What Makes a Famous Hot Spring: A Complete Guide to Japan's Meito

When you hear the term "famous hot spring" (meito), what kind of hot springs come to mind? Japan is home to numerous hot spring destinations that have been known as "meito" since ancient times, including Kusatsu, Arima, Gero, and Beppu. However, being famous alone doesn't make a hot spring "meito" - there must be specific conditions and criteria. This article explores the conditions that qualify a hot spring as "meito" from various perspectives including spring quality, flow rate, and history, examining what truly constitutes a famous hot spring.

What is Meito: Definition and Interpretation

Defining "Famous Hot Springs"

There is no clear legal definition for "meito" (famous hot springs). However, hot springs that meet the following conditions are generally called "meito":

Excellent Spring Quality: High therapeutic effects for specific symptoms

Abundant Flow Rate: Stable, large-volume spring discharge

Historical Background: Long history of use as a hot spring

Cultural Value: Cultural recognition through literature and other works

Recognition and Reputation: Widely known and highly evaluated by many people

These elements work together in complex ways for a hot spring to establish its status as "meito."

Differences Between Famous Hot Springs and Regular Hot Springs

The difference between meito and ordinary hot springs isn't simply a matter of good versus bad, but lies in characteristics such as:

Characteristics of Meito:

• Unique or distinctive features (spring quality or scenery found nowhere else)
• Effects proven over long history
• Track record of being loved and supported by many people
• Cultural and historical stories or narratives

On the other hand, even excellent hot springs that were recently discovered are unlikely to be called "meito." The title of "meito" is earned through social recognition and evaluation over time.

Condition 1: Spring Quality and Therapeutic Effects

The most fundamental condition for meito is spring quality and therapeutic effects. Many famous hot springs possess distinctive spring qualities and high therapeutic efficacy.

Spring Quality with High Therapeutic Effects

Examples of Meito with Distinctive Spring Quality:

Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture):

• Spring Quality: Strong acidic aluminum sulfate spring
• pH Value: Approximately 2.0 (one of Japan's strongest acidic springs)
• Effects: Skin diseases, neuralgia, muscle pain, etc.
• Characteristics: Strong sterilizing action, historically effective for skin disease treatment

Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture):

• Spring Quality: Iron-sodium chloride spring (gold spring), radioactive spring (silver spring)
• Total dissolved substances: Approximately 40,000mg/kg (Japan's highest level)
• Effects: Rheumatism, neuralgia, anemia, etc.
• Characteristics: Extremely high salt concentration and iron content

Gero Onsen (Gifu Prefecture):

• Spring Quality: Alkaline simple hot spring
• pH Value: Approximately 8.0 (weakly alkaline)
• Effects: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, etc.
• Characteristics: Gentle on skin, also known as "beauty hot spring"

Rarity and Uniqueness

Many meito possess unique components or properties not found in ordinary hot springs.

Examples of Meito with Unique Characteristics:

Tamagawa Onsen (Akita Prefecture):

• Japan's strongest acidic spring (pH approximately 1.2)
• High radon content
• Therapy using high-temperature mud inhabited by special microorganisms

Shirahone Onsen (Nagano Prefecture):

• High calcium carbonate content with characteristic white hot spring flowers
• Bone-white sediment visible throughout the hot spring town

Beppu Onsen's Blood Pond Hell (Oita Prefecture):

• High iron content causing red coloration
• Serves as tourist attraction through "hell tour"

Hot Spring Areas with Multiple Spring Types

Having multiple different spring types is also one of the conditions for meito. Hot spring areas where visitors can experience various therapeutic effects at once often receive higher evaluation.

Examples of Meito with Multiple Spring Types:

Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture):

• Over 17 different spring types exist
• Various types including chloride springs, sulfate springs, bicarbonate springs

Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture):

• Multiple sources and spring types
• Subtly different therapeutic effects by area

Condition 2: Flow Rate and Source Characteristics

Important factors affecting hot spring quality include flow rate and source characteristics.

Abundant Flow Rate

Many hot springs called meito boast abundant flow rates. High flow rates provide benefits such as:

Free-flowing springs possible: Can provide constantly fresh hot spring water without circulation or dilution

Large-scale hot spring town development: Can supply hot springs to many ryokan and facilities

Stable hot spring supply: Less affected by seasons or weather

Examples of Meito with Abundant Flow:

Beppu Onsen (Oita Prefecture):

• Flow rate: Approximately 87,000 liters/minute (Japan's highest)
• Number of sources: Approximately 2,300 locations (Japan's highest)

Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture):

• Flow rate: Approximately 32,300 liters/minute
• Massive hot spring discharge from Yubatake has become a tourist attraction

Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido):

• Flow rate: Approximately 10,000 liters/minute
• Large volumes of diverse spring types

Natural Discharge at Optimal Temperature

Ideal meito naturally discharge at temperatures suitable for bathing (approximately 40-45°C).

