Hi

Do onsens close during the summer months when it is warmer ?

Is June too warm to enjoy onsens ?

Hoping to stay at ryokans in Hokkaido, Tozawa-ko, and Nikko during that period .( I am looking at several that HH recommended in another thread).

Thanks.

Thats HT.

No, I don't think any close for the summer. They may close every Wednesday or something but not for the whole summer.

Anytime of year is a great time for a soak in a hot spring, imho.

It's not only the heat of the water but the content or what kind of waters the hot springs produce. Some springs are great for the skin problems others neuralgia yet others are great for rheumatism, stomach disorders, etc.

I personally prefer the countryside onsen with natural hot springs and beautiful scenery as compared to the inner city ryokan but everyone has their own preferences.

Aloha!

Some onsens dilute the hot spring water with cold water during the hot summer months while others do it all year long, depending on the source. Unless you are an onsen connoisseur and a purist, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Onsens on then mountain side are no problem because it's cold summer.

You were asking Nikko. I have been to both Kusatsu and Minakami onsens. They are located in the northern part of Gumma.

I would like to strongly suggest the above.

I second Kusatsu--traditional, sulfur-infused water. Temperature is on a hot side, open square in the middle of town where people cook eggs/harvest mineral salts, walk down alleyways where people are giving away free sample of local sweet dumplings. There is a big multi-pool spa (can't recall the name) that was very enjoyable.

Hi

Thanks for the interesting bits of information.

Is Kusatsu near Nikko ?

I am glad that onsens are enjoyable year round.

Hakkone seems to have an abundance of them . Is there one you recommend ?

yes it is,see:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7400.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7403.html

http://tinyurl.com/yuepyz

Hakone see:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5209.html

http://tinyurl.com/2evs3b

Aloha!