Guides
Japan Nature & Outdoors
Mountains, rivers, gorges and hot springs — where to go, when they actually look like the photos, and how to get there.
Private Onsen Etiquette for Couples: Which Rules Still Apply
A guide to what changes and what stays the same when couples book a private onsen, from bathing suits to towel use and booking manners.
Onsen Etiquette for Women: What to Expect Before Your First Visit
A practical guide to what women should know about clothing, body hair, and periods before stepping into a Japanese onsen for the first time.
Hiking the Japan Alps: Which Trails Suit a First Visit
A guide to choosing between valley day hikes and mountain-hut treks in the Japan Alps, plus the seasons and gear that make the difference.
Onsen Tattoo Rules: How to Find a Bath That Lets You In
A practical guide to Japan's onsen tattoo rules, why baths refuse ink, and how to use private baths, tattoo-friendly onsen, or cover seals instead.
Onsen Etiquette: What to Actually Do, in Order
A step-by-step guide to onsen etiquette in English, covering tattoos, gender-separated baths, kake-yu, and towel rules from changing room to exit.
The Onsen Towns You Can Actually Bathe In Without Booking a Room
Most onsen town rankings assume you are staying the night. These six towns are ranked by something you can check before you go: whether a day visitor can get into the water, what it costs, and what time the door shuts.
When Japan's Autumn Leaves Actually Peak (73 Years of Official Data)
Most autumn foliage guides give you a fortnight that is a fortnight too early. Here are the average colour dates from Japan's own meteorological record, city by city, with the spread you should plan around.