Seasons pass, as do calamities. Time marches on. But onsen hot springs are timeless, flowing since the early days of the Earth. Perhaps the keepers of centuries-old traditional Japanese inns at hot springs are more keenly aware of these sentiments than the rest of us. Such thoughts are worth contemplating amid the pleasant environment of a rotenburo alfresco bath to reinvigorate the mind, body and soul, especially in today’s convoluted world. Lead photo: The mixed-bathing outdoor bath … [Read more...] about Healing in timeless hot spring water in Japan’s Tohoku region
Outdoor bath
Outdoor baths, known as rotenburo (露天風呂) in Japanese, are the ultimate experience. Sitting naked in an outdoor bath but being toasty is *amazing.*
Takamine Onsen exudes ‘simple is best’ philosophy
Takamine Onsen is a ryokan traditional Japanese inn that has the atmosphere and charm of a small, cozy mountain lodge. The accommodations are perfect for everyone, especially hikers and skiers relaxing sore muscles in the blue-hued sulfur hot spring water in one of six baths. Perched at an altitude of 2,000 meters, Takamine Onsen inn is sometimes above the clouds, providing a rare and stunning view. Lead photo: The entrance to Takamine Onsen in Nagano Prefecture Inn Report: Takamine … [Read more...] about Takamine Onsen exudes ‘simple is best’ philosophy
Learn more about hot spring water in Japan’s onsen baths
Both the Hot Spring Reports and Inn Reports provide information about water so travelers can make informed decisions about which onsen hot springs and ryokan traditional Japanese inns to visit. Several factors determine the designation and categorization of a hot spring in Japan. Implemented in 1948, the Onsen Law specifies the conditions necessary to qualify as a hot spring. But what does this mean in practical terms? Let's find out. Following are several categories indicated in Hot … [Read more...] about Learn more about hot spring water in Japan’s onsen baths
Noji Onsen Hotel’s outdoor bath is worth a soak in any season
Noji Onsen Hotel in Fukushima Prefecture has superb hot spring waters and several indoor and outdoor baths. Book a visit. It's plenty worth it. The baths are wonderful, and the sulfur-infused water is as good as hot springs get. ♨ Noji Onsen: Noji Onsen Hotel Noji Onsen: Noji Onsen Hotel … [Read more...] about Noji Onsen Hotel’s outdoor bath is worth a soak in any season
Enjoy Matsukawa Onsen’s sulfurous waters in picturesque valley
Matsukawa Onsen is blessed with cloudy, blue-hued water, a sign of a high mineral content in the hot spring. Water source temperatures range from 54 C to 65 C, providing naturally heated warm baths year-round. Set in a picturesque mountain valley, Matsukawa Onsen features views from every vantage point of the stunning beauty of Mother Nature, especially when soaking in one of the six outdoor baths at the three inns there. Lead photo: The mixed-bathing outdoor bath at Kyounso inn at Matsukawa … [Read more...] about Enjoy Matsukawa Onsen’s sulfurous waters in picturesque valley