Hell Valley is Monkey Heaven
Deep in a snow-covered mountain valley nestled in the Japanese Alps, a natural hot spring bubbles out of the earth, enshrouded in curtains of thick steam.
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 6 Best Foods to Eat in Nikko
"Yuba," or tofu skins, is arguably the most popular dish in Nikko.
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.
8 Must-See Flower Spots in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is a must-visit place for nature lovers. After its harsh and snowy winters, the land shows off tulips in spring, lavender fields in summer, cosmos in autumn, and many more colorful flowers throughout the year.
Stunning Fuji Footage from Chureito Pagoda
This gorgeous, five-story pagoda can be reached after climbing about 400 steps and, once there, will give you one of the most breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.
5 Great Lesser-known Onsen Towns
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, then give these towns a try!
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.
5 Real Homemade Cafés Around Miyazaki & Saito
Miyazaki City and its northern sister Saito City offer plenty of prime cafés catering to tourists flocking to this beach-bounded, history-heavy area.
Synchronized Bathing Bids Travelers to Oita
To show off a number of its best onsen, Oita recruited the help of a professional synchronized swim team.
A Hypnotic Tour through January in Japan
The urban jungles of Tokyo and historic temples of Kyoto all look gorgeous in January.
Cat Street View Offers Purrfect Virtual Tour
Meet friendly felines along a ground-level look at a city's more traditional roads and ways.
The 3 Most Famous Hot Springs in Japan
Edo-Period philosopher Hayashi Razan identified the three best onsen in all of Japan.
14 Wacky Wilderness Onsen
Onsen critic Isamu Gunji risks his naked life to bring us 14 unforgettable outdoor hot springs that are barely on the map.
12 Incredible Onsen Getaways from Osaka
Choose from large spas, private family baths, mixed-gender onsen and more!
Japan's Best Ekiben
Japan's regional cuisine hits the road—er, tracks—with "ekiben," or bento sold at train stations.
Tokyo to Mount Fuji Bicycle Tour
If climbing this enormous volcano isn’t for you, why not bike around it instead?
Spend the Night at this Onsen from Just ¥1980!
Just in case you need another reason to visit an onsen in Oita, why not dive into the mountains for one of the cheapest stays you can find?
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.
