Tokyo may be the largest city in the world, but Tokyoites still long for the comforts of rural Japan. While the less populous cities don’t have all the luxuries of a major metropolitan city, what they have in spades are hot springs. Hot springs remain one of the most popular getaway destinations for the busy Japanese worker. Day trips, short weekend trips, everyone longs for the chance to relax in the soothing waters of a hot spring.
But where do you find a nice, relaxing hot spring within the 23 wards of Tokyo? Is it really possible to find one that is reasonably priced? Can you find one where people respect the rules? Where guests won’t immediately enter the bath before washing themselves which makes the water dirty and suspicious? Where you won’t have to wonder what that thing floating in the water is? The answer is a resounding yes and it’s closer than you think!
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Elderly pickpocket “Calling Tamako” finally apprehended after string of Tokyo thefts
Breakfast for a buck! Tokyo university offering ridiculously cheap, mouth-watering morning meals
Shohei Ohtani’s personal interpreter fired, accused of “massive theft” to pay off gambling debts
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
Foreign shoppers in Akihabara tip us off to an awesome souvenir idea: DIY Paper Theater kit【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Elderly pickpocket “Calling Tamako” finally apprehended after string of Tokyo thefts
Breakfast for a buck! Tokyo university offering ridiculously cheap, mouth-watering morning meals
Shohei Ohtani’s personal interpreter fired, accused of “massive theft” to pay off gambling debts
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
Foreign shoppers in Akihabara tip us off to an awesome souvenir idea: DIY Paper Theater kit【Pics】
Video teaches Japanese schoolgirls how to pick panties out of their butts without anyone noticing
My Neighbour Totoro rice cookers and pots bring Studio Ghibli anime flair to your kitchen
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Tokyo all-you-can-eat tonkatsu pork cutlet restaurant is all we need for a happy meal
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film