Japan’s famed hot springs, or onsen, are full of invisible tripwires, from nudity to tattoos. A certified onsen sommelier ...

I wrapped my yukata, a cloth kimono, around my naked body, pulling the left side of the fabric over the right, as instructed, and tied the obi sash securely at my waist. The hotel provided these robes ...

It was a cold February day in northern Japan, snow piled high outside the onsen locker room windows as I slipped out of my clothes. Nervously, I stepped into the plumes of steam wafting from the next ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Public bath Siebold no Yu against colorful sakura blossom of cherry tree at Ureshino onsen park. - blanscape/iStockphoto/Getty ...

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.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world. We’ve pieced together a remarkably detailed timeline of ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Travel by train (and ferry) around Kyushu, a center of onsen culture. Courtesy of Hoshino Resorts Guest cabins at Kai Yufuin, a ...

Since 1931, researchers have been investigating the therapeutic effects of Japanese hot springs, also known as 'onsen.' In 2011, the hospital conducted a massive survey of Beppu residents over 65 on ...