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 …
Shima Onsen – A Tranquil But Famous Hot Spring Town Read More »
If you love adventures and visiting hidden gems, Shiriyaki Onsen (尻焼温泉) in Gunma Prefecture is a perfect spot for you. Instead of a hot spring pool, you can bathe in natural river with hot springs flowing. You won’t be asked to bathe naked as it is optional. However, as photography is allowed there, just remember …
Shiriyaki Onsen – Where You Bathe in a Natural River Read More »
Although the beaches on the main island of Okinawa are beautiful, if it is your second time visiting the tropical prefecture, it is time to consider visiting different islands in the prefecture! While destinations such as Miyakojima are on most people’s top bucket lists, if you don’t have the time or the budget, the next …
Kerama Islands – The Most Stunning Island Groups Near Naha Read More »
Aside from Tokashiki Island (渡嘉敷島), Zamami Island (座間味島) is probably the next most-visited island amongst the islands in Kerama Island National Park (慶良間諸島国立公園). Why? Because one of the beaches on Zamami Island was given a two-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide Japan! In addition to the Kerama-Blue colored beaches where sea turtles linger, Zamami …
A Guide to Zamami Island and the Michelin-Starred Beach Read More »
Just a 35-minute boat ride from Okinawa‘s capital, Naha, you will encounter the island where some of the world’s most beautiful beaches are located. Tokashiki Island (渡嘉敷島) is one of the best islands for a day trip from Naha. With close to 20 diving spots on the island, not only is it a diver’s paradise, …
Tokashiki Island and Its Worldclass Picturesque Beaches Read More »
If you are after some quietness during your time at Kusatsu Onsen, Shirane Shrine (白根神社) north of Yubatake enshrines could be the spot you want to visit. The shrine that enshrines Yamato Takeru (日本武尊), a semi-legendary prince of the Yamato dynasty, also has a few promenades for an easy stroll in its precinct and the …
Shirane Shrine – A Quaint Guardian Shrine of Kusatsu Onsen Read More »
After visiting Kusatsu Onsen, you can drive up to Shiga Kōgen. The 43km-long scenic freeway connecting the two popular destinations is National Highway No. 292, also known as Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route (志賀草津高原ルート). The route goes as far as Shibu Onsen (渋温泉郷) in Nagano Prefecture, close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. So if you …
A Guide to the Picturesque Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route Read More »
A religious spot you have to visit when you are in Kusatsu Onsen is Kōsenji Temple (光泉寺). Even if you aren’t interested in visiting a temple, you can get a wide view of Kusatsu Onsen’s township from the temple’s gate atop the staircases behind the communal bathhouse, Shirahata no Yu (白旗の湯)!
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s best hot spring towns. But choosing where to stay for the night can be hard as there are so many choices! So if you prefer to dine out at night to enjoy the local food or you have special dietary requirements, the below hotels/ryokans can accommodate you! A few …
If this is your first time visiting Kusatsu Onsen, the attraction that you have to visit is Netsunoyu (熱乃湯). It was one of the public bathhouses in Kusatsu Onsen until the early 20th century. But since 1968, it has been transformed into a theater-like facility to introduce visitors to Kusatsu’s tradition and performing arts. In …
A Guide to Netsunoyu and Kusatsu Onsen’s Iconic Show, Yumomi Read More »