One of the things I was most excited about experiencing in Japan was the Onsens. Onsen culture is deeply embedded in Japanese daily life, with origins that trace back over a thousand years. It is rooted in Shinto beliefs surrounding purification and the concept that water possesses a cleansing power beyond the physical. As someone who loves being in any body of water, I began searching for both public and private onsens in each of the destinations we were visiting. When searching for Onsen locations outside Tokyo, Hakone is frequently recommended and considered a top spot for hot springs. However, as with all my trips, I was interested in exploring something a little off the radar.

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