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The 6 Best Spa & Hot Springs Experiences in Hiroshima
Hiroshima isn’t just about history and peace memorials — it’s also a surprisingly good place to indulge in some relaxation and wellness. The city and its surroundings offer a variety of hot springs, scenic cruises, and specialized spas that make for memorable experiences. One of our favorites is the 2 Hours Hiroshima Hot Spring Tour because it offers a quick escape into natural mineral-rich waters just minutes from the city center — perfect for a first-time visitor wanting to unwind without a big time commitment.
We also like the Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour to the Otorii with Drone Shooting for its combination of scenic sea views, culture, and the chance to see the iconic Itsukushima Shrine from the water. Whether you’re after a simple soak, a luxurious boat tour, or a special head spa, Hiroshima’s options are varied enough to suit most tastes.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we’ll cover six top experiences that showcase Hiroshima’s diverse wellness offerings:
- An authentic hot spring near the city for a quick, relaxing soak 2 Hours Hiroshima Hot Spring Tour
- A private countryside onsen combined with regional cuisine Hiroshima Onsen Tour: Private Countryside Retreat & Local Cuisine
- A scenic boat cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima 30 Minutes One Way Cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima
- A luxurious cruise with drone filming featuring the Otorii gate Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour to the Otorii with Drone Shooting
- An exploration sail around Miyajima’s shrines and inlets Explore Miyajima Sail from Miyahama Onsen
- A unique dry head spa experience in a Zen-style private residence Japanese Zen Style Dry Head Spa
Each of these offers something different, from quick relaxation to cultural sightseeing with a wellness twist. Read on to find out which suits your travel style best.
1. 2 Hours Hiroshima Hot Spring Tour
This tour offers an authentic Japanese onsen experience just 20 minutes from Hiroshima’s city center. It’s as straightforward as it gets — you’ll relax in mineral-rich waters at Honoyu Ujina, a place that locals cherish for its natural baths. The water is reputed to improve blood circulation and ease fatigue, making it perfect after a day of sightseeing.
The tour includes indoor and outdoor baths, a sauna, and a short lesson on onsen etiquette — ideal for first-timers. What makes this experience stand out is its local, tranquil setting combined with a manageable two-hour format, perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule. The guide picks you up and explains how to enjoy the baths, making it very user-friendly.
Guests praise the experience as “simply relaxing” and highlight the outdoor baths and sauna as must-dos. It’s a great value at $55, especially for those who want to dip into Japanese culture without traveling far or spending a whole day.
Bottom line: Perfect for a quick, authentic soak with expert guidance, ideal for travelers craving relaxation or a gentle introduction to onsen culture.
2. Hiroshima Onsen Tour: Private Countryside Retreat & Local Cuisine
For those seeking a more immersive and scenic experience, this 5-hour tour combines a hidden rural onsen with regional food experiences. The tour centers around Kagura Monzen Tojimura, a lesser-known hot spring surrounded by nature, offering peace away from city crowds.
After soaking in the mineral waters, the group drives through rural landscapes for about 90 minutes, enjoying the scenery and perhaps spotting some local wildlife. The highlight is the local gourmet meal of Yasha Udon, a regional specialty with a spicy broth that locals rave about. This meal can be enjoyed before or after the onsen, providing flexibility.
The tour also visits VegePark Akitakata, a farm-to-table spot where you can taste fresh produce and regional sweets. The reviewer comments that the experience was “authentic Japanese” and praises the guide’s friendly service and the drive through peaceful scenery.
Value-wise, this tour is priced at $99 but offers a full cultural and culinary immersion along with the relaxing soak. It suits travelers who want a combination of relaxation, local cuisine, and scenic drives.
Bottom line: Ideal for food lovers and those craving a peaceful rural escape, this tour blends nature, local flavors, and hot springs into one memorable day.
$99.00 per person
3. 30 Minutes One Way Cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima
This short boat trip from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima offers a delightful sea voyage. Perfect as part of a day exploring the island or as an exciting start to your Miyajima visit, the cruise lasts about 30 minutes.
You can choose your preferred departure time, and the cruise begins at Okushin Pier, where you’ll put on a life jacket before heading out. The main highlight is getting a close-up view of the iconic Itsukushima Shrine’s torii gate, floating in the water. During the ride, you’ll experience the sense of pilgrimage that many visitors have appreciated for centuries.
