For many years after I experienced my first Japanese onsen, or public bath, and whenever I was in Japan on my annual trip, I found myself playing a variation of that game recommended to nervous public ...

Few countries in the world have embraced bathing to the level that Japan has. Inspired by the many natural hot springs ("onsen") found around, designers have continuously developed baths at competing ...

16 baths and saunas of all sizes, including seven with natural onsen water, await at the Hanakoganei outpost of Ofuro no Osama. Part of a Kanto-wide chain of 'super sento', this one can be enjoyed for ...

No shared ofuro here, but suites come with the traditional deep, rectangular wooden soaking tubs. They are five feet across, and you can splash away as the entire bathing area is a single wet room.

With more and more overseas travelers seeking out day trips to the Japanese countryside while visiting big cities, it’s becoming harder to find hidden hot springs that aren’t crowded with tourists.