What are Onsen?

Onsen (温泉) are natural hot springs and deeply rooted in Japanese bathing culture. They are considered beneficial for both body and mind – and if you want to get some basic information first, you will find a detailed introduction in the article All about Onsen in Japan.

Takaragawa Onsen – Overnight Trip from Tokyo

Takaragawa Onsen is one of the most beautiful Onsen in Japan and is located deep in the mountains of Gunma. Huge, natural pools await you here directly by the wild Takaragawa River. The special feature: Most of these outdoor baths (Rotenburo) are traditionally mixed (Konyoku). Don’t worry, it is mandatory today to wear special bathing wear, which you receive at the accommodation. This keeps the experience relaxed and comfortable for everyone. There is hardly anything more beautiful than sitting in the warm water while the cold mountain river rushes by next to you.

However, do not expect a pulsating village life outside the facility – Takaragawa Onsen is really in the middle of nowhere. There are hardly any shops or cafés around, and the surroundings seem almost a bit deserted. In return, the Ryokan itself offers everything you need to forget the outside world. After the bath in the river, a traditional Kaiseki dinner awaits you in the evening.

Tip

Start your time out in the mountains with light luggage. It is best to use the Luggage Service to simply send your large suitcase ahead or leave it at the hotel in Tokyo. You can find out exactly how this works stress-free and how to set off with just a backpack in the article Luggage service in Japan.

Access

The journey is surprisingly uncomplicated and makes the place ideal for a short overnight trip. From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jōmō-Kōgen (approx. 75 min.). From there, a shuttle bus from the hotel takes you directly into the seclusion.

Kurokawa Onsen on Kyushu

Kurokawa Onsen is hidden deep in the mountains of Kyushu and seems almost like a place out of time. Instead of neon signs and concrete bunkers, you will find traditional wooden buildings here that nestle harmoniously into the narrow valley. It is quiet – just the right thing to escape everyday life completely. The special thing about this place: The whole village sees itself as one single, huge Ryokan. The alleys are the hallways, the inns are the rooms. Everything seems to be cast from one mold, creating an incredibly relaxed atmosphere and making Kurokawa one of the most beautiful Onsen in Japan.

The absolute highlight for visitors is the Nyuto Tegata, a wooden bathing pass. With this, you are not tied to your own hotel but can flexibly try three different Rotenburo (outdoor baths) of other Ryokans. This way you can relax and hop from bath to bath and test the different mineral springs.

It becomes particularly magical in winter or in the evening. Then handmade bamboo lanterns bathe the river and the small bridges in a warm light. When the steam of the hot springs rises and you only hear the rushing of the water, the Japanese idyll is perfect. So definitely stay there overnight – it is worth it.

Tip

The accommodation inn Noshiyu is particularly beautiful. Especially the combination of well-kept grounds and relaxed bathing area makes it so easy to really switch off – exactly this quiet, traditional atmosphere is typical for Kurokawa Onsen as a whole.

Access

It is best to travel here by rental car. It is the most convenient option to reach the remote mountain region flexibly. The drive itself is a real highlight thanks to the spectacular views of Kyushu’s volcanic landscape. Since the alleys in the historic center are extremely narrow, it is advisable to head directly for the parking lot of your accommodation or the public parking areas on the outskirts and then explore the village in a relaxed manner on foot.

Zao Onsen and Ginzan Onsen in Japan’s Snowy North

If you like it a bit wilder and more rustic, Zao Onsen in the north (Yamagata Prefecture) is an absolute highlight. The place is famous for its extremely acidic, sulfurous water, which smells intense but is supposed to be fantastic for the skin. Here you really feel like you are in another world, especially in winter when the famous Juhyo (huge, frozen trees known as “Snow Monsters”) characterize the landscape. Many of the traditional Ryokans and public bathhouses here are still very pristine, with wooden tubs and dense clouds of steam drifting through the alleys.

It is the perfect place if you want to combine skiing and Onsen, as the slopes are often right on the doorstep of the accommodations. But even without skis, trudging through the deep snow and then warming up in the hot, milky-blue water is an unforgettable experience.