Examples of Meito with Optimal Natural Discharge:

Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture):

• Discharge temperature: Approximately 42°C
• Bathing possible without heating or cooling

Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture):

• Discharge temperature: Approximately 43°C
• Seven public baths available at optimal temperature

Hot springs that discharge at high temperatures can also be evaluated as "meito" if proper cooling facilities are in place. For example, Arima Onsen's gold spring discharges at 98°C but receives appropriate cooling treatment.

Source Stability and Sustainability

Continuing stable discharge over long periods is also an important condition for meito.

Examples of Meito with Stable Discharge:

Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture):

• Continuous discharge for over 1,300 years
• Discharge continues even when affected by earthquakes

Gero Onsen (Gifu Prefecture):

• Over 1,000 years of history
• Stable temperature and flow rate

However, changes in discharge due to volcanic activity are also part of hot springs' natural characteristics and sometimes receive evaluation as such.

Condition 3: History and Cultural Background

Hot spring value is greatly influenced not only by spring quality and flow rate but also by historical and cultural background.

Ancient Usage History

Many meito have long histories of use by people since ancient times.

Examples of Historic Meito:

Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture):

• Considered one of Japan's oldest hot springs with over 3,000 years of history
• Mentioned in Kojiki and Nihon Shoki
• Legends say Prince Shotoku and Ono no Imoko also visited

Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture):

• One of Japan's three ancient springs mentioned in Nihon Shoki
• Known as hot spring loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
• Treasured as western medicinal hot spring during Edo period

Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama Prefecture):

• Over 1,300 years of history
• Known since ancient times as Muro Onsen
• Legend says discovered by Kobo Daishi Kukai

Beloved by Literary Figures and Celebrities

Hot springs loved by literary figures and celebrities tend to gain cultural recognition and establish status as "meito."

Examples of Meito Loved by Literary Figures:

Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture):

• Visited by many literary figures including Yosano Akiko and Shiga Naoya
• Also known through the folk song Kusatsu-bushi

Shuzenji Onsen (Shizuoka Prefecture):

• Setting of Natsume Soseki's novel "Shuzenji no Taikan"
• Frequently visited by Kawabata Yasunari

Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture):

• Setting of Shiga Naoya's novel "Kinosaki nite"
• Also visited by Yosano Tekkan and Akiko couple

Hot Spring Cure Tradition

The tradition of "toji" (long-term stay for therapeutic purposes) is also one of the important conditions for meito.

Examples of Meito with Hot Spring Cure Tradition:

Tamagawa Onsen (Akita Prefecture):

• Unique hot spring cure methods using strong acidic springs
• Many therapeutic guests still stay long-term

Masutomi Onsen (Yamanashi Prefecture):

• World-class radon content
• Considered effective for rheumatism and neuralgia therapy

Naruko Onsen (Miyagi Prefecture):

• Hot spring cure culture utilizing diverse spring types
• Public baths and therapeutic inns still remain

Condition 4: Hot Spring Towns and Surrounding Environment

Not only the quality of hot springs themselves but also the surrounding environment and charm of hot spring towns affect evaluation as "meito."

Hot Spring Town Scenery and Atmosphere

Atmospheric hot spring town scenery is an important element that enhances hot spring experience quality.

Examples of Meito with Attractive Hot Spring Towns:

Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture):

• Japanese-style townscape harmonizing with nature
• Open-air baths scattered along the river
• Popular for hot spring tours using bathing passes

Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture):

• Retro townscape evoking Taisho romance
• Fantastic atmosphere with streetlight reflections on river surface at night
• Famous as filming location for "Oshin"

Shibu Onsen (Nagano Prefecture):

• Stone-paved townscape retaining Edo period atmosphere
• Tradition of "nine hot spring tour" visiting nine public baths
• Said to be model for "Spirited Away"

Harmony with Natural Environment

Hot spring areas harmonizing with natural environments also receive high evaluation.

