Here are some popular hot spring resorts and accommodations in Japan that offer multilingual services, specifically designed to welcome foreign tourists.
1. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
Kinosaki Onsen has seen a massive growth in foreign visitors over recent years, particularly from Europe, Australia, and the U.S. The resort town provides extensive multilingual support with an English website called “Visit Kinosaki,” which allows for easy booking and includes English-language brochures and guides. The town is famous for its seven public bathhouses, or “soto-yu,” which visitors can explore along the scenic river.
2. Yufuin Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
Located in Kyushu, Yufuin Onsen is popular with tourists from nearby Asian countries like China and South Korea due to its easy accessibility. The region actively promotes itself as the “Onsen Prefecture,” and Yufuin offers high-quality multilingual support, including transport information and accommodation details in multiple languages.
3. Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido)
Noboribetsu, a popular destination for foreign visitors, is renowned for its variety of hot spring waters, derived from volcanic activity. The town is easily accessible from New Chitose Airport, and many of the local accommodations provide multilingual services to help international guests feel comfortable.
4. Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Close to Tokyo, Hakone is a well-known onsen town offering views of Mount Fuji. Hotels and ryokan (traditional inns) in the area have developed multilingual websites and brochures in English and Chinese. Several of these accommodations also provide English-speaking staff and hot spring etiquette guides.
5. Beppu Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
Beppu is famous for its “Hell Tour,” a sightseeing route that showcases geothermal wonders such as boiling mud pools. Many of the accommodations here offer English-language support, and some have started using AI translation devices to communicate with guests.
6. Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama Prefecture)
Shirahama offers a blend of hot springs and beach resorts, and its hotels have multilingual brochures and websites to accommodate foreign guests. The town is particularly popular for its scenic beach and warm ocean climate.
7. Kawaguchiko Onsen (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Located near Mount Fuji, this onsen offers stunning views combined with hot spring relaxation. Many hotels in the area have English-speaking staff and brochures, and there are facilities catering to Muslim visitors, including Halal food options.
8. Takayama Onsen (Gifu Prefecture)
Takayama combines hot spring experiences with a traditional castle-town atmosphere, making it popular with visitors from Europe. The region provides multilingual maps and signage, helping guests navigate and enjoy the historical surroundings.
9. Atami Onsen (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Atami is close to Tokyo and offers a resort experience with hot springs. The town actively promotes itself to foreign visitors with multilingual support and a variety of ryokan that cater to international tourists.
10. Nyuto Onsen (Akita Prefecture)
Nyuto Onsen, a hidden gem in northern Japan, is popular with foreign tourists looking for a more rustic and traditional hot spring experience. The area offers English-language guides, and its ryokan are increasingly providing multilingual support.
These onsen destinations and accommodations offer multilingual services, ensuring that foreign visitors can enjoy Japan’s hot spring culture without language barriers. Additionally, some places are incorporating AI technology and digital tools to further enhance the guest experience.