On a recent concert tour in Japan, I had the chance to visit several thermal baths and to chat with people about the tradition of bathing. I was fascinated by their differences with American spas.

Arimasansoh Goshobessho’s treehouse has a wildly creative bird’s nest onsen. Arima Onsen, Kobe; 1.5 hours from Osaka In the mountains above cosmopolitan Kobe, Arimasansoh Goshobessho can be found in ...

From Kintsugi to Kendo, there are dozens of ways to soak up Japanese traditions. Take these cultural classes for an unforgettable trip.

Ginzan Onsen, a popular Japanese hot spring town known for its scenic snowy views, has begun limiting entry to day trippers during winter peak season, becoming another destination to tackle ...

Two things can be true at once — and in Japan they usually are. It’s a land of contradictions and, thanks to this and its reputation for complex, manners-driven culture, visitors can sometimes feel ...

Visitors to Kyoto can experience traditional Japanese culture with a stay at a modern hotel designed in the style of a ryokan — a traditional Japanese inn — in the former imperial capital. Onyado Nono ...