Onsen温泉

An onsen (温泉) is a term for hot springs in the Japanese language, though the term is often used to describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of onsen scattered along its length and breadth. Onsen were traditionally used as public bathing places and today play a central role in directing Japanese domestic tourism.

from Onsen (Wikipedia) CC BY SA 3.0

Advice about Onsen

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Hot Spring in Oedo Onsen images

Hot Spring in Oedo Onsen

Enoshima Island Spa would be a great choice for you, and probably just in case when you want to try another spa closer to the Metropolitan area in Tokyo, I'd suggest you try Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hot Spring (Literary meating; Tokyo Spa Story), which is located at Odaiba, in the Tokyo Bay. The be…(102 words)

Masa image

Masa

Futon, Onsen, and Dinner in Japan images

Futon, Onsen, and Dinner in Japan

Futon, onsen, and dinner are the three reasons I choose to stay at ryokan over other lodging facilities. Usually at ryokan, you get to sleep in a tatami room in futon. Since I usually sleep on a bed at home, it is a great feeling to kind of return to my Japanese roots and sleep in a futon. Futon at…(238 words)

GenS image

GenS

The power of onsen is truly amazing! images

The power of onsen is truly amazing!

We have recently come to understand the effects of hydrogen sulfide, or "sulfur". Just by sniffing it, the swelling associated with rheumatism can be lessened. Also, we know the effects it can have on the brain, and it is possible that it has a preventative effect in regard to dementia.It a…(117 words)

Eddie image

Eddie

Izu Hokkawa Onsen Bousui: A Heavenly Onsen in Japan, images

Izu Hokkawa Onsen Bousui: A Heavenly Onsen in Japan,

My first experience at Bousui was just 5 years ago and then the second was last month. In 2006 I was a newbie exploring the Hokkawa Hot Spring district , in 2014 it was my second visit as a devoted fan of hot spring perfection wanting to share this haven with my life partner and best friend.htt…(1039 words)

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Enjoy rich hot-spring of Kusatsu Onsen and visit public bathhouses like the locals do. images

Enjoy rich hot-spring of Kusatsu Onsen and visit public bathhouses like the locals do.

Kusatsu Onsen(草津温泉), or Kusatsu Hot Spring is one of the most renowned hot-spring resort in Japan, located in the Tochigi Prefecture, about 100km north of Tokyo. Tochigi is rich in hot-spring resorts including Kusatsu, Ikaho, Shima, Minakami and Manza. Above all Kusatsu is highly evaluated with…(350 words)

Hagi image

Hagi

Take in the Mountains, Hot Springs at the Palace Hotel Hakone images

Take in the Mountains, Hot Springs at the Palace Hotel Hakone

When my sister and her family visited last year, we decided to crowds and commotion of central Tokyo for a night and enjoy a bit of nature. We chose to stay at the Palace Hotel Hakone for its beautiful scenery and onsen, or hot springs.Situated in the Sengoku-hara Highlands, the hotel is only a sho…(319 words)

Petra image

Petra

Onsen Tradition in Kusatsu images

Onsen Tradition in Kusatsu

One of the oldest and most reputed onsens in Japan, Kusatsu was a favourite of the 5th and 8th shoguns ( it’s said that they transported waters to their castle in Edo). The onsen, while being preferred by Japanese for more than 1000 years, is relegated to a paragraph at best in the leading English…(315 words)

Alana image

Alana

Onsens and Outdoors in Kusatsu images

Onsens and Outdoors in Kusatsu

Ranked for last 12 years straight as one of the Top 100 onsens in Japan, it really is for the onsens that visitors come to Kusatsu. There are public onsens and of course ryokan and resort hotels with their private onsens. A few of the the famous public onsens are Sainokawahara (西の河原露天風呂)…(307 words)

Alana image

Alana

There are lots of reason's Kusatsu is famous for hot springs images

There are lots of reason's Kusatsu is famous for hot springs

Although Japan is famous for hot springs, it’s easy to be tricked into visiting tourist traps where the water is recycled and chlorine added. This is something you definitely won't encounter in all of Kusatsu where the 100 plus gushing springs serve up an astounding 32,000 liters of water minute. …(500 words)

