As I walk into the Hinotani Onsen at Misugi Resort, I’m hit with a mixture of scents from cedar to hops. This being my first onsen experience in Japan, I step over the threshold in the Kangetsu Noten ...

The FINANCIAL — The city of Beppu, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, has long been a favourite with locals as an onsen retreat. Today, the city will enjoy a boost as an international spa ...

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 ...

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.

As we scoop and slurp, proprietor Tatsukuni, an ex-wrestler, regales us with stories of his life 50 years ago as an 18-year-old, low-ranking sumo in a Tokyo stable and how he learned to cook ...