On a recent concert tour in Japan, I had the chance to visit several thermal baths and to chat with people about the tradition of bathing. I was fascinated by their differences with American spas.

Discover the top things to do in Sendai, Japan. Explore historical sites, visit castle ruins, relax at Onsen and explore ...

There are more than 3,000 onsens in Japan, found throughout the country and these hot spring pools come in all shapes and sizes. There are outdoor pools, indoor pools and those that are traditional ...

Above: An onsen in the newly renovated Nishimuraya Honkan, a ryokan in the town of Kinosaki. The Gora Kadan ryokan in Hakone. Located inside the national park that is home to Mount Fuji, it is less ...

Bathing in an “Onsen,” or hot spring, should be on any bucket list for Japan, even if you aren’t a big wellness girlie — although the physical and mental benefits are definitely part of the draw. Each ...

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Two things can be true at once — and in Japan they usually are. It’s a land of contradictions and, thanks to this and its reputation ...

Several Japanese cities are increasing the “bathing tax” for overnight visitors to onsen (hot spring) resorts, in an attempt to deal with rising tourism. This tax has been raised in regions including ...

Ginzan Onsen, a popular Japanese hot spring town known for its scenic snowy views, has begun limiting entry to day trippers during winter peak season, becoming another destination to tackle ...