Stepping into a Japanese bath house for the first time is like falling face-first into a whole new world. There are sights you never thought you'd see, relaxation you never thought you'd know, and rules. Oh the rules. Learn all you need to know (not actually), and have fun with it here!
Japan is littered with some incredible hot springs, or 'onsen.' Some are known for their luxurious inns, some are known for their healing waters, and some are known for their history. Read on to see the country's 11 most famous onsen and how they earned that title.
You can crawl over just about every inch of Japan and find yourself within shouting distance of a magical hot spring. But while some spots are more famous than others, that doesn’t always mean that they’re the cream of the crop. See which ones are the best of the best in this list.
Located deep in the south of Japan, Kumamoto (heck, Kyushu as a whole) doesn’t get enough love. It’s a shame, because that part of the country has a lot to offer from unique castle architecture to gorgeous outdoor destinations like Yakushima. And let’s not forget that there are some incredible onsen, too. Read on to get ideas for your next Kyushu onsen adventure.