Top 5 mixed onsen baths in Japan

This is one of Japan's most famous mixed onsen! Located on the banks of a river, Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku is renowned for its outdoor baths surrounded by mountains. The facility offers several konyoku pools for daytime use, as well as baths separated by gender and a ryokan for overnight stays.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1899 Fujiwara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1721, Japan

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for day baths

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Located in the mountains of Aomori Prefecture, Sukayu Onsen is one of the country's most emblematic mixed onsen. Famous for its huge mixed hiba wood bath, the Hiba Sennin-buro, it can accommodate many bathers in a rustic atmosphere steeped in history. It's particularly popular in winter, when snow covers the surrounding trees. Separate baths are also available, and their flagship pool is reserved for women in the early hours of the morning.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1899 Fujiwara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1721, Japan

HOURS: "Hiba Sen'nin Buro" mixed bath from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (women only from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.), gendered baths from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

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This spa village is distinguished by its picturesque atmosphere, with tile-roofed ryokan and alleyways lined with bridges and rivers. Several establishments offer mixed baths (often in the open air), and a "bath-hopping" pass system allows you to discover several onsen by purchasing a single pass—ideal for exploring different bathing styles!

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Manganji, Minamioguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto 869-2402, Japan

HOURS: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m

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Nyuto Onsen is a group of traditional baths nestled in the mountains of Akita prefecture. The site includes several ryokan, renowned for the mineral richness of their hot springs, including Tsurunoyu, which is particularly popular for its mixed baths. The tranquility of the area is particularly appreciated in winter, when snow covers the landscape.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Akita, Semboku, Tazawako Tazawa, Sendatsu, 沢国有林５０

HOURS: 10am to 3pm

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This unique bath is located directly in the ocean and is only accessible at low tide. An unforgettable experience for adventure seekers.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 7-2 Hirauchi, Yakushima-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima 891-4406, Japan

TIMETABLE: The onsen is open 24 hours a day but is only visible and usable at low tide, around 2-5 hours a day. It is therefore essential to check the tide times on the Yakushima Island's official website before you go.

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