Yumori no Sato is not very famous among tourists but well-known among locals and perfect if you want to experience a traditional Japanese hot spring without all the touristy add-ons.

Nemurin Oriental is a small pension called situated in the Nasu Kogen region of Tochigi prefecture. It's perfect if you want to relax in a quiet environment, enjoy nature and take soothing baths in private hot spring baths.

One of the rare onsens in Tokyo with natural hot spring water can be found in Musashi Koyama, Shinagawa. Shimizu-yu or Musashi Koyama Onsen not only provides two types of natural hot springs: kuroyu or black spring water and kogane-no-yu or golden spring water, but is also a historical gem that has been running its hot spring baths since 1924.

I am not a big fan of crowds or public baths, but given the fame of Gero, I had always been curious about it, so this spring, I spent the last day of my Seishun 18 Kippu and made my way into the mountains towards the onsen town.

I decided to visit this hot spring bath for the first time since I saw the unique building since 4 months ago. Yakuseki no Yu Kaisen—is the name of the Hot Spring Bath or Onsen that located in Isawa, Fuefuki, Yamanashi—about 2 kilometers from the nearest JR station; Isawa Onsen Station, by the Kofu By-pass.

Jigokumushi (地獄蒸し, literally means "Hell Steam"), is what this cooking method is called. A very simple yet unique way of cooking that has been practiced since the Edo Period. Jigokumushi restaurants are popular for tourists coming to the Kannawa area, which main attractions are the Jigoku of Beppu, boiling ponds that are open for viewing. In some of these restaurants, customers could also try cooking the food themselves, an interesting experience when you go with friends or family.

Owakudani, written as 大涌谷, in Japanese means "Great Boiling Valley". It is both poetic and a bit mysterious. The valley was created in the result of a Mt. Hakone eruption around 3000 years ago, and still experiences volcanic activity. It is mostly safe, nevertheless. The Tourist Center was closed between 2015 and 2016, but now it is available again, as well as the Hakone ropeway.

The place is called Kabeyu Onsen. I had to drive through continuous mountains in the western part of Oita Prefecture to get there. Kabeyu Onsen is located on a wider road, though the bath itself is located a bit below, next to a river.

My recent trip to Sapporo in Hokkaido left me in a state of wondrous high, desperately trying to cling to any memory made from the trip. So here is my recommendation for five magical winter days in Sapporo.

At the foothills of the mountain leading up to the snowy ski-slopes of Nagano and the well known Jigokudani Yaen-koen, famously toted for their leisurely snow monkeys, sits Shibu Onsen town. A special key gives you access to this street’s 9 various onsen.

Kyoto onsen trip! Anyone in? Whether it is to start your day, end you day or to take a break from all the sightseeing, it is nice to go to the onsen and refresh yourself.

Experience ‘hadaka no tsukiai' at Fukiage onsen - where locals mix with tourists in a natural onsen under the trees. Too shy for a soak? Just walk down and dip a toe in these magical waters. Soaking in Fukiage costs nothing and will enrich your skin with minerals and your mind with memories.