Examples of Meito Harmonizing with Natural Environment:

Oku-Yuzawa Onsen-kyo (Niigata Prefecture):

• Located in heavy snow area, attractive for snow-viewing baths
• Many open-air baths along valleys
• Enjoy four seasons of nature

Nyuto Onsen-kyo (Akita Prefecture):

• Located at foot of Mt. Akita-Komagatake
• Seven hot springs scattered with different atmospheres each
• Tsurunoyu especially famous for open-air baths integrated with nature

Yufuin Onsen (Oita Prefecture):

• Located in basin with Mt. Yufu as backdrop
• Fantastic scenery created by morning mist and lake surface
• Cultural facilities and refined cafes scattered throughout

Collaboration with Tourism Resources

Having tourism resources beyond just hot springs also enhances meito appeal.

Examples of Meito Collaborating with Tourism Resources:

Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture):

• Diverse tourist spots including Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, Owakudani
• Cultural facilities like art museums and glass craft museums
• Famous as Hakone Ekiden venue

Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido):

• Jigokudani (Hell Valley) volcanic fumarole area as tourist attraction
• Facilities related to Ainu culture
• Family facilities like bear ranch also available

Kinugawa Onsen (Tochigi Prefecture):

• Adjacent to Nikko National Park
• Activities like Kinugawa line boat trips
• Theme parks like Tobu World Square

Hot Spring Rankings and Classifications

Various rankings and classifications of meito exist in Japan. While not necessarily official, these have become established over long history.

Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs

The most famous meito ranking is "Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs."

Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs:

• Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture): Strong acidic sulfur spring with symbolic "Yubatake"
• Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture): Two spring types - gold and silver springs
• Gero Onsen (Gifu Prefecture): Alkaline simple hot spring, also called "beauty hot spring"

Selection criteria for "Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs" aren't clearly defined, but generally spring quality excellence, historical background, and recognition are comprehensively evaluated.

Japan's Three Ancient Hot Springs

Classification emphasizing historical age as "Japan's Three Ancient Hot Springs."

Japan's Three Ancient Hot Springs:

• Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture): Said to be Japan's oldest hot spring
• Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture): Ancient hot spring mentioned in Nihon Shoki
• Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama Prefecture): Known since ancient times as Muro-no-yu

These are mentioned in ancient documents like Nihon Shoki and known as hot springs used since ancient times.

Regional Famous Hot Springs

Representative meito are often selected by region.

Tohoku Region Meito:

• Naruko Onsen (Miyagi Prefecture)
• Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
• Zao Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)

Kanto Region Meito:

• Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
• Ikaho Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
• Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Kyushu Region Meito:

• Beppu Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
• Yufuin Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
• Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture)

Changing Standards for Meito Through the Ages

Standards for meito have changed with the times. Each era's values and social conditions have influenced meito evaluation.

Ancient Times to Edo Period: Era of Treatment and Hot Spring Cure

From ancient times to the Edo period, hot springs were mainly used for treatment and therapeutic purposes.

Meito Conditions of This Era:

• High therapeutic effects for specific diseases or symptoms
• Recognition by imperial court or feudal lords
• Location at transportation hubs

For example, Kusatsu Onsen was known for its unique temperature adjustment method called "yumomi" and considered effective for skin diseases. Arima Onsen was used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, with "gold spring" treated as particularly precious.

Meiji to Early Showa: Era of Rest and Tourism

From the Meiji era onward, with railway development, hot spring areas strengthened their character as places for rest and tourism.

Meito Conditions of This Era:

• Relatively good access from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka
• Modern facilities usable by foreigners
• Rich scenery and surrounding tourism resources

For example, Hakone Onsen gained popularity for good access from Tokyo and rich natural environment, while Beppu Onsen developed utilizing tourism resources like "hell tours."

Modern Era: Era of Diversifying Values

In modern times, values sought in hot springs have diversified.

Modern Meito Conditions:

• Instagram-worthy scenery and atmosphere
• Comfortable bathing environment with assured privacy
• Commitment to free-flowing springs and natural hot springs
• Consideration for ecology and sustainability

For example, Kurokawa Onsen is evaluated for its atmosphere harmonizing with nature and hot spring tours using bathing passes, while Yufuin Onsen gains popularity for cultural elements and refined atmosphere.

Modern Scientific Perspective on Evaluating Meito

In modern times, meito are also evaluated from scientific perspectives.

Hot Spring Component Analysis and Scientific Verification of Effects

Scientific research on hot spring therapeutic effects has also progressed.

Examples of Scientifically Verified Effects:

• Carbonic acid springs: Vasodilation effects promoting blood circulation medically confirmed
• Sulfur springs: Sterilizing action and keratin softening effects researched
• Radioactive springs: Research on analgesic effects of low-dose radiation

As scientific verification of therapeutic effects progresses, evaluation of traditional "meito" may also change.

Quality Control and Safety

Quality control and safety have also become important conditions for modern meito.

