Tag: Onsen

Drawing of a Japanese onsen with apples floating in the water

The Weird World Of Apples In Japan – Aomori Apple Picking, Apple Bathing, And The Sekai Ichi Apple

May 25, 2021

The pursuit of the perfect apple in Japan has created a fascinating apple culture. Centred around the apple orchids of Aomori Prefecture, Japan celebrates apples with colourful mascots and apple blossom festivals, and fruit picking is one of the most popular activities of the region. Bathing in a huge bath full of apples is even … More The Weird World Of Apples In Japan – Aomori Apple Picking, Apple Bathing, And The Sekai Ichi Apple

Drawing of beppu sand bathers buried in volcanic sand

Sunamushi Onsen – Volcanic Sand Bathing in Southern Japan

April 13, 2021

For many people, being buried up to the neck in hot, black volcanic sand doesn’t seem like a pleasant way to relax. But in parts of southern Japan, sunamushi (sand bathing) on a volcanic beach is a popular form of bathing that helps rest the mind and refresh the body. For those who have not … More Sunamushi Onsen – Volcanic Sand Bathing in Southern Japan

Drawing of Kusatsu Onsen Japan street cover Yumomi paddle

The Art Of Yumomi – Traditional Water Cooling At Kusatsu Onsen

January 28, 2021

The town of Kusatsu is one of Japan’s most famous onsen resorts, a popular destination for those looking to relax and bathe in geothermal hot springs. Located in Gunma prefecture outside of Nagano, the small onsen town of 7000 people attracts 3 million annual visitors who come for the relaxing hot springs. However, in the … More The Art Of Yumomi – Traditional Water Cooling At Kusatsu Onsen

Drawing of two women bathing in a mud hot spring in Beppu Japan

Beppu Onsen Hoyoland – Taking A Dip In Japan’s White Mud Bath

January 25, 2021

Scooping up the mud from the bottom of the onsen, it slips through your fingers like goopy cream. It drops back into the milky-white water and disappears back into the hot springs in a dispersing cloud of whiteness. While a traditional Japanese onsen (a hot spring designated for bathing) is typically done in clear hot … More Beppu Onsen Hoyoland – Taking A Dip In Japan’s White Mud Bath

Drawing of Japanese macaques bathing in Jigokudani Monkey Park hot springs onsen

See Japan’s Snow Monkeys Bathing At Jigokudani Monkey Park

January 11, 2021

It’s the very picture of serenity – Japanese snow monkeys soaking in a hot spring, eyes closed, groomed by their family members, steam rising, safe from snow drifting softly through the sky. It’s one of the most iconic images of winter in Japan, and one of the most fascinating and endearing (not to mention, adorable!) … More See Japan’s Snow Monkeys Bathing At Jigokudani Monkey Park

Drawing of a japanese bathing house in an old traditional building

Beppu – an Illustrated Visit to Japan’s Onsen Spa City

August 29, 2018

Beppu is the perfect destination in Japan for bathing. This city on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, is famous for its geothermal activity and range of hot spring bathing options. Clouds of steam rise from dozens of vents in the earth, creating a very unusual cityscape. There are large public bathing houses built of wood, private … More Beppu – an Illustrated Visit to Japan’s Onsen Spa City