Tip

From Zao Onsen, a side trip to Ginzan Onsen is recommended – and if you thought Kurokawa was idyllic, Ginzan takes it up a notch. This tiny place is quite rightly often described as one of the most beautiful Onsen in Japan and looks like a postcard from the Taisho era come to life.

Magnificent, multi-story wooden houses stand to the left and right of the small river, beautifully illuminated in the evening. There are no modern disturbances, no cars in the center – only pedestrians in Yukatas and the splashing of the water. Since accommodations here are often booked out months in advance and very expensive, a day trip (or evening trip for the lighting atmosphere) is a super alternative to still experience this time-travel atmosphere.

Access

The most convenient way is the Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa from Tokyo Station or Ueno. The journey takes approx. 2.5 to 3 hours and takes you directly to Yamagata Station. An important note: All seats on this train are reserved, so you should book your ticket in advance. Once in Yamagata, simply change to the local bus to Zao Onsen.

A flexible alternative to Coin Lockers

Are you looking for secure luggage storage in Japan because hotel check-in isn’t available yet, or perhaps you’re just passing through? Anyone who has ever stood desperately in front of a wall of red-lit (occupied) coin lockers at Tokyo or Kyoto station knows the stress. But now, there is a new solution for storing suitcases directly at the Konbini (convenience store).

7-Eleven has teamed up with the service provider Ecbo Cloak to offer luggage storage in hundreds of branches. Read on to find out why this could be a real game changer for your next trip to Japan.

How Luggage storage at 7-Eleven works

The principle is simple and solves one of the biggest problems of classic lockers: uncertainty. Instead of dragging heavy luggage around hoping to find a free locker, you simply reserve your spot in advance.

Book via app or website

The service runs through the provider Ecbo Cloak. You book your slot conveniently via the app for iPhone, Android or website before you even step into the store. Important: Spontaneous drop-offs without a reservation are not possible. You must book in advance.

Drop-off: Your Luggage Service Directly at the Konbini

Once you have completed your reservation, simply head to the selected 7-Eleven branch. Since the service is already available in 378 stores at launch, you can often find an option in close proximity to your hotel or major sightseeing spots. This saves you the tedious detour to the train station and makes this new luggage service in Japan the perfect alternative when you want to keep travel distances short.

Check-in: Digital and Without Small Change Stress

Forget the hassle of collecting 100-yen coins for coin lockers. On-site, everything is completely digital: You go to the register and simply show the staff your digital receipt or booking confirmation on your smartphone. The staff scans the code, verifies the data, and accepts your luggage—the process is done in a matter of moments.

Storage: Securely Stored Instead of Publicly Accessible

Security is the most important criterion when storing luggage. Unlike some makeshift solutions, your suitcases are not left standing in the sales area. Your luggage goes into a separate, locked storage room or a specially secured area in the Konbini’s staff room. In addition, insurance against loss or damage is already included in the price, so you can start your sightseeing tour completely worry-free.

Prices and Luggage sizes

The price structure is transparent and comparable to the large lockers at train stations—often even slightly cheaper when you consider that you can also drop off bulky items.

• Small (< 45cm, suitable for handbags, backpacks, shopping bags): approx. 500 Yen
• Large (> 45cm, suitable for suitcases, strollers): approx. 800 Yen

Conclusion

With the rising number of tourists, local logistics are becoming increasingly important. The cooperation between 7-Eleven and Ecbo Cloak is a smart expansion of Konbini culture. For us travelers, this new option for luggage storage in Japan means less stress during sightseeing and more flexibility—especially in hotspots like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.

Simply give it a try on your next trip when the coin lockers at the station are fully occupied again.

