There are a wide variety of hot springs throughout Japan, but among them, three hot springs that have particularly high historical value and are outstanding in both water quality and fame are known as the "Three Great Hot Springs of Japan (Japan's Three Famous Springs)."

The three are Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, and Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture. In this article, we will thoroughly introduce how each hot spring was selected, what characteristics they have, and how to enjoy them when you visit them, from their historical background to the quality of the spring water and tourist spots.

What are the top three hot springs in Japan? Discover their charms, backed up by history and literature!

Why were Arima, Kusatsu and Gero chosen?

Arima, Kusatsu, and Gero are known as the "Three Great Hot Springs of Japan" or the "Three Famous Springs of Japan." The basis for these being the three great hot springs is found in documents left behind by the Muromachi period monk Banri Shukyu and the Edo period Confucian scholar Hayashi Razan.

During the Muromachi period, Banri Shukyu traveled around Japan and wrote a record of his travels in a book called Baika Mujinzo. It is said that in this book, he praised the hot springs of Arima, Kusatsu, and Gero.

Hayashi Razan was a scholar and senior official of the Edo Shogunate, and called these three the "Three Great Hot Springs of Japan," praising them for their historical and cultural value. Hayashi Razan considered hot springs to be more than just entertainment; he considered them sacred "sacred baths," and also valued their healing powers and spiritual healing.

With this historical background, these hot springs are known as one of Japan's three great hot springs, not just for the amount and temperature of the water, but also for their cultural value and a wealth of stories.

What is the difference between the "Three Ancient Springs" and the "Three Great Medicinal Baths"?

There are multiple ways to refer to hot springs as the "big three" or "three famous," and they are often confused. The most common ones are as follows. *Please note that there are various theories on the criteria for selecting each hot spring depending on the region and literature, so please use this as a general reference.

Japan's Three Ancient Springs

As the oldest hot spring in Japan, its name is recorded in the historical texts "Nihon Shoki" and "Fudoki."

・Arima Onsen (Hyogo)
・Dogo Onsen (Ehime)
・Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama)

Japan's Three Greatest Medicinal Baths

The hot springs are known for their therapeutic effects.

・Arima Onsen (Hyogo)
・Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma)
・Matsunoyama Onsen (Niigata)

In other words, the combination of "Japan's Three Great Hot Springs (Japan's Three Famous Springs)" - Arima, Kusatsu, and Gero - and the hot springs selected as "Japan's Three Oldest Springs" or "Japan's Three Great Medicinal Baths" are different in terms of their historical backgrounds and efficacy.

When considering your travel destination, being aware of these differences will make it easier for you to choose a hot spring resort that suits your needs.

[Arima Onsen]! The healing effects of gold and silver springs

Arima Onsen, which is popular not only in the Kansai region but throughout Japan, has the greatest appeal of being able to enjoy two types of spring water, gold springs and silver springs, in the same area. In fact, it is rare to find a hot spring area with hot springs of different water qualities gathered together, so you can expect multiple benefits at the same time.

Day trip bathing and sightseeing course! Taiko-no-yu and walking around the town

Kinsen (iron-containing sodium chloride high-salt hot spring)

The reddish brown water is characteristic of this bath. It is rich in iron and salt, which has the effect of warming the body from the inside out, making it perfect for those with poor circulation or who are fatigued.

Ginsen (bicarbonate spring)

There are clear, colorless baths that contain fizzy carbon dioxide, and baths that contain trace amounts of radium. They are known for improving blood circulation and relaxing effects, and are soft to the touch.

If you want to casually enjoy a day trip to the baths, we recommend the public baths Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu. Both are reasonably priced and allow you to fully enjoy the traditional Arima hot springs. For those who want to indulge a little more, we recommend the large Taiko no Yu facility. As the name suggests, this spa facility is built on land associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and offers a full range of services including an open-air bath, a bedrock bath, and beauty treatments.

When you walk around Arima Onsen, you can stroll through the elegant cobblestone streets and visit Taiko no Yudonokan, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Zuihoji Park, known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves. Along with the history of the hot springs, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons.

Arima Onsen Town is packed with cafes and long-established inns! Enjoy the gourmet food

Along with the hot springs, another thing worth checking out is the cuisine that is unique to Arima Onsen.

Carbonated rice crackers

A specialty representative of Arima. It is slightly sweet and has a light and crispy texture, making it the perfect post-bath snack or souvenir.

Reprinted cider "Teppo-sui"

A carbonated drink in a retro bottle reminiscent of the Showa era. It's a special treat to drink while strolling through the hot spring town.

