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Tranquil Vacation Spots in Southwest Japan

Besides Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima, there are plenty of lovely, less-known vacation spots throughout southwestern Japan.

Top 6 Places to Visit in Akita

Akita tends to be pretty far off the beaten path, even for those who do make it to Tohoku. However, Akita is rich in both history and natural beauty, well worth a visit.

Racing to the Future: Accessibility in Japan

As Japan gears up for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic Games, government agencies look to Kyushu's Oita Prefecture as an innovator and model of accessibility and barrier-free tourism.

Beppu: Home of 100 Tattoo-Friendly Hot Springs

Onsen—Japanese hot springs—are an awesome part of any visit to the Land of the Rising Sun! 100 facilities in the city of Beppu are making it easier for international visitors with tattoos to enjoy this quintessential part of Japanese culture!

Rainy Season: Things to Know When You Go

Sure, rainy season comes with the occasional soaked pair of shoes, and it can feel hard to work up the motivation to leave the house. But here are a few tips to help you make the best of it!

The Ephemeral Art of Japanese Bathhouses

The artists who specialize in painting Japanese bathhouses are few in number, but their enduring artistic spirit ensures the profession lives on.

Huge Hot Spring Theme Park Coming to Osaka

Customers will get to enjoy four floors of steamy hot baths, exquisite restaurants and fun activities right in the heart of Osaka!

Minakami: An Awesome Onsen Getaway in Gunma

Minakami is picturesque onsen town lying on Gunma's northern border to Niigata Prefecture. It's a nature lover's paradise, bursting with natural hot springs and other outlets for an assortment of seasonal outdoor activities!

Bathe in an Onsen Before Your Next Flight

Got a layover in Sapporo? Instead of walking around aimlessly in the gift shops or trying to spread out in the lounge areas, why not soak in a hot spring and relax?

10 Best Spots for Onsen Day Trips from Tokyo

There's nothing more luxurious than a nice, long soak in a Japanese hot spring, surrounded by gorgeous views. These 10 spots are easily accessible from Tokyo, making them perfect for a day trip!

10 Ways to Enjoy a Rainy Day in Japan

Don't let rainy weather dampen your day—there are still plenty of ways to have a good time!

Onsen & Karaoke: Sing While You Soak!

Feeling embarrassed about doing karaoke? How about going to hot springs? If you answered yes, then you need to check out this Japanese inn in Nagano, where you can do both in private at the same time!

Diamond Route Japan Shows Off Hidden Treasures

This stunning video tourism project will leave you ready to plan your next trip north of Tokyo!

The Downtown Osaka Onsen of your Dreams

The newly-opened Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower is right in downtown Osaka, which means you can enjoy a luxurious soak on top of all the rest of the city's highlights!

10 Great Things to Do in Saga Prefecture

For many visitors to Japan, Kyushu is an overlooked destination. Which is unfortunate, because Saga Prefecture offers uncharted waters to explore, with its inspired history, bountiful natural resources and unique cultural activities.

Top 10 Onsen in Tokyo

Love hot springs but don't want to leave the big city? Our resident hot spring expert has put together a list of the top 10 onsen and onsen hotels in the Tokyo area, so start planning your next luxurious getaway now!

Discover 'Hell' on Earth in Kyushu

Kyushu's Oita Prefecture is home to a collection of incredible onsen that are literally too hot to handle, and referred to collectively as the "Hells of Beppu."

Hot Spring Towns Expand Horizons

Some sleepy hot spring towns are coming up with innovative local products and activities to attract new visitors.

This Hot Spring Is in a Dungeon?!

This picturesque hot spring is hidden in a dilapidated old building in Tochigi, offering a unique experience to those brave enough to enter!

Stamps Capture Japanese Bathhouse Charm

One Japanese artist is putting his stamp on the traditional Japanese bathhouse, or 'sento.'

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