National Aug 25, 2020
Outdoor recreation enjoys greater interest in Japan amid pandemic
"We are receiving an unprecedented number of inquiries," said the president of the company that operates a glamping site in Gunma Prefecture.
Business / Corporate | Regional voices: Chubu Aug 7, 2020
Mie hot spring focuses on attracting locals to ride out pandemic
The resort is now looking to individual travelers rather than groups and is exploring new demands such as the so-called workation.
National Jul 14, 2020
Free hot springs help heal residents of disaster-hit Kumamoto
A little rest and relaxation is being offered to residents affected by the recent flooding that hit the region.
National Jul 9, 2020
Kyushu rain deals new blow to hot springs reeling from coronavirus
Many inns have been forced to suspend their businesses again after two months of closure under the nationwide state of emergency in April and May.
National May 5, 2020
Hot spring inns invite onsen lovers to go virtual as coronavirus halts tourism
Inns at Arima Onsen are offering a series of virtual reality videos, giving viewers the sense that they are at the famous tourist destination as they immerse themselves in hot water.
National Feb 4, 2020
Olympics and Year of the Rat give starring role to capybaras at Japanese zoos
Sinking into steamy hot springs, the giant rodents of Izu Shaboten Koen flick their ears and close their eyes against the camera clicks of fascinated onlookers, drifting into a hazy midday nap. They might not know it, but the five capybaras are the star attraction ...
Travel Jan 18, 2020
Surrendering to a hot-spring package tour in snowy Yunishigawa
by Stephen Mansfield
Winter is a fine time to visit Yunishigawa. The months from December to the first week of March sees the enchanting Kamakura Festival, when hundreds of kamakura (snow huts) are constructed along the Yunishigawa river, in forest recesses and in the precincts of temples ...
National Dec 9, 2019
More and more onsen (hot-spring baths) have been popping up in urban areas of Osaka Prefecture, reflecting their popularity among foreign visitors hoping to experience Japanese culture and residents looking for places to relax. Both new and existing facilities at hotels and spas are fighting ...
Travel Oct 11, 2019
Top 10: A local's guide to the most unique hot springs in Kyushu
by Chris Ott
Panoramas, bubble baths and tingling testicles — The Japan Times' list of 10 of the most unique and rare onsen Kyushu has to offer.
National Oct 3, 2019
With Rugby World Cup in full swing, Beppu hot spring resort still divided over tattooed visitors
Hotels and bathhouses at the famed Beppu Onsen hot-spring resort in Oita Prefecture continue to be divided over whether to accept tattooed visitors. Tattoos are widely accepted in many countries, but in Japan the practice is often associated with yakuza and other crime group members. About ...
Business Sep 25, 2019
Bain taking bids for Japanese hot spring operator Oedo Onsen Monogatari
Bain Capital is collecting bids for Oedo Onsen Monogatari, operator of about 40 hot spring inns and resorts across Japan, with first-round proposals submitted by investment funds and SoftBank Group Corp., sources have said. The U.S. investor is seeking to sell the Oedo Onsen Monogatari ...
Travel Jul 26, 2019
Kinugawa Onsen: A dilapidated hot spring town in Tokyo's backyard
by Russell Thomas
Kinugawa Onsen may have had its heyday in the 1980s, but this retro hot spring town still has plenty to offer Tokyoites looking for a weekend getaway close to home.