Hot spring towns in Japan are not just places for relaxation and healing, but have also been featured as settings in many anime and manga. Ginzan Onsen, with its nostalgic scenery, reminds fans of the world of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba." Dogo Onsen and Shima Onsen are said to have inspired the magical atmosphere of "Spirited Away," while Hakone Yumoto became the setting for "Neon Genesis Evangelion." Countless hot spring locations across Japan have appeared in anime and manga.
In this article, we’ll introduce nine hot spring spots where you can step into the world of anime, along with a guide to Japanese onsen etiquette that many international travelers are curious about. Get ready for a special hot spring trip that feels like stepping right into your favorite anime.
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Demon Slayer: Is the Model for the Infinite Castle and the Swordsmith Village in Tohoku?
Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
Among fans, it’s said that the "Swordsmith Village" featured in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," with its townscape and mountain views in the distance, may have been modeled after Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture.
Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring town lined with wooden inns that reflect the atmosphere of the Taisho era. The stone-paved path along the river and the gas lamps that light up at night create a scene straight out of a movie or anime. Each season offers its own charm, but the snowy winter landscape is especially magical. Some facilities even offer day-trip bathing, making it easy for tourists and anime fans to visit. Since this is a very popular hot spring area, it’s best to book accommodations early if you plan to stay overnight.
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Ginzan Onsen
- Address: 429 Ginzan Shinhata, Obanazawa-shi, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: About 40 minutes by bus from JR Oishida Station, or about 1 hour by car from Yamagata Airport
- Official Website: https://www.ginzanonsen.jp/
Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture)
It is rumored that Okawaso, a ryokan in Ashinomaki Onsen, Fukushima, was the inspiration for the "Infinity Castle" in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba." The open atrium with its "floating stage," where live shamisen performances take place, is said to strongly resemble Muzan Kibutsuji’s castle.
Okawaso, built along a valley, offers stunning views of nature throughout the seasons from both guest rooms and its outdoor baths. One of its highlights is the terraced outdoor bath "Shikibutai Tanada," designed like rice terraces. From here, you can enjoy fresh greenery in spring, autumn foliage, and other spectacular seasonal scenery.
Another great feature of Ashinomaki Onsen is its convenient access to sightseeing spots in Aizuwakamatsu City. From the preserved Edo-period townscape of Ouchi-juku to the unique rock formations of To-no-Hetsuri, it’s also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
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Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen
- Address: Shimo-daira, Oaza Ashinomaki, Oto-machi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima Prefecture
- Access: Get off at Ashinomaki Onsen Station via the Aizu Railway Line from Aizuwakamatsu Station, or about 2 hours 30 minutes by car from Fukushima Airport
- Official Website: https://aizu-ashinomaki.jp/
Spirited Away: Was Yubaba’s Bathhouse Inspired by These? Dogo Onsen, Shima Onsen and More
Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture)
One of the locations said to have inspired Yubaba’s bathhouse in "Spirited Away" is Dogo Onsen Honkan in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. The heavy wooden architecture creates an atmosphere that feels exactly like stepping into the film. At night, when the building is illuminated, the scene is so breathtaking it feels like you’ve entered the story itself.
With a history of 3,000 years, Dogo Onsen is said to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. It also became famous as the setting of Natsume Soseki’s novel "Botchan." Dogo Onsen Honkan, the symbol of the area, was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in December 1994. Surrounded by its retro atmosphere, bathing here is a truly special experience where you can feel history come alive.
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Dogo Onsen
- Address: Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime Prefecture
- Access: About 25 minutes by tram from JR Matsuyama Station, get off at Dogo Onsen Station, or about 30 minutes by taxi from Matsuyama Airport
- Official Website: https://dogo.jp/
Shima Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
The red bridge that is said to have inspired the one leading to Yubaba’s bathhouse in "Spirited Away" is Keiun Bridge at "Sekizenkan" in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture. In a special program about director Hayao Miyazaki broadcast in 2008, the building was introduced as one of the inspirations for the bathhouse.
Shima Onsen is a quiet hot spring town surrounded by rich nature, and its name comes from the legend that its waters could cure "forty thousand (shima) illnesses." With historic ryokan like Sekizenkan scattered throughout, it is a charming spot where visitors can relax both body and mind while enjoying the nostalgic townscape.
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Shima Onsen
- Address: Shima, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture
- Access: About 40 minutes by bus from JR Nakanojo Station
- Official Website: https://nakanojo-kanko.jp/shima/
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture)
The setting of "Neon Genesis Evangelion," "Tokyo-3," is said to be modeled on Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. Many real-life Hakone locations appear in the anime, including Hakone-Yumoto Station, Lake Ashi, and Owakudani.
Hakone is a popular travel destination thanks to its easy access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. The region is home to hot springs, art museums, and plenty of nature-filled sightseeing spots. Especially famous are Hakone Yumoto Onsen and Gora Onsen, where visitors can also enjoy day-trip bathing, making them beloved by many travelers.
