Onsen & Snow
Japan has over 27,000 hot springs (Onsen) — more than any other country in the world. The bathing culture dates back over 1,000 years and is deeply rooted in the Japanese soul.
The Best Onsen Regions
- Hakone: Closest to Tokyo, diverse onsen with views of Fuji
- Beppu (Kyushu): Japan's onsen capital — "Eight Hells" (boiling springs in various colors)
- Kinosaki Onsen: Seven public baths in a picture-book village — all free with a ryokan guest card
- Kusatsu: One of Japan's most acidic onsen — Yubatake (hot field) in the town center is a natural spectacle
- Noboribetsu (Hokkaido): Volcanic springs with Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
Japanese Snow — Powder Paradise
Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps receive some of the highest snowfall in the world — the famous Japow (Japanese Powder). Niseko, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen are world-class ski resorts. The special feature: After skiing, relax in an onsen — snow on your shoulders, hot water around your body. Japanese ski culture is unique.
