Where You Slow Down

When you want to enjoy a quiet break in Jeju, there is a place where you can slow down without going far. JEJU DAM SPAVILL is a stay designed for rest, offering guest rooms with private spa bathtubs where you can fully focus on relaxation. It’s just as comfortable for a solo getaway, soaking in warm water with no distractions, as it is for couples looking to spend unhurried time together. Having a spa bathtub inside the room naturally encourages you to stay in and enjoy the space a little longer.   About 40 minutes by car from the airport, or roughly an hour and a half by bus, you’ll arrive in Geumneung , a small fishing village in Jeju. As the busy city fades away, the view outside the window slowly changes to the sea and low, quiet buildings. The pace feels noticeably slower here. Unlike Jeju’s crowded tourist areas, Geumneung has a calm, unhurried atmosphere that gently puts your mind at ease. The moment you arrive, it feels like permission to rest has finally been given. ...

  Tucked away in a quiet residential alley of Meguro, Tokyo, about a ten-minute walk from Jiyugaoka Station, there is a small sento that many people might pass by without noticing. This place is Midoriyu , a tattoo-friendly public bath that feels refreshingly ordinary in the best possible way. Far from major tourist areas, it sits calmly among local homes, which makes its tattoo-friendly policy feel even more unexpected. For travelers familiar with Japan’s strict tattoo restrictions, simply knowing a place like this exists already brings a sense of relief.   Because Midoriyu is located in a neighborhood rather than a sightseeing district, it feels deeply rooted in everyday Tokyo life. At first glance, it may seem surprising that a tattoo-friendly sento in Tokyo exists in such a quiet area, but once you step inside, the atmosphere makes perfect sense. There is no awkward tension or lingering glances—just a calm, welcoming space where people come to unwind. Opening the door, yo...

Many travelers in Japan hesitate to visit an onsen because of their tattoos. Most public baths and hot springs still restrict entry for people with tattoos, which can make it difficult to enjoy a traditional Japanese bathing experience. That’s why Hasunuma Onsen is such a welcome place for travelers like us. It is officially tattoo-friendly, allowing guests to relax without worry or discomfort.   Hasunuma Onsen is a neighborhood-style public bath located near Hasunuma Station in Ota City, Tokyo. It operates from 3:00 PM to midnight and is closed every Tuesday. The entrance fee is only 550 yen, making it an affordable and convenient stop during your trip. Although it is located right in the middle of the city, the atmosphere inside feels completely different. The moment you step through the door, it feels as if you have entered a quiet, nostalgic corner of old Japan. One of the biggest charms of this onsen is its traditional Japanese interior design. The use of natural wood and plas...

When traveling in Japan, many people hesitate to visit hot springs because of their tattoos. Most onsen and public baths have restrictions on tattoos, which can make it difficult for some travelers to enjoy this traditional experience. That’s why tattoo-friendly hot springs are such a welcome discovery for travelers like me. Located in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, Showa-yu is a place I would especially recommend for anyone in that situation. It’s not a large or luxurious facility, but its simple and modest atmosphere allows you to experience a more authentic and local side of Japan.     The most distinctive feature of this hot spring is its alkaline water with a pH of 8.1. As soon as you step into the bath, you can feel the smooth, silky texture of the water against your skin, a typical characteristic of alkaline hot springs. It almost feels as if you’ve applied lotion, leaving your skin soft and refreshed. Even a short soak is enough to make your body feel lighter and more ...

In the quiet seaside town of Saga Prefecture, just a short six-minute walk from Hamasaki Station on the JR Kyushu Chikuhi Line, you’ll find Sea Style Resort Ocean tucked away between peaceful neighborhood streets. Rather than a flashy, luxurious resort, this is a place that blends gently into its natural surroundings, a calm retreat where the ocean feels close enough to touch. Thanks to its location right by the water, the sound of waves drifts naturally into your room. Step outside, and an open stretch of sea spreads out before you. On windy days, you can feel the faint spray of seawater in the air and catch the salty scent carried by the breeze. Life in the city is often fast, noisy, and filled with endless things to think about. But here, you don’t need to do anything at all. It’s the kind of place that comes to mind when you simply want to pause, rest, and just be.   Check-in is available on the second floor of the building via a convenient self-service system. It opens at 4:...

Karatsu, located in Saga Prefecture, Japan, is a charming port city that faces the sea. It is a popular destination for travelers exploring Kyushu on a free and relaxed itinerary. From Fukuoka Airport, you can reach Karatsu by subway and JR train, enjoying a slow and scenic journey along the way. The calm ocean views from the train window naturally put your mind at ease before you even arrive. The city is also famous for its fresh squid dishes, making it a great place for food lovers as well.     About a 10-minute walk from Karatsu Station, you’ll find a small white hotel tucked away in a quiet alley. This is Asuka Hotel. While it is not a modern or luxurious building, it has a warm and comfortable atmosphere that feels welcoming and familiar. Its convenient location makes it easy to reach even with luggage, and the peaceful surroundings make it especially suitable for solo travelers.       The staff who handled check-in were very friendly, and simple communica...