Japan, a country with numerous hot springs
	Japan, with many volcanoes scattered throughout its land, has numerous hot springs of various types with different mineral compositions. They have different medicinal benefits, and some are used for medical treatment. There are many hot spring resorts located near harbors. From some open-air baths you can enjoy a splendid view. A hot spring spa is a perfect place to relax and recover from the fatigue of the journey.
	Noboribetsu Hot Springs <Hokkaido>
	Noboribetsu Hot Springs in southwestern Hokkaido, near the lakes Shikotsuko and Toyako and easily accessible from Sapporo and Hakodate, attracts tourists from all over Japan. There are seven types of springs, containing salt, sodium bicarbonate, sulfur and other substances. They have medicinal benefits for neuralgia, sore muscles, and digestive organs. The hot springs of Noboribetsu are also said to promote the beauty of women. Jigokudani (hell valley), where the springs and steam gush out from the ground like an exhalation from the center of the earth, is the symbol of Noboribetsu Hot Springs.

	Wakura Hot Springs <Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture>
	Wakura Hot Springs, located on Nanao Bay on the Noto Peninsula extending into the Sea of Japan, was discovered about 1,200 years ago when a white heron was seen bathing in seawater to heal an injury, according to tradition. Containing salt and other substances, the hot springs have medicinal benefits for rheumatism, gout and digestive disorders. Fresh seafood of the Hokuriku region is another attraction of Wakura Hot Springs.
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Hakone Hot Springs <Kanagawa Prefecture>

Hakone, a tourist resort near Tokyo, has a number of attractive hot springs in the mountains, including Ashinoko, Yumoto and Gora. Easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area, Hakone Hot Springs have been popular for casual day trips. The area also has many historic sites such as Hakone no Seki (the barrier station established by the Tokugawa shogunate) and unique museums for the further enjoyment of tourists.

	Atami Hot Springs <Shizuoka Prefecture>
	Tokugawa Ieyasu, who established the shogunate in Edo, liked to visit Atami Hot Springs and stay there. In the Meiji period, Atami became a popular resort among literary people, such as Ozaki Koyo, who chose Atami as a scene of his novel Konjiki Yasha. The mildly salty spring water has medicinal benefits for cuts and sensitivity to cold due to poor circulation. From Atami Port, steamship service is available to Izu Oshima, another sightseeing spot offshore. The fireworks displays held regularly in Atami are also famous.
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Arima Hot Springs <Hyogo Prefecture>

Located on the slope of Mount Rokkosan, Arima Hot Springs are the oldest hot springs in Japan, mentioned in the Nihon Shoki (the oldest official history book of Japan). In the Kamakura period, many military commanders healed their wounds here. Toyotomi Hideyoshi frequently visited Arima with his wife One. The spring water, which contains salt and iron, turns brown when exposed to air. There are also hot springs with clear, mildly salty water and water containing radium. They have medicinal benefits for neuralgia, rheumatism and women's diseases.

	Beppu Hot Springs <Oita Prefecture>
	Beppu is a large-scale spa resort with about 2,850 hot spring sources. Varied in mineral composition, they form one of the world's biggest hot spring resorts. Visit as many hot springs in the area as you can and collect stamps -- there are a total of 88 spots! Beppu is a wonderland of hot springs with various amusements, such as jigoku meguri ("tour of hell") to observe hot spring ponds of different colors gushing out of the ground.
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	Ibusuki Hot Springs <Kagoshima Prefecture->
	Located on Satsuma Peninsula in the southernmost part of Kyushu, Ibusuki Hot Springs enjoy a warm climate throughout the year. This tourist spot is popular with honeymooners and senior couples. Containing chlorides, the spring water has medicinal benefits for sensitivity to cold due to poor circulation, bruises and digestive organs. Ibusuki Hot Springs are known internationally for the unique hot sand bathing method. It is a world-class spa resort, with hibiscus and bougainvillea flowering in the atmosphere of a southern country. How about a tour of Japanese hot springs, and visiting them from north to south?
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