One of the most unique and pleasurable experiences you can have in Japan is soaking in a traditional hot spring or onsen in Japanese.
Shizuoka is blessed with many onsen areas that have been popular with weary travelers for centuries.
Here are 5 famous onsen destinations in Shizuoka to help you relax…
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KAWAZU – ATAMI STATION
In early February, thousands of visitors flock to the small coastal town of Kawazu in Izu Peninsula to enjoy the early blossoming ‘Kawazu Zakura’ cherry blossoms.
As with many areas on the Izu Peninsula, Kawazu is also blessed with a steady supply of hot spring water.
A short bus ride from Kawazu station is the famous Nanadaru 7 Waterfall area where you can enjoy one of the only ‘waterfall onsen’ in Japan.
SHUZENJI – MISHIMA STATION
The hot spring water in the small town of Shuzenji in Izu City, is said to have been discovered by the famous Buddhist monk, Kobo Daishi.
Today the Tokko-no-Yu spring is a centerpiece of Shuzenji located at the spot that Kobo Daishi struck a rock with his Tokko (Buddhist ritual tool) to produce the onsen water more than 1,200 years ago.
Shuzenji hot spring town retains a mystical aura today and it epitomizes the classic Japanese onsen town.
Shuzenji has remained as a place of sanctuary that people have been coming to for many years to relax, reflect and recharge.
ATAMI – ATAMI STATION
Atami could possibly boast that it is the most easily accessible traditional onsen town from Tokyo.
Just 45 minutes from Tokyo station, visitors can settle into a hot spring resort hotel with expansive views of the ocean or wander around the town enjoying the onsen town atmosphere.
Because of Atami’s location on the coast, you can be sure that you will be able to enjoy the freshest seafood that Izu Peninsula has to offer.
KANZANJI – HAMAMATSU STATION
The influence of Kobo Daishi can also be felt in the lakeside hot spring town of Kanzanji in Hamamatsu.
Located on the east coast of Lake Hamana, Kanzanji is easily accessible from Hamamatsu station and boasts a number of hot spring resort hotels that offer stunning sunset lake views.
There are also a number of great experiences on and around Lake Hamana that make this a great getaway for all ages.
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GOTEMBA – MISHIMA STATION
Many visitors to Japan will be familiar with Gotemba as it has become famous for its outlet mall located at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
However not so many would be aware that Gotemba has some fantastic onsen options also – and soaking in an outdoor bath with views of Mt. Fuji is about as Japanese as you can get!
Check out the family friendly Gotemba Kogen Resort or Hotel Clad to make all of your Mt. Fuji onsen dreams come true.
