Some of Japan’s best onsens are on the southern island of Shikoku. While Japan is renowned for its culinary delights, centuries-old architecture, and kawaii culture, it is essential to incorporate a visit to an outdoor onsen into your itinerary. Dipping into a natural hot spring serves as a cornerstone of life in Japan, providing a wonderful place to unwind and relax. The only thing more splendid than a day at a hot spring? Spending the night indulging in the experience.

Similar to a Western-style spa resort, onsen ryokan hotels transform the hot spring soaking experience into a blissful overnight stay. These traditional-style inns feature tatami flooring, futon beds, and numerous elements honoring the country’s rich heritage, making them incredibly popular among locals and visitors. Ryokans offer a cozy atmosphere during the colder months, but there truly isn’t a wrong time to visit.

While these naturally occurring and human-manipulated onsen ryokans are spread across Japan, a significant number are nestled within the scenic peaks and valleys of Shikoku Island. Here, we present a curated list of some of the best onsen experiences. These serene, spa-focused properties vary in price, geography, and amenities, each promising an unforgettable escape from daily life. From a luxurious geothermal spa deep in the Iya Valley to a seaside resort boasting a private beach, these onsen ryokans are nothing short of magical.

Wanoyado Hotel Iyaonsen, Miyoshi, Tokushima

Surrounded by breathtaking views of the stunning Iya Valley, this ryokan stands out as one of the most coveted properties in Shikoku. Upon entering this tranquil retreat, you will instantly feel relaxed as you notice the tatami floors and futon beds. The accommodations also include in-room massage chairs along with unsurpassed views of the valley. A funicular train transports guests directly to private open-air baths at the valley’s base, supplied with hot spring water from the source. Guests also have the opportunity to relish in a full kaiseki meal while enjoying panoramic valley vistas from the dining room.

Reaching Wanoyado Hotel Iyaonsen requires determination — a challenging 30-minute drive from JR Oboke Station leads to this clifftop haven. Thankfully, the property caters to guests needing transport with a complimentary shuttle service to and from the JR Oboke Stations.

AoAwo Naruto Resort, Naruto, Tokushima

Perched along the coast in Tokushima Prefecture, visitors can easily check into AoAwo Naruto Resort and find it challenging to leave. This expansive resort offers numerous amenities aimed at relaxation, including a private beach, ocean-view rooms with patios, pools, hot tubs, and two onsens. Additionally, there are several snack bars, restaurants, and room service available for those needing to refuel after a detoxifying day.

If you manage to venture out from this idyllic resort, the region is also favored by cyclists, with bike rentals at your disposal to explore the picturesque coastline and the neighboring Naruto Park.

Funaya, Matsuyama, Ehime

This centrally located spa in Ehime Prefecture, merely a stone’s throw from the Dogo-Onsen Train Station, serves as a perfect option for travelers seeking rejuvenating hot spring baths combined with the comforts of city life. The 380-year-old onsen presents everything desired from a spa resort: numerous onsens, a serene Zen garden, a sauna, and optional massages.

Despite its city setting, Funaya provides traditional Japanese rooms and suites equipped with futon beds and tatami mats. Note that “Western-style” rooms are available as well, which maintain Japanese design elements, yet feature a typical bed frame and mattress in lieu of a traditional futon.

Dogo-Kan, Matsuyama, Ehime

This onsen is one of the oldest and most cherished in the area. Dogo Onsen was documented in the Man’yōshū (composed in 759), indicating its age of over a millennium. Presently, the onsen continues to be adored by locals, and despite its location within Matsuyama, the surroundings evoke a more resort-like atmosphere than that of a bustling city.

Dogo-Kan lies less than a minute away from the public Dogo Onsen; however, the affiliate ryokan boasts a large outdoor bath reserved exclusively for guests of the 90-room resort.

Oborozukiyo, Matsuyama, Ehime

For an intimate experience, visit Oborozukiyo, situated a short distance from the Dogo Onsen. In accordance with Japanese tradition, most onsens (and onsen ryokans) provide separate facilities for men and women, necessitating bathers to be fully nude. If you are particularly shy or prefer a private experience with your partner, Oborozukiyo features private, open-air onsens, supplied with fresh spring water directly diverted from the renowned Dogo Onsen next door.

This peaceful ryokan presents spacious rooms, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts, featuring cozy tatami mats alongside queen-size beds, a complimentary minibar, and a massage chair.

Hotel Kazurabashi, Miyoshi, Tokushima

Visit Miyoshi in Tokushima Prefecture for an enchanting experience at Hotel Kazurabashi. The hotel’s rooftop onsen offers breathtaking views of the natural landscape below, especially stunning in autumn when foliage transforms, mirroring off the pastel-hued waters.

In addition to the stunning views, the hotel provides amenities, including a sauna, a game room, on-site massages, and a traditional dining area where meals are prepared over an open flame, adding a traditional twist to your dining experience. Despite its many high-end facilities, the property maintains a sense of tradition, with shared bathrooms enhancing the authentic experience.

Kiyomi Sanso Hanajukai, Takamatsu, Kagawa

Located in Saihō Chō by the Seto Inland Sea, you will discover Kiyomi Sanso Hanajukai, a modern 35-room ryokan offering panoramic ocean views and sights of neighboring islands to the north and the city skyline to the south, all of which can be enjoyed from the spacious open-air public baths.

The contemporary lobby, characterized by floor-to-ceiling windows displaying bustling Takamatsu below, blends harmoniously with the traditional guest rooms, ensuring a unique and enriching experience.

Kotohira Kadan, Nakatado, Kagawa

In the northwest Nakatado district of Kagawa Prefecture, Kotohira Kadan stands as a traditional ryokan with over 400 years of history. This property has consistently attracted both locals and visitors, including renowned Japanese authors such as Ogai Mori, Hakushu Kitahara, and Akiko Yosano, owing to its stunning views of Mt. Sanuki-Fuji and Kotohira town, along with natural hot springs that feed both public and private outdoor baths.

While Kotohira Kadan was designed as a relaxing retreat, it has modernized over the years to incorporate amenities like free Wi-Fi, a game room, and even an in-house karaoke space. Guests can choose between Western-style beds or traditional Japanese futon beds, with both accommodations showcasing traditional tatami mat flooring and elegant sliding paper screens.