Asia's relationship with hot springs runs deeper than tourism — in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and beyond, soaking in geothermally heated waters is a cultural practice centuries older than the word "wellness." Japan's onsen etiquette is formalised in national law. Taiwan's wenquan resorts blend natural spring bathing with Japanese colonial-era heritage. Korea's jjimjilbangs are social institutions as much as relaxation facilities. And across Southeast Asia, natural thermal springs provide a less codified but equally restorative experience for those who know where to find them. Here is where to go in 2026.

Hakone is the most visited onsen destination in Japan outside of Kyushu, and the combination of its thermal baths with views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the volcanic landscape of Owakudani makes it arguably the most visually spectacular. Located approximately 90 kilometres southwest of Tokyo, Hakone is accessible as a day trip but best experienced over one or two nights in a traditional ryokan, where the onsen is an integral part of the stay rather than an add-on. The town's hot springs are divided into 17 distinct areas, each with subtly different water compositions: Hakone-Yumoto at the base of the valley is the most accessible, while Gora, Sengokuhara, and the higher-altitude areas offer more secluded and atmospheric settings. Owakudani, the volcanic valley that produces the springs' heat, is accessible by ropeway from Sounzan Station and is an attraction in itself, with black eggs boiled in the sulphurous waters sold as a regional delicacy. Find and book ryokan and hotel stays in Hakone through Traveloka's hotels platform.

Beitou is one of the most accessible hot spring destinations in Asia, located just 30 minutes from central Taipei by MRT. The district's thermal springs were first developed during the Japanese colonial period in the late 19th century, and several of the original bathhouse buildings survive, including the Beitou Hot Spring Museum — a preserved 1913 public bathhouse that documents the area's history. Beitou's waters come in three distinct types: the extremely rare and potent radioactive Radium Spring found only here and in two locations worldwide; the milky white sodium bicarbonate springs; and the clear sulphate-chloride springs most commonly used in hotels. The area's hot spring hotels range from day-visit public facilities to luxury resort properties with private in-room onsen baths. Book your Beitou stay through Traveloka for the best available rates on hotels with hot spring facilities.

While Hakone draws visitors for its scenery and proximity to Tokyo, Arima Onsen near Kobe is considered Japan's oldest hot spring resort, with a history of therapeutic bathing stretching back over 1,300 years. The town's waters are particularly prized for their mineral richness: the famous kinsen (golden spring) and ginsen (silver spring) are among the most chemically distinctive onsen in the country. Kinsen's rust-coloured iron-rich water is believed to be effective for muscle and joint pain, while ginsen's carbonated waters are valued for skin conditions. The town itself is a remarkably well-preserved historic onsen district, with narrow stone-paved lanes, traditional craft shops, and ryokan inns that have operated for generations. Arima is accessible by direct bus from Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto, making it an excellent addition to any Kansai itinerary. Check flights to Osaka and book your Arima ryokan through Traveloka.

South Korea's jjimjilbang culture — large public bathhouses that combine hot pools, saunas, resting areas, and communal spaces — is one of the most distinctly Korean forms of wellness. But beyond the urban jjimjilbangs found in every Korean city, the country also has dedicated hot spring towns. Onyang Hot Springs in Asan, approximately one hour south of Seoul by train, is the oldest and most famous, with mineral-rich waters that have been drawing visitors since the Silla Dynasty. Legend holds that King Taejong of Joseon bathed here to treat a skin condition, cementing the springs' reputation for therapeutic properties. Osaek Carbonated Hot Springs in Seoraksan National Park in the east of the country offer a different experience: naturally carbonated waters surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Check Traveloka promotions for flights to Seoul and explore Korea's wellness destinations.

From the volcanic onsen of Hakone to the colonial-era wenquan of Beitou and the ancient mineral springs of Arima, Asia's hot spring destinations offer experiences that range from a day's relaxation to a multi-night therapeutic retreat. As Southeast Asia's leading travel platform trusted by over 100 million users, Traveloka offers flights to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Thailand, along with a comprehensive selection of hotels, activities, car rentals, eSIM, and travel insurance — all in one app. Pay with local payment methods including local bank transfers. Download the Traveloka app to start planning your hot spring journey across Asia.