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Hakone
- Address: Address: Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: About 2 hours by train from Shinjuku Station, get off at Hakone Yumoto Station
- Official Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/
Golden Kamuy: Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido)
In episode 39 of "Golden Kamuy," set in Hokkaido, Noboribetsu Onsen is depicted as the recovery site of the 7th Division. It is here that the battle between First Lieutenant Kikuta and the "Geta-wearing Man" takes place.
Noboribetsu Onsen is called the "department store of hot springs" because of its wide variety of natural springs. Its most famous area, Jigokudani ("Hell Valley"), is filled with steaming vents and boiling springs, creating a dramatic and almost otherworldly scene worthy of its name.
The hot spring town is also home to attractions such as "Enma-do," where the Great King Enma presides, and the "Noboribetsu Bear Park." Even just walking around the area offers plenty to enjoy.
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Noboribetsu Onsen
- Address: Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido
- Access: About 20 minutes by bus from Noboribetsu Station
- Official Website: https://noboribetsu-spa.jp/
Initial D: Ikaho Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
The model for "Akina Mountain" in "Initial D" is said to be Mount Haruna in Gunma Prefecture. At the foot of this mountain lies Ikaho Onsen, which often appears in the story as a place where the main character Takumi Fujiwara and his friends gather. The stone steps street, which also appears in both the anime and manga, is an essential pilgrimage spot for fans.
With a history of over 400 years, Ikaho Onsen offers two types of spring water: "Golden Hot Spring" and "Silver Hot Spring." The symbol of the hot spring town is its 365-step stone staircase, lined with souvenir shops, shooting galleries, and traditional hot spring manju shops, creating a nostalgic and lively atmosphere.
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Ikaho Onsen
- Address: Address: Ikaho, Ikaho-machi, Shibukawa-shi, Gunma Prefecture
- Access: About 25 minutes by bus from JR Shibukawa Station, get off at "Ikaho Onsen"
- Official Website: https://www.ikaho-kankou.com/
Laid-Back Camp (Yuru Camp△): Hottarakashi Onsen (Yamanashi Prefecture)
In episode 5 of the anime, Hottarakashi Onsen is shown as the hot spring the Outdoor Activities Club visits on their way to a camping trip. The entrance to "Acchi no Yu" was even faithfully recreated.
Hottarakashi Onsen is an open-air bath located about 700 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Kofu Basin and Mount Fuji. The scenery changes dramatically depending on the time of day, with sunrise and nighttime views being especially stunning. The surrounding area is also rich with fruit orchards, making it a great spot to enjoy seasonal flavors.
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Hottarakashi Onsen
- Address: 1669-18 Yatsubo, Yamanashi-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 10 minutes by taxi from JR Yamanashi Station, or about 25 minutes by car from Ichinomiya-Misaka IC on the Chuo Expressway
- Official ebsite: http://www.hottarakashi-onsen.com/
Chihayafuru: Awara Onsen (Fukui Prefecture)
One of the settings in "Chihayafuru" is Awara City in Fukui Prefecture, depicted as the hometown of Arata Wataya, the character who inspired Chihaya to start playing competitive karuta. In the story, Awara Onsen Station appears as Arata’s nearest station.
Awara Onsen is one of the leading hot spring resorts in Hokuriku, often called "the inner parlor of Kansai." With 74 different hot spring sources, each ryokan offers its own unique water qualities and healing effects. The hot spring town also features foot baths and "Yumeguri Yokocho," where visitors can enjoy the onsen casually. While visiting anime-related spots, you can also savor local gourmet dishes such as fresh seafood and Echizen crab.
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Awara Onsen
- Address: Awara-shi, Fukui Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Awara Onsen Station, or about 45 minutes by taxi from Komatsu Airport
- Official Website: https://www.awara-onsen.org/
Are Tattoos Not Allowed in Onsen? Do You Need a Swimsuit? A Guide to Onsen Manners for Foreign Visitors
Do you wear clothes in an onsen? Do you need a swimsuit?
In most Japanese onsens, men and women bathe separately, and the rule is to bathe naked. Clothes and swimsuits are not worn. However, some leisure-style facilities or pool-type onsens have mixed bathing areas or zones where swimsuits are required. It’s always a good idea to check the rules of each facility in advance.
Why are tattoos not allowed in onsens?
In Japan, tattoos are often associated with the yakuza (organized crime groups) or antisocial behavior, which is why many onsens do not allow people with tattoos to enter. These days, with more overseas visitors coming to Japan, the number of onsens that allow entry if small tattoos are covered with a sticker, or that accept tattoos altogether, has been increasing. If you have tattoos, check the official website or ask at the front desk beforehand.
Basic manners to follow at an onsen
Rinse your body before bathing
Before entering the bath, you must rinse your body with hot water, a practice known as "kakeyu." While it is often thought of as simply washing away dirt, it also helps your body adjust to the hot water before you soak, making it an important step.
Don’t let your hair touch the water
Hair in the bath water is unsanitary. If you have long hair, tie it up or wrap it in a towel.
Don’t put towels in the bath
The small towel used for washing should not be put into the bath. Place it on your head or leave it at the washing area. If the space is small, putting it on your head is the best option to avoid bothering others.
Don’t shout or run
An onsen is a place to relax quietly. Be considerate of others by avoiding loud voices and running around.
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