Surreal Funassyi Mashes Viruses with a Hammer
Funassyi goes extra-weird for an antiviral spray commercial.
Proper Ramen in Hot Spring Country
The owner and his wife haven't just created a great ramen shop in Sharaku—they've made a cool spot to hang out and drink in a classic onsen town.
How to Handle Your Tattoos in the Onsen
Many onsen ban tattoos, and even among Japanese young people, a little over 60 percent still don't favor allowing them in the bath. But there's no need to fear: We've compiled some...
Snowbound Onsen In Nikko
While much of the Kanto area is flat and snow-free, the mountains north of Tokyo in nearby Tochigi have some great winter weather.
The 3 Most Famous Hot Springs in Japan
Edo-Period philosopher Hayashi Razan identified the three best onsen in all of Japan.
5 Great Lesser-known Onsen Towns
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, then give these towns a try!
Hiratsuka Terraced Rice Field
Located 90 minutes from Tokyo by car, Hiratsuka Tanada grows rice with only rain water, without any other means of irrigation.
Adorable Onsen Litter Box
It comes complete with a cute spa-style noren curtain to provide some much-needed privacy.
Water & Washoku: Fountains of Youth?
Masaharu Maeda, a professor of rehabilitation studies, believes bathing culture is one of the secrets to Japanese longevity.
Onsen Trivia: Highest, Hottest & Healthiest
Oita has the most hot spring sources, but Hokkaido has the most spas—and the highest onsen is in Toyama.
Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring
Do you want to immerse yourself in a relaxing environment surrounded by rich Japanese history and architecture?
Mechanical Marvels: Japanese Tin Toys
Would you pay $50,000 for a tin can of California tomatoes?
Kei Sports Cars: Small Packages of Fun
Japan’s kei, or light, car class features a small engine and compact overall dimensions. While the main concept of these vehicles is economy and convenience, a few companies are re...
Video Tour Through a Japanese Handicraft Fair
Sharla in Japan visited the 26th Arakawa Traditional Handicraft Fair in Tokyo, revealing a cool range of traditional crafts from shamisen to woodblock prints.
Beautiful Film Shot Through a Drop of Water
A drop of water inside the hole of a ¥5 coin delivers a surreal and haunting iPhone film.
How Onsen 'Fixed' my Self-Esteem & Body Issues
Most women don’t like their bodies. On good days, I’m 98 percent OK with my body. On bad days, that figure hovers around 60 percent. But it wasn’t always like that.
5 Incredible Snow-covered Onsen
This collection of winter snowscapes will help you beat the winter chill in the most unique way possible.
Japan's Only 3-Michelin-Star Onsen
Head down to Oita for the spot that wowed Michelin for four years straight.
Onsen Myths of Fukushima
Onsen are an important part of Japanese culture, and they’re one of the things I missed the most while living in the U.S.
