Skip to content
Japan Activity logo
Japan Activity
← All guides

Onsen Travel Guides

173 articles

Japan's onsen culture is one of the country's defining travel experiences. From the geothermal hells of Beppu to the mountain rotenburo of Hakone and Kinosaki, these guides cover onsen etiquette, the best baths for first-timers, tatami ryokan stays, and how to plan a full onsen trip.

10 Best Things to Do in Aso, Japan (2026)

Discover the best things to do in Aso, Kumamoto, from the Nakadake crater to Kusasenri grassland, with 2026 tips on timing, transport, and crater access.

7/10/2026

Kai Nakamura

Best Time to Visit Saga: 2026 Season Guide

Wondering about the best time to visit Saga? Compare seasons, the Balloon Fiesta, Karatsu Kunchi, and packing tips to plan your Kyushu trip.

7/10/2026

Kai Nakamura

Where to Stay in Aso: Travel Guide (2026)

Find where to stay in Aso for 2026, from budget rooms near Aso Station to caldera-view ryokan and a Kurokawa Onsen splurge, with prices for every budget.

7/10/2026

Kai Nakamura

Lake Kinrin Visitor Guide: Essential Tips & Things to Do in Yufuin

Plan your Lake Kinrin visit with our comprehensive guide. Discover morning mist, walking trails, local onsen, and practical travel tips for Yufuin.

7/10/2026

Kenji Tanaka

Mount Yufu & Yufuin Visitor Guide: 1-Day Itinerary, Hike & Travel Tips

Plan your perfect 1-day Mount Yufu hike and Yufuin visit with our comprehensive guide. Discover itineraries, transport, top attractions, food, and accommodation.

7/10/2026

Kenji Tanaka

Yufuin Floral Village Visitor Guide: Ultimate Itinerary & Travel Tips

Plan your Yufuin Floral Village visit with our comprehensive guide. Discover top attractions, dining, accommodation, and a sample itinerary for a magical trip.

7/10/2026

Kenji Tanaka

Iya Valley Travel Guide: Shikoku's Hidden Valley

Plan your Iya Valley trip with essential picks, seasonal tips, and practical booking advice for a smoother journey through Tokushima's remote gorge country.

7/7/2026

Kenji Tanaka

Iya Valley Onsen Travel Guide 2026

Discover the best iya valley onsen options, from Hotel Iya Onsen's cable-car rotenburo to nearby ryokan alternatives, with booking tips for 2026.

7/7/2026

Kenji Tanaka

Kaga Old Townscape Visitor Guide: 2-Day Itinerary

Plan your trip with our kaga old townscape visitor guide. Explore Meiji-era baths, craft villages, and ancient temples in this 2-day itinerary.

7/4/2026

Kenji Tanaka

San'in Onsen Guide: Where to Soak in 2026

Our san'in onsen guide covers Tamatsukuri, Kaike, and Misasa hot springs, plus etiquette, costs, and transport tips for planning a smooth 2026 trip.

7/3/2026

Kai Nakamura

Best Time to Visit Shirahama (2026)

A season-by-season guide to visiting Shirahama in 2026 — when the beach is busiest, when onsen season shines, and how to plan around Adventure World's panda cubs.

7/1/2026

Kenji Tanaka

Saki-no-yu Onsen: Shirahama's Seaside Rock Bath (2026)

Inside Saki-no-yu, Shirahama's legendary open-air rock bath carved into the shoreline: the imperial-era legend, tide-dependent hours, what to expect at this rustic public bath, and 2026 admission estimates.

7/1/2026

Kenji Tanaka