Tip: Want to spend a night in an Onsen or go hiking in the Japanese mountains? Or just move from hotel to hotel within Tokyo without losing much time? Then a luggage delivery service is exactly right for you. You can find more about it here: Luggage service in Japan

Etiquette – What you need to know

1. Tattoos are no go. While there are some more modern thermal baths that allow tattoos, in most Onsen, publicly displaying tattoos is prohibited. You can opt for private baths instead.
2. Generally, men (男) and women (女) bathe separately. You leave your clothes in one of the baskets in the changing area. You can store valuables in a locker.
3. In a Japanese Onsen, bathing naked is the norm. Some Ryokans offer swimwear for mixed baths.
4. Thorough washing before bathing is mandatory. Onsen provide separate washing areas where you traditionally rinse off on a small stool.
5. The small towel provided in the Onsen is placed on the head during bathing to regulate body temperature.
6. Submerging completely is not preferred. Instead, find a cozy spot and enjoy the view.
7. Using cell phones in the Onsen is not allowed, neither for calling nor for taking photos.
8. The water can be extremely hot. However, there are often several pools and depending on where you sit it can be hotter or cooler.

Costs & Opening hours

The cost for an overnight stay in a Ryokan, including access to the Onsen, is approximately 30,000 – 45,000 yen per night.

The entrance fee for a public Onsen ranges from approximately 200 to 2,000 yen.

Opening hours are typically from early morning (9:00 – 11:00 AM) until evening (8:00 – 11:00 PM). In some Ryokans, the Onsen opens very early with sunrise.

County Cornwall – How to get there

The county of Cornwall is located in the southwest of England and is a charming holiday destination that impresses with its breathtaking coastal landscapes and small fishing villages similar to Ireland. The relaxed atmosphere, mild climate, and culinary delights, including fresh seafood, make Cornwall an unforgettable travel destination. And here’s how you can easily get to Cornwall:

The small Newquay Airport in the heart of Cornwall is the easiest and fastest option, although it is also very limited. Most flights operate within the UK, but you can fly there as well from Düsseldorf, Faro, Alicante, Zurich, Malaga, Copenhagen and Guernsey.

By car, the journey takes a bit longer, approximately 5 hours from London. The first section on the highway is relatively fast, but patience is required for the subsequent journey on the country roads.

The most convenient option is the GWR train, which goes directly from London to Cornwall.

Costs & Tickets

The convenience of this day trip is that you only need one ticket for the entire journey, the Hakone Free Pass. You can easily purchase the ticket online at: https://www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/hakone/

The cost for the pass is approximately 6,000 yen. The pass is valid for two days if you plan to spend an extended time in Hakone and the surrounding areas.

Note: Each person needs a separate ticket. Multiple tickets on one smartphone are not accepted!

Alternatively, you can also purchase the ticket at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center, Shinjuku West.

Directions – Let’s get started

Now it’s time to get going. The trip begins at Shinjuku Station. Look for the Odakyu Line subway there. With your Hakone Free Pass, you can pass through the platform gate directly. Board a Limited Express train to Odawara (Limited Express trains are faster, more information can be found here). The journey to Odawara takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Transfer in Odawara

In Odawara, you will disembark from the Odakyu Line and follow the arrows on the ground – they are hard to miss. After a few meters, you’ll reach the platform for the Hakonetozan Line heading to Hakone-Yumoto Station. After approximately 15 minutes, you will finally arrive in Hakone.

Off to the Bus

Sights in Hakone in detail

Journey to the Volcano

Upon entering the cable car, you can sense that it’s heading towards a volcano. The cabins are covered by ash dust and there’s a faint smell of sulfur.

The cable car leisurely travels over forests to Ōwakudani, a volcanic crater approximately 1,000 meters high, formed around 3,000 years ago during the last eruption of the volcano. Even today, white sulfuric smoke rises from the crater. This is also the place where you can try the famous “Kuro-Tamago” (Black Eggs). It is said that consuming just one egg can extend your life by seven years.

From the observation platform, you can already see the cable car crossing the gorge. This is where the round trip continues.

Back to Tokyo

You will arrive directly at Hakone-Yumoto Station again. From there, it’s the same route back. First, take the Hakonetozan Line to Odawara, and then board a Limited Express train on the Odakyu Line to Shinjuku.