Japan is home to over 3,000 onsen. Our explorer visits two old hot springs to learn the significance of bathing to the Japanese spirit. Deep in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture is the town of ...

Soaking in a Japanese hot spring is the perfect way to heal a tired body and mind. In 2025, Kusatsu Onsen heads a nationwide ranking of hot springs ... from the spring water called yunohana ...

From a nice cup of tea to a soothing bath, hot water is indispensable in daily life. What's more, Japan is famous for its steaming hot springs, with more than 17,000 of them around the country.

And then there are small round cakes called onsen manju, a popular snack sold at Japanese hot springs. Stuffed with red bean paste, they are cooked with the steam that rises from onsen water.

Japan saw a record number of visitors last year. Ginzan Onsen, a remote town in the mountains of the northern Yamagata region, is known for its hot springs and fairytale winter views. It’s also ...