Tag: onsen
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A Nostalgic Japanese Hot Spring Town
Beautiful Scenery in Japan In this blog, I will gradually introduce some of the beautiful scenery of Japan that I have photographed myself over the years. This is a photograph of Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture. I visited in November, before the snow began to fall. Ginzan Onsen is a small hot spring town with…
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When to Book Japanese Hotels for the Best Price
When to Book Japanese Hotels for the Best Price: Choosing the right booking site matters, but timing often matters just as much, sometimes more, when it comes to how much you actually pay for a hotel in Japan. This guide covers when to book, based on season, day of week, and how far in advance,…
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Best Onsen Towns for a Day Trip from Tokyo
Best Onsen Towns for a Day Trip from Tokyo, Ranked: You don’t need an overnight stay to enjoy a proper hot spring experience near Tokyo. Several onsen towns are close enough for a comfortable day trip, offering day-use bathhouses (higaeri onsen) that let you soak for a few hours without booking a room. Here’s a…
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Luxury Onsen Ryokan
Luxury Onsen Ryokan Worth Experiencing at Least Once: If there’s one type of accommodation worth experiencing at least once during a trip to Japan, it’s a luxury onsen ryokan. Beyond the hot springs and celebrated cuisine, many of these properties offer rooms with their own small private bath, and soaking in an open-air bath (rotenburo)…
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Famous Onsen Towns
Famous Onsen Towns in Japan: Hakone vs. Kusatsu vs. Beppu vs. Kinosaki: Japan has hundreds of hot spring towns, but a handful have earned a reputation as the best overall destinations, each with a genuinely different character and appeal. This guide compares four of the most popular options so you can decide which fits your…
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How to Stay at a Ryokan
What to Expect: A ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, is one of the most memorable overnight experiences you can have in Japan, but the format is different enough from a typical hotel stay that first-timers often aren’t sure what to expect. This guide walks through the full experience, from check-in to check-out, so you can…
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Solo Travel in Japan
A Complete Guide: Japan is consistently ranked among the best destinations in the world for solo travel, combining excellent public transportation, low crime, and a culture that’s genuinely comfortable accommodating solo diners and sightseers, unlike many destinations where traveling alone can feel awkward or restrictive. This guide covers what makes Japan work so well for…
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Best Time to Visit Japan
A Month-by-Month Guide: “When should I visit Japan?” doesn’t have a single answer, since each month offers a genuinely different experience in terms of weather, crowds, pricing, and what’s in season. This guide breaks down what to actually expect month by month, so you can match your trip to what matters most to you. Quick…
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Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
When and Where to See Sakura: Cherry blossom season is the single most searched-for travel window for Japan, and for good reason, but the timing is notoriously unpredictable, and the best viewing spots vary significantly by region. This guide covers what actually determines the timing, and where to go depending on when you’re able to…
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How to Use an Onsen
Etiquette, Rules, and the Tattoo Policy Explained: Soaking in a natural hot spring is one of the most relaxing experiences Japan has to offer, but it comes with a specific set of customs that catch many first-time visitors off guard, including a tattoo policy that stops some travelers from going at all. This guide covers…
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Best Day Trips from Tokyo
Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, and Kamakura: Tokyo makes an excellent home base for exploring beyond the city, with several destinations reachable in under two hours by train. This guide compares the four most popular day trips so you can pick the ones that best match your interests and remaining time. Quick Comparison Destination Travel Time…
