Walking around in your birthday suit in front of strangers is not for the faint-hearted, but once you get over the hurdle of being naked in an onsen, you will find that immersing yourself in the warm waters—especially during the harsh winter—is a surefire way to experience paradise on Earth. Now, Japan is home to over 100 active volcanoes and thus, boasts thousands of onsens spanning the entire spectrum from simple open-air baths to luxurious onsen resorts. Which onsen should you choose to patronise then so as to get the most out of your trip? Check out these recommendations that will help you to pick the onsens that most appeal to you!

Want your children to experience the healing properties of onsens from a young age? Some onsens are not only good for health, but offer great clean fun as well. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, which is located in the centre of Hakone, Kanagawa, offers you the novel experience of hopping from one bath to another as you soak in out-of-this-world baths like Green Tea Spa, Coffee Spa, and even Wine Spa! Similarly, Spa World in Osaka provides a plethora of baths that are made to resemble thermal baths from all over Europe and Asia. So it is a terrific way to help your children learn about world cultures while playing with the water. Incidentally, swimsuits are required in both Yunessun and Spa World, so they are the perfect places for you and your family to get acquainted with Japanese bathing culture.

Lots of onsens offer you stunning views of natural scenery as they allow you to dip in warm waters beside gushing rivers or trickling streams, but some special onsens exceed your expectations by providing you exceptional views that just cannot be found anywhere else. For instance, Katsuura Onsen in Wakayama gives you a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean as you rejuvenate yourself under a large cave. Also in Wakayama is Saki-no-yu, where you can get a therapeutic experience by lying in the rotenburo (open-air bath) and watching the Pacific Ocean waves batter against the rocks. If you would much prefer a mountainous view, visiting Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi is sure to enthrall you as it boasts several onsens that enable you to view arguably Japan’s No. 1 icon, Mount Fuji!

Some onsens help you kill two birds with one stone by enabling you to get a feel of ancient Japan while dipping your stresses away in warm waters. Transport yourself back to the Edo period by visiting the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba. After using the onsen, you can change into yukata (bathing clothes) and step out into the Edo town, where you can play traditional games and eat old-fashioned treats. Or, if patronizing authentic onsens is more your cup of tea, make your way down to Dogo Onsen in Ehime, the oldest onsen that was constructed in 1894. The three-storey, castle-style onsen has so many fascinating traditional design elements that it inspired the setting for Hayao Miyazaki’s film, Spirited Away! For drama buffs, a visit to Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata—the setting for the hugely popular Oshin drama in the 1980s—is definitely not to be missed!

In a testimony to the universal appeal of onsens, you can observe animals enjoying onsens to their heart’s content in Japan. You have probably heard of Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, where snow monkeys frolic in the waters until their faces turn redder than usual. But do you know that lovable capybaras play around in a mandarin orange onsen at Izu Shabuten Park, Shizuoka? Come here to derive some joy from watching these animals wandering around free in their natural habitat!

Perhaps you are intrigued by the sophisticated forms of transport Japan has to offer. Well, you certainly would not be disappointed with Kawane Onsen in Shizuoka. Not only can you arrive at the onsen area in style via a rarely-seen steam locomotive operated by Oigawa Railway, but you can also watch steam locomotives moving rhythmically to their destination as you soak in the waters. Another place to engage in trainspotting is Nishiki-no-Yu in Nachi, Wakayama. You can enjoy of trains chugging past on the rail tracks, beautifully complementing the azure blue skies.

Onsens in Japan are not just about soaking in mineral-rich waters. At Ibusuki Onsen in Kagoshima, you can go for a sunamushi (sand bath) whereby you will be buried in naturally heated sand which facilitates the detoxification of your body. You will feel refreshed after that. Or how about a mud bath at Beppu Onsen Hoyoland in Beppu? As the mud bath is more buoyant than ordinary onsen waters, you can feel as if you are floating on the waters here!

Have you come across an onsen that you think is just right for your needs? Of course, this article cannot claim to be an exhaustive guide to all the wonderful onsens that are out there in Japan. Part of the thrill in traveling is to make your own discoveries, so do not be afraid to leave your travel guidebooks and go off the beaten track. Who knows, you might just find an exotic onsen that is a hidden gem!