The Onsen Towns of Japan A 12-Day Itinerary
The Onen Towns of Japan. A 12-day itinerary. This 12-day itinerary focuses on immersion in Japan’s most atmospheric and unique hotring onen towns. Combining relaxation with cultural exploration and stunning natural scenery. The Onen Towns of Japan. A 12-day itinerary. This journey will take you from the historical heart of a hotring. Metropolis to remote traditional ins phase one. Hacken and central Japan. The classic mountain escape day destination focus and activities accommodation day one. Arrive in Tokyo and travel to Hacken. Arrive at Narita NRT or Hined or Hnd and take a train or bus to Hacken. Check into your Ryakin traditional inn. Evening indulge in your first Kais traditional multicourse dinner and enjoy your first private or communal onen oak. Hacken onen rykin. Day two hacken onen. Experience the classic hacken round course. Ride the hack and railway. Take the hacken ropeway over the active volcanic zone of a Wakuani great boiling valley and cruise across Lake Ashi to view the iconic Tory gate and Mount Fuji weather permitting. Evening relax in the onen again. Hacken Onen Ryan. Day three hacken to Kusatsu. Travel from Hacken to Kusatu onen. a significant travel day likely via Shinkansen to Takasaki, then local train or bus. Afternoon, arrive in Kusatu, famous for its highly acidic, therapeutic waters. Walk through the town center to see the yubet hot water field, the dramatic source of the town’s onen water. Kusatu Anen Ryakin. Day four, Kusatu Anen. Morning, watch the traditional Yumomi water cooling dance at the Netsyu facility. Daytime stroll the charming streets sampling onen cooked foods like onen tamago hot spring eggs evening soak in one of kusatsu’s free public bathous like goyu kusatu onen riakin phase 2 the deep tradition and mountain retreats day destination focus and activities accommodation day five Kusatsu to Shibu onen travel from Kusatsu to Shibu onen via Nagano afternoon check into your riot pick and receive the key that grants you access to the nine public onen houses in town. Evening start your stome onen hopping tour wearing a traditional yucata and getter wooden clogs. Shibu onen riken. Day six, Shibu onen and snow monkeys morning. Visit the nearby Jigokani monkey park to see the famous wild Japanese macox bathing in their own hot springs. Note, this is only guaranteed in the colder months, but the park is open year round. Afternoon, complete your onen hopping quest to collect all nine bad stamps. Shibu onen Ryaken. Now, before we go further, if you love traveling and want to learn more about different cities, countries, travel hacks, or anything and everything about travel, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button below. Ring the bell and tag your travel buddy so you never miss a brand new episode. Day seven, Shibu Onen to Okuhita oneno. Travel into the Japan Alps to the Ukuha onen villages, a cluster of remote onen towns. Focus huge dramatic rodenboroough outdoor baths with stunning mountain views. Evening enjoy a magnificent soak under the stars. Okuhita onen riiken. Day 8hida onen go morning. Take the shinhotaka roadway for panoramic views of the northern Japan elves. Daytime explore the different onen villages in the area such as Hiayu or Fukuchi. Sampling local crafts and treats. Okuhita onen ryaken. Phase three, coastal charm and final soak. Day destination, focus and activities accommodation. Day nine, Okuhita to Kinosaki onen. A long but scenic journey to the coast of the sea of Japan to reach Kinosaki onen. This historic town is designed for onen habang. Afternoon arrive dawn your yukata and begin your tour of the seven public bathous. Kinosaki onen rikin day 10. Kinosaki onen morning. Complete the sodium. Exploring the unique architecture and waters of each of the seven public bats. All are tattoo friendly. Daytime stroll along the willowined river. Visit the local temple and enjoy fresh seafood from the sea of Japan. Evening relaxed final onen visit. Kinosaki onen riiken. Day 11. Kinosaki to Osaka. Travel from the coast back to the major city of Osaka. Daytime. Check into your hotel in Osaka. Afternoon, evening. Enjoy a change of pace with a walk through the bustling Dodom Bori District. Trying famous Osaken street food like takoyaki octopus balls and okonomiyaki. Osaka hotel. Day 12 departure from Osaka. Depart from Kai International Airport Kicks. Depending on your flight time, you can visit Osaka Castle or do some last minute souvenir shopping. Onen etiquette and traveler’s notes. Nudity is mandatory in almost all traditional onen. Full nudity is required. Baths are segregated by gender. Wash first. You must wash and rinse your entire body thoroughly before entering the hot spring water. Keep it clean. Never let your towel or hair touch the water. Rest your small modesty towel on your head. Tattoos. While many public baths are strictly against tattoos due to their historical association, the rians in this itinerary, especially in Hacken and Kinosaki, often offer private reservable baths. Kashi Kiri Boru or are generally more lenient. Kinosaki’s seven public baths are famously tattoo friendly. Hydrate onsen water is very hot. Drink plenty of water before and after your soak. Do not enter the bath when you are heavily intoxicated. Love onen. 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Planning a trip to Japan and looking for the perfect blend of dynamic city life and relaxing hot springs? This ultimate 12-day Japan itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience the best onsen towns and bustling Japanese cities, offering a comprehensive guide for an unforgettable adventure. We take you through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and Osaka for vibrant nightlife and world-class street food, before retreating to classic onsen destinations like Hakone, Kusatsu, or Kinosaki Onsen to soak in therapeutic hot springs and enjoy traditional Japanese ryokan culture. Discover the contrast between ancient temples in Kyoto, like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, and modern life in the metropolis, complete with detailed tips on the best activities, cuisine, and transportation to make the most of your 12 days in Japan. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide unlocks a journey of culture, relaxation, and delicious Japanese food.
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