AndrewShuttleworth image

AndrewShuttleworth

Back to nature at Kusatsu images

Back to nature at Kusatsu

One of the great things about Kusatsu is that it's out in the heart of Japan's countryside which, while one of the most attractive features of Japan, remains unexplored to many visitors who zip through tunnels on the Shinkansen on their journey from city to city.Sainokawara Park is another uniq…(525 words)

AndrewShuttleworth image

AndrewShuttleworth

Strolling Through Sainokawara Park in Kusatsu images

Strolling Through Sainokawara Park in Kusatsu

Kusatsu Onsen is a small town tucked away in the mountains. Within a few blocks of downtown, you can end up surrounded by nature. This is best on display at Sainokawara Park, home to one of Kusatsu’s most popular open-air baths.This picturesque park, which showcases the best blossoms and foliag…(288 words)

Petra image

Petra

Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen - Classic Japan images

Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen - Classic Japan

Whenever my friends from overseas ask me what would be a classic thing to do in Japan, I always reply that visiting a medieval castle and staying in an onsen town (hot spring bath) are a "must". There is no doubt that a visit to Matsuyama City is the perfect way to combine both of these in one tri…(886 words)

Phil image

Phil

Charming transport / traditional village and onsen one-night trip. images

Charming transport / traditional village and onsen one-night trip.

I wanted to see one of the largest castles in eastern Japan so I headed for Tsurugajo castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu City from my ryoukan on the tour bus. The castle was built about 600 years ago and was important to control Eastern Japan. The current castle was built about 400 years ago. The castle was …(927 words)

DeepJapan Editor image

DeepJapan Editor

Onsen town in Japan - Oita Prefecture, Beppu-shi images

Onsen town in Japan - Oita Prefecture, Beppu-shi

Although it may have seen better days, to me the onsen capital of Japan still has to be Oita. I lived there as a JET in the mid-90's, so I might be a little biased. But most Japanese people will still associate Oita with onsens. Beppu was like the Las Vegas of Japan for years, and with the eco…(156 words)

William Nealy image

William Nealy

Mt. Fuji shows its superb view around Lake Kawaguchiko. images

Mt. Fuji shows its superb view around Lake Kawaguchiko.

Mount Fuji was designated as an UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013.Mt. Fuji has been popular destination among overseas tourists. But many of Mt. Fuji tours offered to them are actually Hakone tours to view Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi which is located at 30km south west of the mountain. …(841 words)

Hagi image

Hagi

Japanese sweets : “Tansan Senbei” images

Japanese sweets : “Tansan Senbei”

Thin and round carbonic acid rice cracker is mainly made of flour. They really melt in your mouth and taste slightly sweet. They are famous confections of Arima hot springs located in Hyogo prefecture. Arima Onsen is the hot spring loved by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a famous historical personage in Japa…(66 words)

OKAKI-sun image

OKAKI-sun

Omotenashi - a tradition made famous by Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic 2020 images

Omotenashi - a tradition made famous by Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic 2020

Since Tokyo has been nominated to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, « omotenashi » has become the buzz word to epitomize Japan’s art of welcoming guests and attract tourists. But what does it exactly means, and how can we experience it truly ?Omotenashi meaning cannot be encapsulat…(745 words)

Claire image

Claire

A steamed Japanese cake images

A steamed Japanese cake

In onsen areas with shops, you often see "Manjuu", a steamed Japanese cake with a doughy outside, and sweet red beans on the inside.At one time, they would use actual onsen water for the dough, and the steam from the onsen to cook the manjuu, but these days, just selling them at onsen is enough f…(119 words)

Eddie image

Eddie

Kusatsu Onsen: Rated No.1 of Japan’s 100 Best Hot Springs for 12 consecutive years ! (2/3) images

Kusatsu Onsen: Rated No.1 of Japan’s 100 Best Hot Springs for 12 consecutive years ! (2/3)

There are three bathing styles unique to Kusatsu. They are jikan-yu , Agari-yu and Awase-yu. Guests are encouraged to enjoy these about 3 times per day and try to remain in the onsen for an extended to take a full advantage of the special curing properties.Jikan-yu: These are timed baths where…(466 words)

ZEROIN -INTERNSHIP image

ZEROIN -INTERNSHIP

Hot spring etiquette: Please, do hot-bath like a pro. images

Hot spring etiquette: Please, do hot-bath like a pro.

Hot springs are often marketed for their positive effects on health: skin, articulations, cardio-vascular system, muscular relaxation… depending on its mineral content, the hot water is supposed to have an impact on your body. As the Romans used to say - and they were enjoying hot springs too - men…(705 words)

Claire image

Claire

What do do on a rainy day in Tokyo images

What do do on a rainy day in Tokyo

It always feels like such a waste when it is grey and rainy for an entire weekend.So, what DOES one do on a rainy afternoon in Tokyo or Yokohama?Go to the spa, of course!There are several to choose from, depending on your location. LaQua in Tokyo, EAS and Manyo in Yokohama, Oedo Onsen M…(147 words)

Chiara image

Chiara

How to "Onsen" Like a Pro images

How to "Onsen" Like a Pro

When getting into the onsen, be sure to enter bit by bit to attune your body to the heat. First your feet, then mid section, then fingers to shoulders, basically leaving your chest for last. Also, just progressing from your lower half to whole body is fine too.You probably only want to take about…(96 words)

Eddie image

Eddie

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN? images

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT JAPAN?

A common question we hear from travelers is, “If you could visit Japan at any time of year, when would you go?”One of the best things about Japan is that it’s truly worth visiting at any time of year! Every season has its highlights, and Japanese culture is remarkable in its appreciation of the…(350 words)

Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan image

Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan

Hoeiso ryokan in Hakone images

Hoeiso ryokan in Hakone

Hoeiso is a ryokan, a Japanese traditional style inn, situated in the beautiful green mountains of Hakone, right by a river. Hoesio is a family owned Ryokan, opened in 1956, with around 20 rooms that are big enough to fit a family. Enjoy indoor and outdoor onsen, and feast on traditional Japanese d…(170 words)

Emelie Fågelstedt image

Emelie Fågelstedt

Tokuyama Shoes images

Tokuyama Shoes

Tokuyama Shoes has its home in Kawanehoncho, tucked away in the northwestern side of Shizuoka Prefecture, inland from Shizuoka City and away from the more famous parts of the prefecture, which is home to half of the sacred Mt. Fuji and also the Izu Peninsula, with its world-class onsen and sightsee…(444 words)

mikekato image

mikekato

In Home Hydrotherapy images

In Home Hydrotherapy

Japan boasts a myriad of pristine beaches, picturesque lakes and waterfalls, and serine onsens like none other. Spending time in these waters can be very therapeutic for your body and your mind alike, but the fast pace of life can often deprive you of time to be able to fully utilize and immerse yo…(327 words)

Alex image

Alex

Indulge myself with a small luxury : a minitrip to Kusatsu images

Indulge myself with a small luxury : a minitrip to Kusatsu

Have you ever had that feeling that your mind is stuck with your work and you need to get away from the office for a while? Staying home is not an option because then, you will not stay focus on your backlog work. In such a case, I go to Kusatsu hot spring. It is three hours away from home in T…(537 words)

Claire image

Claire

Driving to Kusatsu images

Driving to Kusatsu

It’s sometimes easy to forget that Japan, with all its grinding work hours, high tech wizardry and futuristic architecture, can also offer spectacular vistas and natural phenomena. To witness this transformation when urban, turns to suburban and then downright country, we drove from the sea in Shon…(291 words)

Alana image

Alana

The many different ways to get to Kusatsu images

The many different ways to get to Kusatsu

Kusatsu is less frequented by foreign visitors given that it doesn’t have a train station, never mind a bullet train stop. That isolation is one of the reasons Kusatsu has managed to maintain its special atmosphere, but for those that want to go there it’s actually not difficult to get to.On my…(535 words)

AndrewShuttleworth image

AndrewShuttleworth

Okutama, easy access and abundant nature in western Tokyo. images

Okutama, easy access and abundant nature in western Tokyo.

Okutama Town is located on the western edge of Tokyo. It is 40 miles west and two-hour train ride from Tokyo Station via Shinjuku and surrounded by green mountains but certainly within Tokyo Prefecture. It is a part of Chichibu Tama Kai National Park but major local tourist attractions are within s…(442 words)

Hagi image

Hagi

Cable Cars - Nothing like San Francisco, though! images

Cable Cars - Nothing like San Francisco, though!

There are many so-called "cable cars" in Japan, but most are really ropeways. They are pre-attached to the cable and are drawn directly by pulling the cable. A cable car, on the other hand, is controlled by the driver. The cable, usually underground, is constantly moving. The driver chooses to …(243 words)

mikekato image

mikekato

Eat the Best Ramen Noodles in Japan images

Eat the Best Ramen Noodles in Japan

You can see here that we have ordered Jumbo Ramen with Nori (seaweed) as one of the best toppings. Floating quietly in the hot and tasty soup is the Onsen or boiled soft egg. If you cut it open with your chopsticks the soft yellow yolk will flow out into the ramen soup and add that last amazing tas…(90 words)

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Craziest Amusement Park in Japan, Fujikyu Highland images

Craziest Amusement Park in Japan, Fujikyu Highland

I was at Fujikyu Highland the other day for a speech and from the window in the hotel I spied this unbelievable drop on their huger roller coaster. Yes, you are right, it actually inclines like that and you could hear the screams of delight all through the day. The park did not seem very crowded on…(125 words)

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Water, Water, and many drops to drink images

Water, Water, and many drops to drink

Omizu (mizu if you're not using the honorific "O") is the Japanese word for water. If you're visiting Japan you can be assured that the water from taps is safe to drink wherever you're visiting. However, if you really insist on paying 100 to 200 yen for a bottle of water you'll find plenty of brand…(279 words)

Joe Peters image

Joe Peters

Mineral-rich Hot Spring in Japan Great for Skin images

Mineral-rich Hot Spring in Japan Great for Skin

It is a rare onsen (hot spring) where visitors can bathe in their bathing suits. When I first came to Japan way back when, I dreaded entering a hot spring area where naked bodies eased in and out of steaming mineral scented water. As I grew accustomed to the custom...I learned to practice the same …(431 words)

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The "hot spring resort" has its roots in ancient Japan. images

The "hot spring resort" has its roots in ancient Japan.

The "hot spring resort" has its roots in ancient Japan.In areas with bountiful hot springs, people would come and stay up to 3 weeks to relieve pent up stress and pain from agricultural work and such.The flow of information was limited back then, so people who gathered from afar, as well as the…(88 words)

Eddie image

Eddie

5 Unique Japan Guidebooks For An In-Depth Japan Experience images

5 Unique Japan Guidebooks For An In-Depth Japan Experience

A general Japan guidebook can be great if you’re looking for general information on Japan travel.But if you’re looking for more specialized, in-depth information, most guidebooks won’t cut it. That’s why we love these specialty Japan guidebooks.*OLD KYOTO: A GUIDE TO TRADITIONAL SHOPS, REST…(472 words)

Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan image

Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan

Where to visit when your in Aichi images

Where to visit when your in Aichi

Recommended place for family, couples, and friends.Nagashima Onsen has it all.I went there last year stayed at a near by Ryokan for a night.The first day my friends and I went to the Theme Park.One of the many must rides is the Steal Dragon.It takes you up 97 meters feet dangled from yo…(208 words)

Yuuki I image

Yuuki I

Tourist friendly town at Hida Takayama images

Tourist friendly town at Hida Takayama

Places to go in the Tokai area I recommend going to Hida Takayama.It is in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. 3 hour train ride from Nagoya station to Takayama station (3,350yen one way).The hotel I stayed at was the Takayama Ooan(高山桜庵)right next to the Takayama Station.The entranc…(300 words)

Yuuki I image

Yuuki I

Shibata Castle, Niigata Prefecture images

Shibata Castle, Niigata Prefecture

I first visited Shibata in April 2013. Shibata is located in Niigata prefecture which is on the western coast of Japan's main island and is known for its pristine landscape. Within the prefecture is the second most extensive land area devoted to National Parks. Ijimino Park and Ominesan Sakura P…(171 words)

Dolores image

Dolores