Matsuyama: A Literary Adventure Matsuyama — and its historic bathhouse, Dogo Onsen — are immortalized in Natsume Soseki’s famous novel, Botchan. The city celebrates its literary past with enthusiasm. The author’s influence can be seen in the most unlikely places. Enjoy some Botchan dango, a snack sold everywhere in Matsuyama. This dessert is made up … Read more
Arima Onsen is a natural hot spring resort in Hyogo prefecture, and is Japan’s third oldest hot spring. If you want absolute relaxation and peace, this is the place to go. While close enough to touristy areas like Osaka or Kyoto to be an easy day trip, Arima is screened from the cities by Mt. Rokko, … Read more
Every visitor to Japan should experience an onsen. These uniquely Japanese baths will rejuvenate you after a long journey. The onsen themselves are an attraction, located in areas of great natural beauty or charming historical buildings. Relax and strike up a conversation with a local. Japanese bathers are more likely to chat with a stranger … Read more
There are many places in Japan that I absolutely love, and the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen area are both at the top of my list. As the title suggests, they are both onsen towns. So if you don’t like onsen, you might not enjoy this place as much as I do. However, there are still … Read more