It was a cold February day in northern Japan, snow piled high outside the onsen locker room windows as I slipped out of my clothes. Nervously, I stepped into the plumes of steam wafting from the next ...

It comes as no surprise that visitors to onsen (hot springs) and other bathing facilities like public baths, spas, and saunas, have dramatically decreased during the past year of the pandemic. Even as ...

This is part of Uncovering Japan, a collection of stories that spotlight the lesser known gems that belong on your Japan itinerary, offering everything from a wellspring of local craft and a vibrant ...

Visiting an onsen, or hot spring, is absolutely something everyone who comes to Japan should do at least once. Unfortunately, many onsen are located in rural parts of the countries that require ...