Yufuin (由布院 or 湯布院) is an onsen resort town in Ōita Prefecture in northern Kyūshū. Unlike most onsen towns in Japan, this resort, backed by the scenic twin-peaked Mt. Yufu, has a wealth of boutiques, trendy cafes, and small museums. The small town, therefore, cleverly appeals to all types of travelers. Whether you are a […]
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One thing that many international tourists would love to experience in Japan is staying at a traditional ryokan. When you visit Kawarayu Onsen, Yamakikan (山木館), established in 1661, is the best ryokan in town for a taste of the traditional Japanese ambiance. On top of the wooden structure from a few centuries ago, Yamakikan is
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Kawarayu Onsen in Agatsuma District in Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring town almost one thousand years old. It was first discovered in 1193 by Japan’s first shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo (源頼朝), the founder of the Kamakura shogunate. Due to Kawarayu Onsen’s close proximity to Kusatsu Onsen, the town thrived as its Agariyu (上がり湯), where
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While the most famous hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture is Kusatsu Onsen, Manza Onsen (万座温泉) on its west is the destination for all nature lovers! Situated at an elevation of 1,800 meters, Manza Onsen is the hot spring town closest to the sky in Japan! Although located in a mountainous area, most of the
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If you are after a less-known hot spring resort in the Kantō region where Tokyo is, Manza Onsen (万座温泉) in Gunma Prefecture can be your perfect destination. The hot springs that gush out of its 18 sources comprise 20 spring qualities, so since ancient times, people visited Manza Onsen for medical spa treatments to cure
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If you want to discover the beauty of Japan’s countryside, consider listing Nakanojō Town in Gunma Prefecture as a place to visit on your next Japan trip. A large part of Nakanojō was the old Kuni Village, which was chosen to be the 41st village of Japan’s Most Beautiful Villages in 2005. With 92% of
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You might not be aware of it but Gunma Prefecture is sometimes nicknamed as the Kingdom of Hot Spring. Why? Aside from the famous Kusatsu Onsen, there are a couple more renowned hot spring towns in the prefecture, such as Shima Onsen (四万温泉). Unlike the touristy Kusatsu Onsen, Shima Onsen has a very natural and
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Shima Onsen (四万温泉), located in a national park, is a great destination for a weekend getaway. You will definitely enjoy the traditional and tranquil ambience of the town. While spending a night at Shima Onsen is recommended, if that isn’t an option for you or you would like to hop between different onsen facilities in
Where to Enjoy Hot Spring as a Day Visitor at Shima Onsen Read More »
Shima Tamura (四万たむら) is Shima Onsen’s oldest ryokan, founded over 500 years ago. As one would have expected, Shima Tamura has a splendid traditional-looking entrance finished with a thatched roof! The floor beyond the entrance is covered by tatami mats, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of the traditional flooring material. In addition, its open-air
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Great ryokans can be found across Japan, and Kashiwaya (柏屋旅館) in Gunma Prefecture‘s Shima Onsen has taken the classic formula and perfected it! Whilst the food, service, and onsen are all of extremely high quality, what makes them truly exceptional is how accommodating and flexible the ryokan is. Whether it is before or after the
Kashiwaya Ryokan – The Best Place to Stay at Shima Onsen Read More »