All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

Adorable Onsen Litter Box

It comes complete with a cute spa-style noren curtain to provide some much-needed privacy.

5 Great Couples’ Onsen Getaways

Private baths let you have some alone time in the tub.

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.

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.

Water & Washoku: Fountains of Youth?

Masaharu Maeda, a professor of rehabilitation studies, believes bathing culture is one of the secrets to Japanese longevity.

Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring

Do you want to immerse yourself in a relaxing environment surrounded by rich Japanese history and architecture?

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?

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.

A Hypnotic Tour through January in Japan

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

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.

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.

The 3 Most Famous Hot Springs in Japan

Edo-Period philosopher Hayashi Razan identified the three best onsen in all of Japan.

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 solid tips on how to enjoy the water.

12 Incredible Onsen Getaways from Osaka

Choose from large spas, private family baths, mixed-gender onsen and more!

Japan's 3 Weirdest Onsen

Where you go when you've dipped in them all?

10 Beautiful Onsen in Kyoto

Did you know that Kyoto’s actually a hot springs hotspot? We’ve put together a list of onsen you can drop into just for the day during your travels!

Storybook Tenugui

A traditional "tenugui" cotton hand towel makes a great gift—or even a headband in the onsen! These tenugui go one step further, however, and tell a picture-book story when folded.

Onsen Date in Tokyo

I get that “onsen dates” are kind of weird, but my husband and I love them.

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.

know-before-you-go