The most beautiful onsen with a view of Mount Fuji for a unique Japanese experience

Yurari, the modern public onsen near Lake Kawaguchi

Yurari is a modern public onsen near charming Lake Kawaguchi. With 10 separate indoor and outdoor pools for men and women, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Soak in the hot tubs while admiring the sacred mountain on the horizon. Some baths can even be made private for added privacy.

In addition to the baths, Yurari offersrest areas, a sauna, stores and restaurants for a full day of relaxation. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., admission costs 1,300 yen on weekdays and 1,500 yen on weekends and public holidays. Yurari can be reached in 25 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko station.

Official website: https: //www.fuji-yurari.jp/

Benifuji no Yu, baths nestled in a garden with a view

Nestled in a pretty garden, Benifuji no Yu offers splendid views of Mount Fuji from its indoor and outdoor baths. Despite its simple exterior, this onsen is well worth a visit for its bucolic setting and peaceful atmosphere. Men and women can enjoy the two large covered outdoor baths overlooking the mountain separately.

Open daily from 10am to 9pm, admission costs just 800 yen, a very affordable price for a day of relaxation including baths, sauna and restaurant. Benifuji no Yu is easy to get to, with direct buses from Fujisan station stopping right in front. On the downside, tattooed guests are not accepted.

Official website: http: //www.benifuji.co.jp/

Hottarakashi Onsen, the most spectacular onsen at 700m altitude

For a memorable onsen experience, head for Hottarakashi Onsen, certainly the most spectacular in Japan. Perched at an altitude of 700m in Yamanashi prefecture, it comprises two distinct onsen: the smaller, older Kocchi no Yu, and the larger, newer Acchi no Yu.

Both offer breathtaking views of the Kofu basin and Mount Fuji, sublimated at sunrise and at nightfall when the valley lights come on. The high PH waters of these springs are renowned for their skin-softening properties. Open year-round from 10.30 a.m. to 10 p.m., admission costs 800 yen. Hottarakashi Onsen is a 10-minute cab ride from Yamanashi station.

Official website: https: //www.hottarakashi-onsen.com/

For onsen etiquette, see our article Onsen, a guide to good manners.

Hotel Green Plaza Hakone, the luxury spa that opens its doors to visitors

Would you like to treat yourself to a moment of luxury and voluptuousness in a refined setting? Head for the Hotel Green Plaza Hakone, which opens its superb spa to the public on certain days of the week. Situated at an altitude of 860m and fed by the Sengokuhara springs, this top-of-the-range establishment offers separate male/female baths with mineral-rich waters, the promise of soft skin.

But the must-see outdoor pools offer a panoramic view of Mount Fuji. A moment of pure grace! Allow 1600 yen for access to this exceptional spa. It's a 5-minute walk from the Ubako bus stop, itself 35 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto.

Official website: https: //www.hotelgreenplazahakone.com/en-gb

Hotel Mifujien, baths on Lake Kawaguchi

Hotel Mifujien boasts a prime location on the shores of magnificent Lake Kawaguchi, with baths overlooking Mount Fuji. Despite its old-fashioned decor, it will appeal to lovers of beautiful panoramas, who can enjoy the exceptional view while relaxing in the hot springs.

The separate male/female baths are open daily to outside visitors from 1pm to 8pm for the sum of 1,200 yen. The hotel is easily accessible, just a 7-minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko station.

Official website: https: //www.mifujien.co.jp

Enjoy a complete spa experience in the region's onsen resorts

In addition to baths with views of Mount Fuji, the region abounds in charming little spa towns where you can enjoy a complete onsen holiday, staying in a traditional ryokan. Among the most popular resorts are :

• Hakone, easily accessible from Tokyo
• Kawaguchiko and its many lakeside onsen
• Isawa and its typical local atmosphere

You'll be spoilt for choice among the many ryokan and hotels with their own baths, for a comfortable spa experience combining hot springs, gastronomy and Japanese traditions.

Combine onsen and unique cultural experiences in characterful ryokans

For an even deeper immersion, some characterful ryokan offer tocombine relaxing baths with unique cultural experiences. For example:

• Hotel Ukai, where you can learn the art of drawing a sword like a samurai
• Hotel Kikori, where you can spend a special moment with a geisha
• The historic Tokiwa ryokan, whose sumptuous gardens have inspired numerous artists

In a traditional ryokan, you can experience memorable, timeless moments of Japanese heritage and art of living, with the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji in the background.

Sleep with a view of Fuji, take a bath facing the sacred mountain, immerse yourself in the local culture during a spa break... The region's onsen offer an unforgettable experience not to be missed. So, which of these exceptional onsen makes you dream?

Find out more about this emblematic mountain:

• When to climb?
• 7 anecdotes about Mount Fuji
• Report: climbing Mount Fuji
• Budget for the climb