Examples of Quality Control Efforts:

• Regular water quality testing implementation and result disclosure
• Flow rate and temperature monitoring systems
• Proper dilution/heating management and display

For example, Kusatsu Onsen constantly monitors temperature and components of multiple sources, working on quality control.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainable use of hot spring resources is also important as a modern meito condition.

Examples of Sustainability Initiatives:

• Power generation and heating systems using geothermal energy
• Hot spring water circulation and heat exchange systems
• Carbon-neutral initiatives throughout hot spring towns

For example, Dogo Onsen has introduced systems to recover heat from hot spring drainage, working to improve energy efficiency.

Representative Famous Hot Springs Worth Visiting and Their Characteristics

Here we introduce several representative famous hot springs in Japan worth actually visiting.

Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture): Japan's Representative Sulfur Spring

Characteristics:

• Flow rate: Approximately 32,300 liters/minute (among Japan's highest)
• Spring quality: Strong acidic aluminum sulfate spring
• pH value: Approximately 2.0 (strong acidic)
• Temperature: 51-94°C (varies by source)

Highlights:

• Source called "Yubatake" at town center, from which hot springs are drawn to each ryokan
• Can observe traditional temperature adjustment method called "yumomi"
• Unique bathing method called "jikan-yu" exists

Recommended season: Year-round (especially autumn foliage, winter snow-viewing baths)

Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture): Charm of Atmospheric Hot Spring Town

Characteristics:

• Spring quality: Various including simple hot springs, bicarbonate springs
• Discharge temperature: 45-90°C
• Features: About 30 ryokan scattered, each with different atmosphere open-air baths

Highlights:

• Can tour three different ryokan open-air baths with "bathing pass"
• Japanese-style townscape harmonizing with nature
• Open-air baths scattered along river, enjoy four seasons scenery

Recommended season: Spring (fresh greenery) and autumn (autumn foliage)

Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture): Taisho Romance Townscape

Characteristics:

• Spring quality: Sodium bicarbonate/chloride spring
• Discharge temperature: Approximately 65°C
• Features: Townscape retaining Taisho period atmosphere

Highlights:

• Hot spring town at night illuminated by gas lamps is fantastic
• Wooden ryokan with boat-shaped roofs line the streets
• Townscape evoking history of silver mining prosperity

Recommended season: Winter (beautiful combination of snow scenery and hot springs)

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known but Valuable Hot Springs

Not only famous hot spring areas are "meito." "Hidden famous hot springs" with excellent spring quality and environment exist throughout Japan despite low recognition.

Hot Springs Called Secret Springs

"Secret springs" that are difficult to access but have excellent spring quality and natural environment can be called "meito" in another sense.

Examples of Secret Springs:

Fujishichi Onsen (Iwate Prefecture):

• Also called "Japan's number one secret spring"
• Characterized by very strong sulfur smell
• Mystical blue-white water
• Completely closed in winter

Tsurunoyu Onsen (Akita Prefecture):

• Particularly primitive atmosphere in Nyuto Onsen-kyo
• Over 400 years of history
• Famous for mixed-gender large bath
• Open-air bath integrated with surrounding nature

Hirayu Onsen (Gifu Prefecture):

• Located at foot of Hida Mountains
• Hot spring cure site since Edo period
• Colorless, transparent alkaline simple hot spring
• "Kami-no-yu" open-air bath near Hirayu Great Falls famous

Hot Springs Loved by Locals

Hot springs not well known to tourists but continuously loved by local people are also one form of "meito."

Examples of Locally Beloved Hot Springs:

Yunokami Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture):

• Yunokami Onsen Station (thatched-roof station building) on Aizu Railway famous
• Quiet mountain hot spring area loved by locals
• Riverside open-air bath "Kami-no-yu" enjoyable for free
• Close to Aizu tourist attractions like Ouchi-juku

Iizaka Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture):

• Good access from Fukushima city, popular for local day-trip bathing
• Ancient public baths like "Sabako-yu" and "Harai-yu" still exist
• High insulation effect of chloride springs highly evaluated
• Enjoyable combined with surrounding agricultural experiences like fruit picking

Yudanaka Onsen (Nagano Prefecture):

• Said that locals go to "Yudanaka" while outsiders go to "Shibu Onsen"
• More reasonable than Shibu Onsen, popular with local customers
• Retains atmosphere of traditional hot spring cure site
• Small hot spring areas scattered in surroundings

Newly Attracting Attention Hot Springs

Hot springs being re-evaluated recently or gaining attention for new attractions also exist.

