14 Wacky Wilderness Onsen
It's been said that for a true subculture fan (in Japanese, "maniac"), the power of one's love for one's obsession is deeper than the ocean. Onsen fan and critic Isamu Gunji dove right into that ocean, risking his naked life to bring us 14 unforgettable outdoor hot springs—some of which aren't even on the map.
By AAJ Editorial TeamOnigajo Onsen (Akita)
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After climbing for two hours, Gunji found a land of white. The wind was strong, so it was okay to remove his gas mask to check the strength of the hydrogen sulfide, right? The guy risks his life for his obsession.
Read more in Japanese at AllAbout.co.jp.
I Onsen (Gunma)
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This open-air sulfur hot spring is found in Manza Onsen, considered one of the best in Japan. Many onsen lovers are tempted to drink hot spring's water, which has a mysterious taste that changes from a hint of sourness washed in sweet carbonic acid to a strong, medicine-like flavor. But the flavor that bursts into your mouth might be carbonic acid containing hydrogen sulfide, so it's dangerous to drink! Gunji claims he just touched his mouth to it ...
Kamoshika Onsen (Miyagi)
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This experience is priceless: Bathing in a sulfur hot spring on a mountainside, alongside fallen rocks that seem like they're about to tumble onto your head.
Numajiri Motoyu (Fukushima)
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The entire river is an onsen with especially strong acidic hot spring water. Be careful with your towels if you don't want them to get tattered!
Read more in Japanese at AllAbout.co.jp.
Read more in Japanese at AllAbout.co.jp.
