| Global rating |          | An outstanding onsen, worth the trip by itself | 
|        | A very good onsen you should not miss if you are in the area | |
|      | A good quality onsen, which should be enjoyed by everybody | |
|    | A less interesting place, but it still might offer a pleasant short visit | |
|  | Less interesting onsen, not recommended | |
| Size |          | Extremely large bath or combination of many smaller baths | 
|        | Large bath or combination of several smaller baths | |
|      | Average size, can typically accomodate 10-20 persons | |
|    | Small bath, for just a couple of persons | |
|  | More like a bathtub, for 1-3 persons only | |
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| View |          | A breathtaking view - have a look even if you don't bath | 
|        | A beautiful, above average view | |
|      | A nice view, although not exceptionnal | |
|    | The view is not the main feature of this place | |
|  | Nothing to look at | |
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| Modesty |          | Absolutely no modesty issue - swimming suits or clothes are used | 
|        | Women easily soak in those shelthered baths with separate changing rooms | |
|      | Although officially a mixed bath, not so many women tend to soak it it | |
|    | Bathing people can be seen from outside, or lack of proper changing room | |
|  | Bath in full view and/or no changing room at all | |
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| Area |          | An top destination in Japan | 
|        | A very attractive area to spend several days | |
|      | An attractive area to visit | |
|    | A less attractive area, but specific interesting activities can be found | |
|  | Not a lot to do there |