A Guide to Onsen Water Types
All water isn’t the same. Every natural spring passes through layers upon layers of rock that can give the water a unique chemical makeup said to have a variety of health effects depending on the mineral content of the water.
Clean-Aired Cafés: 5 Super Smoke-Free Chains!
Smoke-free sipping may not be Japan-standard just yet, but now you can at least enjoy your coffee in clean air at a few more non-Starbucks chains almost anywhere in the country!
How to Handle Your Tattoos in the Onsen
Many onsen ban tattoos, and even among Japanese young people, a little over 60 percent still don't favor allowing them in the bath. But there's no need to fear: We've compiled some solid tips on how to enjoy the water.
5 Awesome Third-Wave Coffee Shops in Tokyo
Move over Starbucks and Tully’s, a new wave of coffee is beginning to surge in Japan.
Hell Valley is Monkey Heaven
Deep in a snow-covered mountain valley nestled in the Japanese Alps, a natural hot spring bubbles out of the earth, enshrouded in curtains of thick steam.
Gaijin Learns How to Make Ramen
With over 1,000 bowls under (and over) his belt, Ramen Adventures’ Brian MacDuckson knows a thing or two about eating ramen. But how much does he know about cooking it?
The 3 Most Famous Hot Springs in Japan
Edo-Period philosopher Hayashi Razan identified the three best onsen in all of Japan.
Japan: A Visual Diary
This rapid-fire “visual diary” of flashy 15-second clips is a high-speed crash course in All Things Japan.
12 Incredible Onsen Getaways from Osaka
Choose from large spas, private family baths, mixed-gender onsen and more!
The World’s Only Outdoor Ice Onsen
When Hokkaido's highest lake is covered in ice during winter, it features an igloo-style onsen.
14 Wacky Wilderness Onsen
Onsen critic Isamu Gunji risks his naked life to bring us 14 unforgettable outdoor hot springs that are barely on the map.
The 3 Great Ramens of Japan
Since its arrival from China, ramen has been reshaped and reimagined into countless regional variations across Japan.
8 Must-See Flower Spots in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is a must-visit place for nature lovers. After its harsh and snowy winters, the land shows off tulips in spring, lavender fields in summer, cosmos in autumn, and many more colorful flowers throughout the year.
The American Who Inherited an Onsen
Tyler Lynch met his future wife on a trip to a hot spring inn. They were living in Seattle when fate intervened.
6 Sapporo Ramen Shops You’ve Got to Try
With sushi, uni-don, ikura-don, “Genghis Khan” grilled mutton and the recently insurgent soup curry, Hokkaido is a gourmet wonderland. But if you’re in Sapporo, you just can’t pass up the ramen.
5 Great Lesser-known Onsen Towns
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, then give these towns a try!
Yakumi: Condiments with a Healthy Twist
Directly translated as 'medicine' (yaku) 'taste' (mi), yakumi originally served as antidotes to a variety of ailments.
Onsen Trivia: Highest, Hottest & Healthiest
Oita has the most hot spring sources, but Hokkaido has the most spas—and the highest onsen is in Toyama.
Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring
Do you want to immerse yourself in a relaxing environment surrounded by rich Japanese history and architecture?
10 Things Not to Do in an Onsen
There are plenty of sites and pamphlets explaining how to visit an onsen like a pro. But how about a quick checklist of what not to do?
