Kannon Onsen

The location's the main drawback, or maybe a plus if you like being tucked away. It's hard to reach without a car. Inside, this is a lovely old-fashioned Onsen. The high-pH water leaves your skin feeling really smooth after a soak. I understand the menu changes with the season and whatever's fresh.

We had a spotless room, and in our case the in-room onsen was wonderful. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and they speak English, which made the stay easier. Dinner and breakfast were beautifully presented traditional Japanese meals. The setting is peaceful and gorgeous, with fresh-smelling greenery and birdsong all around. If you have tattoos, you can enjoy the onsen here without worrying about it.

You won't need to pack much, since they provide yukata, pajamas, Wi-Fi, and a full range of amenities. There are two public onsen, one outdoors and one inside, and most rooms also have a private one. The water is safe to drink. They serve seafood, though you can ask for meat if you need it.

A highly rated onsen, though it costs a bit, 1500 yen. It's tucked into the mountains, reached by a narrow one-lane road. You can drink the onsen water, and there's a fountain in the middle of the bath with a wooden cup.