While there are no reviews yet, the value at $122.43 provides an uncommon way to experience Miyajima from the water — an experience that offers both scenic beauty and cultural insight.
Bottom line: This cruise is best suited for travelers interested in combining a scenic sea journey with visiting Miyajima’s famous shrine, especially if you want a memorable, photo-worthy moment.
$122.43 per person
4. Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour to the Otorii with Drone Shooting
For a truly spectacular perspective, this cruise elevates the experience with drone filming of the Otorii gate and Itsukushima Shrine. The 2-hour tour includes a 1.5-hour Seto Inland Sea cruise from Miyahama Onsen, culminating in a close-up view of the famous floating gate.
What sets this apart is the professional drone footage that captures the shrine and the gate from angles impossible from land. This makes it perfect for travelers wanting a luxurious, memorable experience, especially if they’re interested in photography or filming. The cruise includes the shrine visit, offering a mix of scenic cruising and cultural sighting, all from a comfortable, private vessel.
With a price tag of $269.58, it’s an investment, but for those wanting a premium experience with a unique photographic angle, this is hard to beat. No reviews are available yet, but the detailed itinerary and high-end features suggest this is ideal for special occasions or photography enthusiasts.
Bottom line: If you’re after a luxury sea adventure with professional drone footage, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of Miyajima’s most iconic site.
$269.58 per person
5. Explore Miyajima Sail from Miyahama Onsen
This one-hour sailing tour explores Miyajima’s coast and shrines, focusing on the seven inlets (Nanaura Meguri) and the shrines along the way. You’ll meet at the Miyahama Onsen pier, where you’ll don life jackets and set sail for a relaxing boat ride.
The itinerary includes visiting two shrines — Mitoko-jinja and Suyaura-jinja — and learning about their legends, which date back to the construction era of Itsukushima Shrine. The journey offers a chance to appreciate the marine environment and the spiritual significance of the shrines, all from the water.
No reviews are available yet, but the $127 price offers a compact, cultural experience perfect for travelers interested in shrine history, local legends, and scenic views.
Bottom line: This sail is suited for those who want a short, cultural cruise with a focus on Miyajima’s sacred shrines and maritime traditions.
$127
6. Japanese Zen Style Dry Head Spa
Finally, for a completely different kind of relaxation, this dry head spa offers a quiet, Zen-inspired environment in a private suburban residence. Unlike traditional wet massages, this treatment involves no water, focusing on scalp stimulation and relaxation.
The spa is perfect for people who feel overwhelmed from smartphone fatigue, busy work schedules, or hectic travel days. The therapist uses techniques rooted in Zen mindfulness, making it an ideal recharge for mind and body alike. The experience lasts about 2 hours and costs $130.11.
While there are no reviews yet, the unique focus on scalp health and mental relaxation makes this a standout choice for wellness seekers. Its private, stylish setting adds a touch of exclusivity and calm.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a personalized, non-invasive relaxation that refreshes the mind and scalp, especially after long travel days.
$130.11 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Hiroshima Spa & Hot Springs Experience
When selecting the right experience, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. For a quick city escape, the 2 Hours Hiroshima Hot Spring Tour offers great value with a genuine onsen experience. If you’re after something more scenic and culinary, the private countryside onsen tour combines nature and local cuisine for around $99.
For cruise lovers or photographers, the luxury cruise with drone filming is unbeatable but expensive. Those interested in cultural sightseeing with a waterside twist should opt for the Miyajima sail or the 30-minute boat trip to Miyajima. Finally, if a personal wellness retreat is what you need, the dry head spa provides a unique, quiet way to unwind.
Booking early is advisable, especially for the more specialized tours like the drone cruise, to secure your preferred date and time.
Final Thoughts
Hiroshima offers a surprising range of spa and hot springs experiences that cater to different tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick soak, a scenic boat cruise, or a zen head spa, there’s something to match your travel style and budget. If you’re short on time, the 2 Hours Hiroshima Hot Spring Tour is perfect for a relaxing urban escape. For those seeking luxury and unique views, the drone cruise or private countryside retreat are excellent options.
No matter which you choose, these experiences can add a relaxing and authentic touch to your Hiroshima trip. Remember to book early, especially for popular and high-end adventures, and enjoy the soothing side of Hiroshima beyond its historical sites.