Where You Slow Down

For many travelers dreaming of Japan, visiting an onsen is often at the top of the must-do list. However, for those with tattoos where each one tells a personal story, the entrance to a traditional onsen can feel unexpectedly cold and unwelcoming. In Japan’s conservative onsen culture, signs reading “No Tattoos” often dampen that initial excitement. I, too, longed for a quiet retreat, yet spent considerable time searching for a place where I wouldn’t be turned away simply because of my tattoos. That search eventually led me to Hoheikyo Onsen in Hokkaido.   Located deep in the tranquil forests of Jozankei, away from Sapporo’s bustling city center, Hoheikyo Onsen offers a warm and reassuring answer for tattooed travelers. More than just a scenic hot spring, it is widely known as a tattoo-friendly sanctuary that welcomes guests without prejudice. The freedom to soak in the hot spring exactly as you are, without hiding or explaining yourself, alone makes Hoheikyo well worth visiting. F...

Wakkanai is the northernmost city in Japan. Even among Japanese travelers, it is often seen as the edge of the country, a place many dream of visiting at least once. Surprisingly, however, the city also attracts a steady number of international visitors. When I visited, I noticed quite a few travelers from Taiwan, and I still remember briefly chatting with them while taking photos for each other at Cape Soya.   The presence of international travelers carries a certain meaning. It reflects the diversity of cultures and backgrounds drawn to this remote city, and naturally, that includes travelers with tattoos. So after arriving in Wakkanai, the very first question that came to my mind was this:  “Is there a sento in this northernmost city that allows tattoos?”    Fortunately, the answer is yes. Located not far from Wakkanai Station and Wakkanai Port, Minato no Yu Onsen (みなとの湯温泉) is one of the rare day-use public baths in Wakkanai where guests with tattoos are wel...

Just as humanity has sought to conquer the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, and reach the poles of the Earth, traveling to the northernmost point of Japan offers travelers a quiet but satisfying sense of achievement. Wakkanai, located at the very top of Hokkaido, lies so far north that parts of it share a similar latitude with Russia. Thanks to this geography, Hokkaido enjoys a refreshingly mild summer climate, free from the oppressive heat common in large cities. If you long to escape urban swelter and experience genuine cool air, why not journey to Wakkanai, the far edge of Japan? Wakkanai is Japan’s northernmost city, a mysterious coastal town where deep snow blankets the streets in winter and massive drift ice floats along the shoreline. Across the sea lies Russia’s Sakhalin Island, lending the city an atmosphere distinctly different from Japan’s major urban centers. Instead of neon lights and crowds, Wakkanai offers endless horizons and profound stillness, broken only by sharp...

When traveling through Hokkaido, there often comes a moment when you find yourself more drawn to the places where locals actually live their lives than to the flashy tourist landmarks. Strangely enough, it is these understated spaces, rather than the picture-perfect scenery, that tend to linger longest in one's memory.  If you are starting from Sapporo Station, it is a two-hour drive, or a quick five-minute taxi ride from JR Date-Monbetsu Station. Since there are no bus stops nearby, catching a taxi is your best bet. While the accessibility is decent, the surrounding landscape is notably peaceful. Instead of bustling shopping streets, you are greeted by low buildings, wide open plains, and the characteristic sense of "emptiness" that defines Hokkaido’s scenery. Even the journey toward the hot spring begins to loosen the knots in your mind. It’s a place that suits the simple intention of washing away the day's fatigue without the burden of high expectations.     The wa...

Gangneung is a coastal city that feels much closer than it looks, reachable in just about two hours from Seoul via the KTX. As a landmark destination on the East Coast, it reveals a different charm with every season. In the summer, the city vibrates with energy as travelers flock to the water to escape the heat. The sense of openness provided by the deep blue sea and the endless horizon is enough to wash away the fatigue of city life, and this trip was planned with the simple goal of resting within that very scenery.     For this journey, I chose "Hotel Hound," a stay renowned for its stunning ocean-view rooms. Located just a 10 minute taxi ride or a 15 minute bus trip from Gangneung Station, this place was more than just a place to sleep; it was an experience that seemed to dissolve the boundary between me and the sea. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, the clean, sophisticated interior and the calm, welcoming demeanor of the staff offered a sense of relief, whisperin...

Are you planning a trip to Hiroshima? Among Japan’s many urban centers, Hiroshima moves to a distinctly different rhythm. Rather than the frenetic energy of a sprawling metropolis, it feels like a city that quietly cradles time within its borders. With rivers and the sea weaving naturally through its landscape, Hiroshima invites you to slow down and find a gentler pace. It is a place where even a short visit leaves a profound impression, as moments of reflection seem to surface naturally while you wander its streets. Traveling here is less about ticking off a checklist of sights and more about experiencing a city that lingers in your thoughts long after you have left.   It may come as a surprise to find a tattoo friendly public bath right in the heart of the city. Tucked away near major landmarks and familiar hotel chains like the Hilton and Dormy Inn, Ondo Hot Spring sits on the second floor of an unassuming building on a street corner. It is easy to miss from the outside, but st...

  If you’re looking to step away from Tokyo’s constant noise and reconnect with quiet nature, Kiyokawa Village(清川村) in northwestern Kanagawa Prefecture is a surprisingly satisfying choice. True to its name meaning “clear stream”  this small village has preserved its natural landscape rather than replacing it with concrete and high-rise buildings. It is also the only municipality in Kanagawa that still holds the administrative title of a village,  which says a lot about its scale and atmosphere. Instead of skyscrapers, you’ll find forested ridgelines, winding valleys, and a calm rhythm of life that feels noticeably slower than the city.   Nearly 90% of Kiyokawa Village is covered by forest , nestled within the Tanzawa mountain range. Each season brings a distinct mood: fresh green leaves in spring, deep lush forests in summer, vivid autumn foliage, and quiet snow-covered scenery in winter. Rather than a crowded tourist destination, Kiyokawa feels like a place wh...

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...