JAPANESE COUNTRYSIDE

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?

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.

Onsen critic Isamu Gunji risks his naked life to bring us 14 unforgettable outdoor hot springs that are barely on the map.

The urban jungles of Tokyo and historic temples of Kyoto all look gorgeous in January.

To show off a number of its best onsen, Oita recruited the help of a professional synchronized swim team.

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.

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.

While much of the Kanto area is flat and snow-free, the mountains north of Tokyo in nearby Tochigi have some great winter weather.