Just like its name, Yamanaka Onsen (山中温泉) in Kaga City is located deep in the mountains next to a beautiful hidden valley. First discovered 1,300 years ago by an eminent monk of the time, Gyōki (行基), the place was developed into an onsen district in the late 12th century. Apart from the onsen with great […]
Yamanaka Onsen – Where Hot Spring Meets Elegant Lacquerware Read More »
Kinosaki Onsen (城崎温泉) in northern Hyōgo Prefecture has become more and more popular among tourists both locally and overseas because of the Michelin two-star rated scenery from Mt. Daishi (大師山) and other historical and cultural charms of the hot spring resort that has prospered for more than 1,300 years! And the great news is that
Kinosaki Onsen and the Stunning Michelin Certified Scenery Read More »
When you visit a hot spring town in Japan, indulging in onsen is a must. While you can reserve a guestroom with a private tub, the experience of bathing in a public one is much more valuable. Not only is it a cheaper option, but the bathing space is much wider, and there is usually
The Best Guide to Kinosaki Onsen’s 7 Public Bathhouses Read More »
Among Kinosaki Onsen’s seven public bathhouses, Sato no Yu (さとの湯) is the newest. The bathhouse is just next to the town’s train station and faces the Maruyama River (円山川). Its outdoor onsen pool offers a scenic view of Toyooka City‘s nature. If you are lucky, the country’s Special Designated Natural Monument, White Stork (コウノトリ), may
Sato no Yu: The Bathhouse to Adore Storks & Natural Scenery Read More »
Among all Kinosaki Onsen‘s public bathhouses, Gosho no Yu (御所の湯) is the most recommended onsen facility. There aren’t many places where you can adore a 3m mighty waterfall while soaking in a hot spring, so be sure to stop by! While the bathhouse doesn’t have an indoor pool, a part of the onsen tub is
Gosho no Yu: Kinosaki Onsen’s Best Public Bathhouse Read More »
If receiving medical benefits from the hot spring is important to you, Ichi no Yu (一の湯) is the best public bathhouse to visit in Kinosaki Onsen. The spring quality was ranked the best in Japan by Japan’s Father of Hot Spring Medicine. Moreover, if you are after an experience of bathing in a cave or
Ichi no Yu: The Hot Spring With the Best Medical Benefits Read More »
Besides Ichi no Yu, Jizō-Yu (地蔵湯) is another public bathhouse where you can rent a private hot spring tub in Kinosaki Onsen. Its building looks like a humble hotel but is definitely hard to miss when you walk past. The gigantic stone lantern at the front is too hard to miss! The hexagon-shaped windows are
Jizō-Yu: The Hot Spring Where a Jizō Bodhisattva Appeared Read More »
Experience your first mixed-gendered onsen bath at Yubara Onsen Sunayu (湯原温泉砂湯) in Maniwa City for free! This outdoor hot spring that is at the end of Yubara Onsen Town is just in front of the Yubara Dam (湯原ダム), making it one of the reasons that it ranks first among the best outdoor open-aired bath in
Yubara Onsen Sunayu – The Unique Hot Springs in Okayama Read More »
Located in the western part of Iwate Prefecture in northeast Japan, Appi Kōgen (安比高原) is an alluringly beautiful place for relaxing walks along the plateau from spring to autumn. When the region transforms into a winter wonderland, many flocks to Appi Kōgen for skiing or snowboarding on its high-quality snow because Appi Ski Resort is
Appi Kōgen – The Biggest Resort in Northeast Japan Read More »
Tamagawa Onsen (玉川温泉) in Akita Prefecture is a special hot spring resort. It consists of two ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) nestled in the mountains of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Why is it special? Because it is ranked number one for both the acidity of the spring at pH1.2 and the amount of spring water gushing out
Tamagawa Onsen – Japan’s Best Onsen Town for Recuperation Read More »