Japan's Movie-Like Retro Hot Spring Destinations, Ranked

As January arrives and the cold sets in, few things are more inviting than a soak in a hot spring. Japan is home to countless hot spring resorts, each with its own distinct charm, and some are especially known for their nostalgic, retro atmosphere. Based on a 2024 survey by the travel information website JALAN News, here is a ranking of hot spring destinations whose timeless appeal feels as if it were lifted straight from a movie.

*Okutsuchiyu Hito Kawakami Onsen was ranked third in the JALAN survey. (©Sankei by Nobuo Serizawa)*

1. Hoshi Onsen Chojukan

Based on responses from 1,022 people across Japan, the top spot went to Hoshi Onsen Chojukan in Gunma Prefecture. Its main bath, Hoshi no Yu, is an indoor bath dating back to 1895. The bathing hall features a striking blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles, highlighted by Rokumeikan-inspired arched windows and massive wooden beams.

Beyond its nostalgic charm, the bath offers the rare experience of soaking in water that naturally wells up from the bottom of the tub, making it truly special. The inn is also a member of the Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns, an organization dedicated to environmental conservation. Guests can also enjoy Tamaki no Yu, which features both indoor and open-air baths.

2. Yamashiro Onsen Kosoyu

Taking second place is Yamashiro Onsen Kosoyu in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, a tranquil space infused with retro-modern charm. Reconstructed in 2010 as a faithful recreation of a Meiji-era public bath, Kosoyu features an atmospheric bathing hall adorned with Kutani ware tiles.

There are no showers — instead, visitors bathe in the traditional style, by pouring water just as people did in the past. Sunlight filtering through colorful stained glass reflects off the surface of the bath, creating a dreamlike scene. Soap and shampoo are not permitted, helping preserve the authentic feel of the era. This communal bath is a place where history, beauty, and a sense of escape come together.

4. Katakurakan

Ranked fourth is Katakurakan in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. Built in 1928 by the Katakura Group, a major player in the silk-reeling industry, the facility was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2011. Its grand Western-style architecture holds significant cultural value, while the interior features marble bathtubs, colorful stained glass, and elaborate sculptures that are well worth admiring. Still in operation today as the famed Sennin Buro bath, Katakurakan offers visitors a luxurious bathing experience surrounded by history and art.