Onsen in Japan, as hot springs are known, are a highly popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Their relaxing hot waters are steeped in tradition, and onsen are considered a must-do when visiting the Land of the Rising Sun.
As autumn sets in and the leaves start transforming Japan’s forests and mountains into golden, fiery and crimson hues, an almost primal urge calls us to flock to this magical flora on outings and countryside cruises.
There are onsen hot springs all over Japan, each with differing qualities, such as type of water, healing properties (efficacy), color, water temperature, and more.
Owakudani is an active volcanic valley in the famed Hakone region west of Tokyo. It’s known to locals as "Jigokudani" (the Valley of Hell) and is famous for its black eggs, which are boiled in the...
The great thing about this destination is that you don’t have to drive long to reach there if you’re stationed in the Kanto-area bases. From Camp Zama and NAF Atsugi, it’s a short one-hour ride.
This limited express train on the Odakyu line and has reserved seating only. A ticket on the Romancecar will get you from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to popular holiday spots Hakone, Enoshima and Kamakura.
One of the advantages of living in Japan is having the opportunity to go sightseeing without having to travel too far. So, when my husband and I were looking for a quick, easy and inexpensive day trip to take, we decided on Hakone.
There are endless reasons to go to the small resort town of Hakone, although for me personally it was an urge to spend some time in nature and breathe fresh mountain air. Close proximity to Tokyo makes a perfect escape for a day trip or overnight stay. I soaked up a lot of sun, took long strolls in the woods and took tons of photos. Duh.
