ONSEN

Visited Futamata Radium Onsen – One of Only Two Siliceous Sinter Domes in the World! Travel Date: November 2023 I finally made it to Futamata Radium Onsen, one of those hidden hot springs in Hokkaido I’d been dying to visit! It’s famous across Japan for being one of only two places in the world where you can see a natural limestone sinter dome—the other one being Yellowstone in the U.S. Check the Best Price for Futamata Radium Onsen Futamata Radium Onsen is located deep in the mountains, about 10km from the town of Oshamambe, then another 10km along a mountain ...

I Stayed at Motoyu Geto – A Hidden Hot Spring Lodge in Iwate I stayed at Motoyu Geto, a member of the Association to Preserve Japan’s Hidden Hot Springs, located in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture! This remote onsen inn is open only during the warmer months and closes in winter due to heavy snowfall. The location is so secluded that the inn’s official website even includes a warning for those unsure of their driving skills—it’s that deep in the mountains with narrow, winding roads barely wide enough for one car. Although I rented a car, I wasn’t confident driving on ...

My Stay at Tohachi Onsen Saiunsou – August 2023 I finally stayed overnight at the legendary Tohachi Onsen Saiunsou, nestled high in the mountains! The building feels a little... tilted? Probably from the weight of all that snow during winter. See the Best Rates for Tohachi Onsen Some areas looked pretty worn out and were patched up with duct tape here and there—totally giving off that mountain lodge vibe. Many of the windows were warped and couldn’t open, but hey, it added to the rustic charm. Surprisingly comfy, too 😋 One of the best perks of staying overnight? You get ...

Sakinoyu is the only remaining bath from the ancient “Yuzaki Seven Hot Springs” mentioned in the Manyoshu poetry anthology. It features a historic rock-lined outdoor bath just steps from the Pacific Ocean. You’ll feel completely immersed in nature — the sound of waves, the scent of sulfur and sea breeze, the open sky, and ships slowly crossing the vast sea. It’s so open-air that you might even be visible from nearby buildings or breakwaters (yes, really!). There are no lockers with keys inside, so you’re advised to leave your valuables in your car or ask the staff at reception to ...

Arima Onsen: A Perfect Day Trip Getaway! Arima Onsen is a historic mountain hot spring town with a legacy stretching back hundreds of years, renowned for its natural thermal waters. Along the peaceful Arimagawa River, you’ll find scenic walking paths and charming bridges. Nearby, Mount Atago and Zuihoji Park are especially popular in spring for cherry blossoms and in autumn for vibrant foliage. The town is dotted with shrines and temples, and the panoramic view from Arima Inari Shrine is stunning. Don’t miss the nostalgic robot displays at the Arima Toy Museum. Kin no Yu | The Iconic Symbol of ...

Mixed-Gender Hot Springs in Osaka In Japan, *"konyoku"* refers to hot springs where men and women bathe together—yes, that’s right, mixed-gender bathing! While it might sound uniquely Japanese, similar customs also exist in countries like Germany and throughout Northern and Eastern Europe. In Japan, you’ll typically find mixed bathing in the form of private family baths or guest rooms with open-air baths. Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic soak or a family wanting to relax together, here are some places in Osaka where you can enjoy mixed-gender bathing. Let’s discover some unique hot spring experiences in Osaka! Spa ...

Affordable Onsen Stays in Hoheikyo Travel Date: November 2023 During my Hokkaido hot spring trip, I stopped by Hoheikyo Onsen. I had always wanted to visit North Safari Sapporo nearby, so I took the chance to enjoy a soak while sightseeing 🛁 Hoheikyo Onsen is a day-use hot spring facility located in the Jozankei area of Sapporo. I was torn between visiting Jozankei Onsen or coming back to Hoheikyo, and after 10 years, I chose to return here. The last time I came was in the middle of winter—back then, I took a bus on the recommendation of a guesthouse ...

My Stay at Awara Grand Hotel – Featuring a Mixed-Gender Bath! Trip Date: July 2021 During my trip to Hokuriku, I stayed at the Awara Grand Hotel. I had never stayed in the Awara Onsen area before, so I browsed various options. The deciding factor? The hotel has a mixed-gender bath! That alone convinced me to book it (lol). Located right next to the public bathhouse in Awara Onsen’s hot spring town, Awara Grand Hotel is an old-fashioned Japanese inn with a retro vibe. See the best rates for Awara Grand Hotel To be honest, the hotel is… vintage (lol). ...

Check the best price for Hotel Kawakyu A Castle-Like Hotel in Shirahama: Staying at Hotel Kawakyu We took a road trip almost all the way around Wakayama without even booking a hotel. As the evening approached, I remembered—wasn’t there a castle-looking hotel somewhere? So I quickly made a same-day reservation and we headed to Hotel Kawakyu. Following the GPS through the somewhat cluttered roads of Shirahama, we turned into a narrow lane and—BAM! A giant castle appeared out of nowhere. At first glance, maybe due to the lighting (or my bad eyesight), it looked like a flashy theme park or ...

Cooling Down by the River♡ A Stroll Through Tsuchiyu Onsen’s Refreshing Hot Spring Town & Tasty Local Treats Tsuchiyu Onsen On Day 38 of my Japan road trip, I found myself at Tsuchiyu Onsen, a quaint hot spring town nestled in the arms of Mt. Azuma. A clear mountain stream runs through the town, giving the whole area a cool, breezy vibe. Ryokan inns line the river, with souvenir shops, cafés, and local eateries scattered along the way. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. There’s even a hidden gem nearby—Okutsuchiyu Onsen, one of the lesser-known secret springs! You ...