Walking into Yamashiro Onsen (山代温泉) in the Kaga Onsen region feels like traveling back to the Meiji era. At the heart of this historic town lies the Yunogawa district, home to the iconic Ko-Soyu bathhouse, whose vibrant stained glass and intricate Kutani porcelain tiles are a testament to its history. Legend has it that the […]
Yamashiro Onsen: An Onsen Town Where Kutani Ware Was Revived Read More »
While all of Kaga’s hot spring towns offer rejuvenation, Yamanaka Onsen (山中温泉) is the undisputed choice for those who crave a connection with nature and the fine arts. Praised by the poet Matsuo Basho as one of Japan’s finest springs, this town is a living gallery of Yamanaka Shikki lacquerware. As its name suggested, Yamanaka
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Tucked away in the mountains of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kaga Onsen (加賀温泉) is more than just a hot spring destination. It is a collection of four distinct resort towns dating back 1,300 years. Since the 2024 Hokuriku Shinkansen extension, these four historic hot spring towns, Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, and Awazu, have become effortlessly accessible, offering a serene alternative
Why Kaga Onsen is the Best Side-Trip from Kanazawa Read More »
Experience the ultimate in Japanese hospitality at Yufunogo Saigakukan (柚富の郷 彩岳館), one of the best ryokans in Yufuin. Perfectly situated to offer breathtaking panoramic views of the twin-peaked Mt. Yufu, Saigakukan blends traditional elegance with modern comfort following its 2022 renovation. From soaking in drinkable onsen water and relaxing in private mountain-view baths to donning
Yufunogo Saigakukan: The Best Yufuin Ryokan for Mt. Yufu Views Read More »
Dive into the ultimate hot spring experience with our guide to Kinosaki Onsen’s seven public bathhouses. In this historic town, the streets are your hallways and the bathhouses are your destination as you partake in Sotoyu-meguri (bath-hopping) dressed in traditional yukata and geta. Whether you are seeking the healing cave waters of Ichi no Yu, the
Kinosaki Onsen and the 7 Tattoo-Friendly Public Bathhouses Read More »
Step into the quintessential Japanese getaway at Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉), a charming canal town in Hyogo Prefecture that has been a sanctuary for healing and relaxation for over 1,300 years. Renowned as one of Japan’s best hot spring destinations, Kinosaki is famous for its unique “Sotoyu Meguri” (bathhouse hopping) culture, where visitors stroll along willow-lined streets
Kinosaki Onsen Guide and the Stunning Scenery & Tips Read More »
Experience a step back in time at Sukayu Onsen (酸ケ湯温泉), a legendary hot spring retreat nestled at an altitude of 900 meters in Aomori’s Hakkoda Mountains. Established over 300 years ago, this historic inn is world-famous for its massive 1,000-Person Bath (Sennin Buro,ヒバ千人風呂), a rare 248-square-meter mixed-gender bathhouse crafted entirely from aromatic hiba cypress. As
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Retreat into the heart of Towada-Hachimantai National Park at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan (蔦温泉旅館), a historic sanctuary with a legacy spanning over a thousand years. This hidden gem of Aomori is world-renowned for its rare free-flowing hot springs, where thermal waters bubble directly up through the beechwood floorboards of the bathtubs, untouched by the air. The
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If you plan to travel to Japan’s Kansai region and want to visit an authentic hot spring town, Arima Onsen in Kobe should be your top choice. It is Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s favorite onsen! The mineral quality of the hot spring here is excellent, as it contains seven of the nine main components listed by the
Kin no Yu: The Must-Try Public Bathhouse in Arima Onsen Read More »
Experience the timeless charm of Arima Onsen Town, Japan’s oldest and most iconic hot spring town, with a history of over 1,400 years. Tucked away in the scenic mountains of Kobe, this historic retreat is famous for its unique “Gold” and “Silver” hot springs, renowned for their healing properties for centuries. Whether you’re seeking a
Arima Onsen Travel Guide: Top Things to Do & See Read More »