Examples of Re-evaluated Hot Springs:

Higashiyama Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture):

• Hot spring area near Aizu-Wakamatsu city, historically Aizu domain's hot spring cure site
• Recently re-evaluated as tourism base for touching Aizu history and culture
• Active PR activities by Higashiyama Onsen Tourism Association
• Attractive combination of Aizu local cuisine and hot springs

Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture):

• Known as setting of Shiga Naoya's novel "Kinosaki nite"
• Recently popular hot spring area among foreign tourists
• Culture of touring public baths in yukata appreciated
• Cultural initiatives like literature museums and artist-in-residence programs

Hijiori Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture):

• Historical background as Yamagata's premier hot spring cure site
• Recently re-evaluated along with "morning market" and local food culture
• Values traditional hot spring cure culture
• Unique initiatives like early morning "beech forest concerts"

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are "Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs" officially designated?

A: "Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs" are not officially designated but are civilian evaluations formed historically. Generally referring to Kusatsu Onsen, Arima Onsen, and Gero Onsen, some documents mention different combinations. For example, some theories consider Kusatsu, Arima, and Dogo as Japan's three famous hot springs. These can vary by era and region, with no strict criteria.

Q: Are hot spring therapeutic effects scientifically proven?

A: Some hot spring therapeutic effects are scientifically proven, but not all are strictly verified. For example, vasodilation effects of carbonic acid springs and keratin softening effects of sulfur springs are confirmed through medical research. However, many effects are based on long experience and tradition, including placebo effects and relaxation effects from environmental changes. Recent hot spring medicine research is progressing with more scientific approaches.

Q: Do hot springs called meito necessarily have high therapeutic effects?

A: Not necessarily. "Meito" evaluation is influenced by many factors including not only spring quality and therapeutic effects but also history, cultural background, surrounding environment, and recognition. For example, some hot springs are called "meito" for long history, cultural value, or beautiful scenery despite no remarkable spring quality. Conversely, "hidden famous hot springs" with high therapeutic effects but low recognition exist throughout the country. Choosing hot springs matching your purpose is important.

Q: Are free-flowing hot springs necessarily good hot springs?

A: Free-flowing springs have merits in hot spring freshness and component preservation, but that alone doesn't determine hot spring value. For example, circulation systems with proper management can sufficiently demonstrate therapeutic effects, and heat exchange or partial circulation methods are evaluated from environmental consideration perspectives. Also, dilution is necessary when source temperature is too high, and heating when too low. When choosing hot springs, comprehensive judgment considering not only free-flowing status but spring quality, temperature, and management condition is important.

Q: Can newly discovered hot springs become "meito"?

A: Newly discovered hot springs can potentially be evaluated as "meito" if they have particularly excellent spring quality or flow rate. For example, hot springs around "Kinrin Lake" at Yufuin Onsen, developed in the 1970s, are now known as meito despite being relatively new. However, many traditional "meito" have established evaluation over long history, and new hot springs generally take time to achieve similar status. Hot spring evaluation changes with times, and possibilities for new "meito" to emerge remain high.

Q: Can hot spring areas popular with foreign tourists be called meito?

A: Foreign tourist popularity doesn't necessarily coincide with being "meito." Foreign tourist hot spring selection tends to prioritize access convenience, foreign language support, privacy consideration, and surrounding tourism resources over spring quality and therapeutic effects. For example, Hakone and Kusatsu are popular "meito" among foreigners, but some hot spring areas with ordinary spring quality but good access and foreign visitor services also exist. Recently, hot spring areas promoting "inbound response" are increasing, and such evaluations may change in the future.

Conclusion

Conditions for "meito" are multifaceted, changing not only due to physical and chemical characteristics like spring quality and flow rate but also historical and cultural background, hot spring town scenery and surrounding environment, and each era's values.

Starting with Japan's three famous hot springs known as Kusatsu, Arima, and Gero, wonderful hot springs with various characteristics exist throughout Japan. Additionally, many "hidden famous hot springs" with excellent spring quality and unique charm exist despite low recognition.

Hot spring evaluation changes with times, and recently scientific therapeutic effect verification, environmental consideration, and sustainability initiatives have become important evaluation points.

Ultimately, a "good hot spring" is one matching your purpose and preferences, with choices varying greatly. Some prioritize spring quality, others scenery and atmosphere, still others enjoy history and culture - various ways of enjoyment exist.

Using the various "meito conditions" introduced in this article as reference, find your own "meito" and experience Japan's rich hot spring culture. The diverse hot springs scattered throughout Japan are our precious cultural heritage and treasures to be carefully preserved and passed down.