Trip Moments Recommendations
Kusatsu Onsen (One of Japan's best onsen）
Located in the mountainous region of Kanto area, Gunma, you'll be stunned by the beauty of this small town where onsens dated back in Edo era are highlighted. You can also have a foot bath while drinking a can of beer next to the main stream, Yubatake area. Can be visited all year round but the winter season will make your photos more dramatic creating a beautiful contrast with their ancient houses. Book one of the ryokans or traditional inn and grab their free yukata clothing during your stay and wear it while roaming around the town. And don't forget to watch their traditional kneading of thermal water known as Yumomi.
#trip #wintergetaway #onseninjapan
Dogo Onsen -one of the oldest onsen in Japan
I have been wanting to visit Dogo Onsen in Shikoku for years. It is one of the oldest in Japan. for all the Miyazaki fans , it is the building that appeared in the film- Spirited Away.
We arrived in Dogo Onsen town in late morning and parked in the nearby parking lots. The covered shopping street was already quite vibrant and ready for the lunch hours. We followed the street to the end and came to the spot where I was supposed to see the beautiful onsen house. Instead, I saw a colorful hoarding covering all three sides of the building ! Only the lower part of the front facade and the entrance was not covered! As I finally learned, the building is under going renovation for 7 years. ( starting Jan 2019 ). Whether there was delay due to covid, I am not sure.
So disappointingly, we can only see part of this building and read about the history of the Onsen in the little exhibition house across the street. Hopefully I will have the chance to go back when the work is completed. The good thing is that the Onsen is still opened for business during this time.
Aside from the Onsen, there are also other fun things to do such as the foot bath at the park, and plenty of shops for shopping and enjoying udon which is famous in Shikoku.
Hours- 6am-11 pm daily
#Dogoonsen #Matsuyama #Onseninjapan