After writing about visiting Japanese onsen in my blog post ‘Rotenburo Heaven – Private Open-Air Baths in Fukushima’ a few weeks ago, I realised I should make a post about day-passes at onsen, which can be a bit confusing for visitors to Japan. So I thought I’d write about “higaeri nyuyoku” today! What is HigaeriContinue reading Taking Day Trips to Onsen in Japan
What is an Onsen? The word ‘onsen’ is often used to mean a naturally occurring hot spring source, but can also refer to baths filled with onsen water. The word ‘onsen’ also features in the names of hot spring resort towns and villages. For example, ‘Higashiyama Onsen’ refers both to the hot spring sourceContinue reading Introduction to Visiting Onsen in Japan
In this article, I’m going to introduce you to a number of traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) in onsen towns throughout Fukushima where you can experience the magic of private rotenburo outdoor baths. What are Rotenburo? ‘Rotenburo‘ translates as ‘open-air bath’. The word refers to onsen baths that are located fully or partially outside. Depending onContinue reading Rotenburo Heaven - Private Open-Air Baths in Fukushima
Tsuchiyu Onsen has been a well-loved kokeshi-producing onsen town for over 170 years. Kokeshi are painted wooden dolls, which have been produced in Japan since the late 18th century in onsen towns in Tohoku (the eastern region of Japan). Kokeshi were originally made and sold in onsen towns as souvenirs for visiting guests to takeContinue reading Spending a Winter Day in Tsuchiyu Onsen
