Ringo Hot Spring

Ringo Onsen sits on a low hill in Asahi, a town known for its apples, and the place leans into that identity: a handful of apples float in the indoor bath at any given time. The water itself is the real draw, though. It comes from a moor spring, dark brownish and slippery on the skin, with a faint oily scent that is surprisingly pleasant once you settle in. On a clear day the indoor bath looks out over the surrounding farmland and toward the Gassan and Asahi mountain ranges. The outdoor bath is in a separate building up the hill, so you have to get dressed and walk over to use it; it runs on weekends and holidays in warmer months and closes through winter. The crowd is mostly local regulars, and the vibe is low-key and friendly.