Hidden in a deep valley at the foot of Mount Gassan, Hijiori Onsen offers the kind of stillness that feels rare today. The small hot spring village seems untouched by the passing years: wooden inns, ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I specialize in luxury hotels, Latin America and adventure travel. If tropical heat is a top item on your vacation checklist, ...

Several Japanese cities are increasing the “bathing tax” for overnight visitors to onsen (hot spring) resorts, in an attempt to deal with rising tourism. This tax has been raised in regions including ...

Even if you don’t consider yourself a bath person, or are turned off by the idea of sitting in a tub of your own grime, you still might be charmed by the ritual of visiting a Japanese hot spring, or ...

The Umi Jigoku onsen (hot spring) is one of the stunning onsens you can see at Beppu City. While this onsen is far too hot to take a dip in, Beppu is renowned for its numerous onsens and the purported ...

Since 1931, researchers have been investigating the therapeutic effects of Japanese hot springs, also known as 'onsen.' In 2011, the hospital conducted a massive survey of Beppu residents over 65 on ...

Today we explore a hidden valley in Japan's mountains, rich with onsen hot springs. This area was historically a secret location for warriors to hide and rest. Drivers warned of $1,178 fines after ...

Visitors to Kyoto can experience traditional Japanese culture with a stay at a modern hotel designed in the style of a ryokan — a traditional Japanese inn — in the former imperial capital. Onyado Nono ...

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 ...