A private onsen at home—the ultimate luxury that dissolves the boundary between everyday and the extraordinary.

In Japan, only a select few regions allow for residences with direct access to natural hot spring sources, or private onsen water drawn from nearby springs.

Such a lifestyle is more than just luxury—it is a way of living where nature, body, and spirit converge in quiet harmony.

Today, discerning international buyers are quietly turning their attention to regions like Nagano, Hakone, and Izu—places where Japan’s onsen culture can be woven into the rhythm of daily life.

■ Why Now Is the Moment for Owning a Home with an Onsen

Among the world’s affluent, well-being has become a defining value as a new standard of living.

The physical and psychological benefits of Japan’s onsen culture are being reevaluated.

• Natural minerals that enhance circulation, ease muscular tension, and promote radiant skin
• The emotional liberation of enjoying a completely private onsen experience at home
• A space of quiet restoration—removed from the noise and stress of urban life

In essence, a home with a private onsen is not just an asset—it is a tool for personal restoration and intentional care.

■ Karuizawa to Bessho Onsen, Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is where alpine cool meets deep-rooted onsen culture—a rare blend that continues to draw discerning buyers. Several regions stand out for their distinctive appeal:

• Karuizawa: Long established as Japan’s premier summer retreat, it offers select villa zones with access to private onsen water.
• Bessho Onsen & the Ueda Outskirts: One of Japan’s historic hot spring areas, where onsen-equipped homes remain accessible at more modest price points.
• Hakuba & Azumino: Known for world-class skiing and outdoor lifestyle, these areas are seeing growing interest from international buyers.

In particular, Karuizawa is uniquely positioned to offer both a refined seasonal lifestyle and enduring asset value—a rare combination that makes it especially attractive.

■ Sought-after Region 2: Hakone — The Luxury of Living in a Land of Tradition and Ryokan Elegance

Just 90 minutes from Tokyo by car or train, Hakone offers an extraordinary escape within everyday reach.

• In areas such as Gora, Miyanoshita, and Sengokuhara,private residences with access to natural hot spring sources quietly exist.
• Surrounded by acclaimed luxury ryokan, art museums, and fine dining, Hakone delivers a rich cultural experience far beyond the ordinary.
• Ownership and property management are straightforward, making the region especially appealing to Tokyo-based buyers seeking second homes.

It marks a shift—from simply staying at a ryokan, to choosing to live where that experience becomes daily life.

For those drawn to this way of living, Hakone stands as one of Japan’s most elegant and accessible opportunities.

■ Sought-After Region 3: Izu — A Lifestyle Enriched by Both Ocean and Onsen

The Izu Peninsula is a rare destination where coastal living and onsen culture coexist seamlessly.

• In areas such as Atami, Ito, and Shimoda, homes and apartments with private onsen access are widely available.
• Just minutes from the shoreline, these residences offer a striking contrast between mountain serenity and sea breeze.
• Price points remain relatively accessible, with well-established property management services.

For affluent buyers seeking a weekend escape—where a short drive from Tokyo leads to hot springs with ocean views—Izu represents a rare ideal: a paradise not imagined, but attainable.

■ Legal Framework and Purchase Guidelines

Several key considerations unique to this category of real estate should be kept in mind for property with private onsen:

That said, when working through a trusted real estate firm, all contracts, title registrations, and property management services can now be handled in English, making ownership increasingly accessible to international buyers.

• Onsen rights and water usage licenses may need to be purchased separately from the property itself
• In some regions, a formal usage agreement with a local onsen association is required
• Monthly maintenance fees typically range from ¥10,000 to ¥20,000
• The condition of the onsen system can significantly impact resale value and rental potential

When working through a trusted real estate firm, all contracts, title registrations, and property management services can now be handled in English, making ownership increasingly accessible to international buyers.

■ Summary — The Privilege of Onsen Ownership

To own a home with a private onsen is not simply to acquire real estate—it is to choose a different rhythm of life.

• To end the day immersed in healing waters.
• To sense the shifting seasons through the veil of rising steam.
• To welcome guests with a sacred space of stillness.
• To establish a daily ritual that restores both body and spirit.

No other country can replicate since this is a real estate experience found only in Japan. 

Imagine a life where the extraordinary becomes the everyday—where having a private onsen at home is not a luxury, but a quiet part of daily living.