring resorts. Representative hot springs include Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, and Katayamazu Onsen. The springs have a variety of qualities, including sodium bicarbonate, simple, and sulfur springs. Wajima Onsenkyo is a hot spring resort located in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Wajima Onsen-kyo includes Wajima Onsen, Wakura Onsen, and Okunoto Onsen. The springs are mainly sodium chloride, and are known as hot-spring cures. Ishikawa Prefecture is a wonderful destination to relax in a hot spring while enjoying traditional Japanese crafts.
