Located in the South Yatsugatake Mountain Range on the East side, you can find the small Rotenburo (outdoor hot spring bath) of Honzawa Onsen nestled in a high river valley. Sitting at 2150m, Honzawa Onsen is the highest Rotenburo in Japan. Being the highest, Honzawa is definitely not the most easily accessible or biggest onsen you can find. But when you sit in this 2 x 3 meter wooden box constructed on the side of a cliff, you`ll definitely appreciate the awesome backdrop. Despite the smell of the sulphuric murky water, this natural hot water bath is well deserved after the hike in.
- 1 min read
Honzawa Onsen
Highest onsen in Japan

By C. Rio
Community writer

The reward (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Guiding the way (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Looking down the valley (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Following the footprints in the snow (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Snow covered valley (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Spring (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Fall colors (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

From the top (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Victoria Vlisides
8 years ago
Looks like an awesome onsen experience
Tamara Siemering
10 years ago
Can I be there already? This looks amazing.
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Awaji Island: A Hidden Gem in the Seto Inland Sea
Hyogo - Sponsored -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Head Spas in Japan
Beauty & Spa -
3
Japanese Etiquette: The Ultimate Guide
Culture -
4
Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
5
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
6
Transit Guide: JR Kansai Area Pass
Transportation -
7
Winter Adventure in Akita, Japan
Akita - Sponsored -
8
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
9
Yakiniku Inoue Ginza
Tokyo -
10
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
Osaka -
6
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
7
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto