Tag: onsen
Tocen Goshoboh: Luxury and Provenance in Arima Onsen
When it comes to accommodation in Arima Onsen, you’ll find a range of options from dormitory to grandeur and all in between. Back in the 12th century, the town was a religious pilgrimage area with a number of inns, some of which...
Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem
Yearning to see a more “local” side of Tokyo, but still want the novelty thrills and a healthy dose of chill? Keep reading. At 1.3km (0.7miles), Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street is said to be one of the longest shopping streets in all...
Dogo Onsen: Wrapped in History and Charm
Just a short tram ride from Matsuyama city center in Ehime is Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring. Its main bath house has been the inspiration for the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away (2001). But despite a famous pedigree, the...
Things To See And Do In Nozawa Onsen (That Don’t Involve Snow!)
Nestled deep in the beech covered folds of northern Nagano prefecture, Nozawa Onsen is a picturesque village, home to 4,000 people. Sitting at the foot of Mount Kenashi, it comes alive in winter with one of the...
Nozawa Onsen Stamp Trail: A Great Summertime Activity
If there’s one thing that comes to mind when I think of Japanese tourism, it’s stamps. All over the country, there are small tables set up at attractions with an ink-pad and intricately designed stamp for visitors...
Nozawa Onsen’s Free Hot Springs (Soto-yu)
Nozawa Onsen’s heavy snowfall and abundant powder have attracted the winter sports crowds for over half a century, cementing its reputation as a world-class ski resort. But before skiing was introduced to this part of the world,...
Fuji Hakone Guesthouse: Affordable Luxury in Hakone
Onsens, shrines, nature, Mt. Fuji views—Hakone has a lot to offer travelers. However, a quick search on Booking.com will make the frugal traveler stay away, as a single night in a Hakone hotel can cost hundreds of dollars. Shockingly, some of these...
Ancient History and Supreme Relaxation at Arima Onsen
A blissful soak in an onsen is a must-do experience in Japan. However, not everybody has the time or money to splurge on a stay in a ryokan. For those wanting an authentic and picturesque hot spring day trip, Arima Onsen is...
Mt. Mitake: A One-Day Itinerary for Nature and Serenity
When the excitement of Tokyo has gotten to be too much, head to the mountains to recharge in nature. My favorite mountain is Mt. Mitake, close enough to be accessed during a day trip from Tokyo yet still feeling worlds away. Originally...
Why you should visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu Onsen
Twenty thousand years ago, the eruption of Hokkaido’s Mt. Hiyoriyama changed the surrounding landscape forever. The force of it rippled for kilometres to form an eerie, steaming volcanic zone with hissing geysers and a thick sulphurous odour....