There is also a wide variety of places to visit, from traditional inns that have been in business for hundreds of years to modern cafes and traditional Japanese restaurants where you can casually drop in. There are also restaurants that serve dishes using Kobe beef, making this the perfect area to enjoy the luxurious combination of hot springs and gourmet food.

[Kusatsu Onsen]! Yubatake and Yumomi experience

Next up is Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. It boasts the largest natural hot spring water output in Japan, and the sight of billowing steam rising from the hot springs, centered around the symbol of Kusatsu, the Yubatake, is captivating.

What is the power of strong acidic springs? Benefits and precautions to take when bathing

The source of Kusatsu Onsen is a highly acidic spring with a pH of around 2. This means that it has a strong bactericidal effect and is said to be effective against skin diseases, cuts, and joint pain. It is also known to have a great effect on beautifying the skin, so it is popular with people of all ages, especially women.

However, because it is highly acidic, you need to be careful when bathing. If you suddenly take a long bath, your skin may feel tingly and you may get sick from the bath. We recommend that you first rinse your body with water to get your body used to the water, and then take frequent breaks while bathing.

Free public bath and Yumomi experience

Kusatsu is dotted with numerous public baths, many of which are open to the public free of charge. They are often used by locals, so be sure to follow proper etiquette and experience the authentic hot springs. There are also foot baths around the Yubatake area, so you can easily stop by between sightseeing.

If you visit Kusatsu, be sure to try the "Yumomi Experience." This is a tradition that has been continued since the Edo period, where hot water is cooled to an appropriate temperature using boards, but in recent years it has been adapted for tourists. At the shows around the Yubatake, you can enjoy the yumomi chants and performances by locals, and experience the unique culture of Kusatsu.

[Gero Onsen]! Skin-beautifying effects and Hida beef gourmet

The last on our list is Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture. Compared to Arima and Kusatsu, it is located in the mountains, so you can enjoy the hot springs while admiring the clear waters of the Hida River and the surrounding lush nature.

The legend of the white heron and the hot springs for beautiful skin

Gero Onsen has a "White Heron Legend" that tells of a wounded white heron that discovered the hot springs on the banks of the Hida River. This legend is known as an episode that adds color to the history of the area as one of the three most famous hot springs.

The spring quality is alkaline simple hot spring (pH 9.2), and it is known as "beauty bath" because of its soapy smooth texture. In addition to improving skin, it is also effective in treating neuralgia and fatigue.

The hot spring town spreads along the Hida River, dotted with free foot and hand baths. Along the way, you can also find a statue of a white heron, the Gassho-style Gero Onsen Gassho Village, and a museum where you can learn about the history of hot springs, making it a fun place to spend the whole day.

Enjoy the four seasons! Recommended events and sightseeing in the area

Spring : Cherry blossoms at Onsenji Temple and strolling along the river. This is the season when the contrast between the cool mountain air and the cherry blossoms is beautiful.

Summer : A popular summer resort. You can enjoy activities along the Hida River and in the valley, as well as summer festival food stalls and fireworks.

Autumn : During the autumn foliage season, the area around Gassho Village changes color, and illumination events are sometimes held in the evenings.

Winter : Enjoying a soak in the open-air bath surrounded by snowy scenery is something special. In the hot spring town, there is Gero Onsen Gassho Village, where Gassho-style buildings have been relocated, allowing you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of winter.

For those who want to enjoy gourmet food, we highly recommend the local brand of beef, Hida beef. At the inns and restaurants scattered around the hot spring town, you can enjoy exquisite Hida beef prepared in a variety of ways, such as steak, shabu-shabu, and grilled on a hoba leaf.

summary

Arima Onsen, Kusatsu Onsen, and Gero Onsen are Japan's three major hot springs, each with a long history and a wealth of stories to tell, and each with different spring quality and a unique cultural background.

When planning your trip, it's important to carefully research the spring quality, atmosphere, and surrounding tourist attractions of each hot spring resort, and choose one that suits your purpose and preferences. You can casually visit for a day trip or enjoy a luxurious hot spring cure at an inn or hotel for several days. Furthermore, if you return in a different season, you can rediscover the charm of the hot springs and different scenery.

Hot springs have been treasured as a means of medical treatment and recuperation since ancient times. Soaking in historically-backed "sacred hot springs" is sure to warm not only your body but your soul as well. Why not take a trip around Japan's three major hot springs and enjoy the rich nature, traditional culture, and above all, the healing power of the exquisite hot springs?