Where You Slow Down

Today, I’d like to introduce a sento called Taieiyu( 大栄湯 ) , located in Hiroshima. This bathhouse boasts excellent accessibility via the JR West Sanyo Main Line. It’s situated in Onomichi City , a place that feels far less crowded than central Hiroshima. Onomichi is a historic port city in southeastern Hiroshima Prefecture, beloved by travelers for its nostalgic atmosphere and stunning ocean views. It’s so romantic and picturesque that it has frequently been used as a backdrop for various Japanese animations. If you love the combination of mountains, sea, and winding slopes, Onomichi is a must-visit. Let’s dive into what Taieiyu has to offer.   Getting to Taieiyu Getting to Taieiyu from Hiroshima Station is quite straightforward. You have two main options: The Fast Route: Take the Shinkansen and transfer midway. This takes about 1 hour but costs around 5,000 yen . The Scenic Route: Take the JR Sanyo Main Line directly to Onomichi Station. This takes about 2 hours but only costs a...

The sento (Japanese public bathhouse) I’d like to introduce today is located in Nagasaki Prefecture, on the westernmost tip of Kyushu. Nagasaki is a peaceful coastal city with plenty of charm. While it is famous for tourist spots like Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge) , which reflects on the river to look like glasses, or the Dutch-themed park Huis Ten Bosch , the sento we’re visiting today is tucked away in a tiny village far from the tourist crowds. That place is Mogi-machi . Mogi is a quiet fishing village known for its harbor, small shops selling local crafts and snacks, and especially its famous Urolog bakery. Accessible by bus from central Nagasaki, this is a spot where you’ll rarely see other foreign tourists. Most importantly, there is a tattoo-friendly sento here. If you’ve traveled all the way to Nagasaki, why not enjoy a bath near the sea in this tranquil village? Let me introduce you to Takasaki-yu , where everyone is welcome, tattoos and all.   How to Get There You can...

Japan is world-renowned for its bathing culture. However, if you're a traveler with tattoos, you’ve likely faced the nagging question: "Am I allowed in here?" Checking every location beforehand can be a real hassle. Today, I’d like to introduce a cozy, tattoo-friendly sento (public bathhouse) in Tokyo where you can relax without the worry. The spot is Bentenyu , located in the Yochomachi area of Shinjuku. Unlike the neon-soaked chaos of central Shinjuku, this bathhouse sits in a quiet residential neighborhood, offering a perfect slice of local Tokyo life.     How to Get to Bentenyu Bentenyu is accessible from several stations, making it a convenient stop regardless of where you're staying: Wakamatsu-kawada Station: Approx. 8-minute walk Akebonobashi Station: Approx. 12-minute walk Higashi-shinjuku Station: Approx. 11-minute walk Shinjuku-sanchome Station: Approx. 15-minute walk Think of it as sitting right in the middle of a square formed by these four stations....

 If you are planning a trip to Kyushu, Japan, Saga Prefecture is a destination that deserves your attention for the deep, lasting impression it leaves, despite being relatively under the radar. Saga is a quiet, small scale region. With few tall buildings and even fewer crowds, it is a premier sanctuary for travelers seeking true tranquility. It is the kind of place that naturally comes to mind when you want to step away from the frantic pace of daily life and find peace in nature rather than the bustle of typical tourist spots. As you head north from Saga Station, the heart of the prefecture, the urban colors gradually fade, replaced by the refreshing scent of the sea. This lead you to Karatsu Bay. Here, where the gentle waves meet an expansive sky, lies a truly special forest running parallel to the coast. Today, I want to introduce Niji no Matsubara, a pine forest that has stood firmly by the sea for centuries. It is a place where the needles rustle softly in the breeze and the s...

Beppu, located in Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, is a city world renowned for its hot springs. The sheer volume of thermal water discharged here is among the highest in all of Japan. There is even a local joke that if you dig just about anywhere, hot water will burst forth, allowing you to start your own spa business on the spot. What was once a quiet hot spring village has transformed into a famous destination, largely through word of mouth among international travelers. Today, it is considered a must visit spot during any trip to Fukuoka. As you arrive at Beppu Station and look toward the mountains, the rising steam from the vents creates a peaceful first impression that immediately puts your mind at ease. While there are countless baths to choose from, travelers with tattoos often find their options limited unless they book a private ryokan. Although the city is generally welcoming to international guests, finding public baths that allow ink can still require a fair amount...

Osaka is a premier destination for international travelers, alongside Tokyo, Sapporo, and Fukuoka. However, for those who prefer peace and quiet over towering skyscrapers and dense crowds, the city’s bustle can feel a bit overwhelming. If you look south of Osaka, you can easily find more tranquil getaways. One such place is Wakayama Prefecture. Accessible within one to two hours by train from Osaka, Wakayama offers a completely different atmosphere, allowing you to experience the true charm of the Japanese countryside. While it is home to the Kumano Kodo World Heritage site, it is also famous for the hot spring town of Shirahama. Literally meaning "white sand beach," this coastal town is one of the oldest hot spring regions in Japan. Its greatest draw is the ability to soak in hot springs while looking out over the ocean. You might think hot springs are only found in the mountains, but there are places where you can relax to the sound of the wind and the crashing waves. Today...

Daisetsuzan National Park is located in the heart of Hokkaido. This area features a cluster of high mountains where you can see the peaks covered in thick white snow throughout the winter. People visit this place for various reasons such as admiring the breathtaking scenery, hiking the rugged trails, or enjoying skiing during the winter season. It is natural for the body to feel exhausted after a long day of hiking or intense exercise. If you head slightly southwest from the main peaks, you will find Mount Tokachi and the Fukiage area nestled right at its base. This is where you can find a unique tattoo friendly hot spring known as Fukiage Onsen Hakuginso. Today, I would like to introduce this special hot spring located right beneath the towering mountains.   How to Get There Since it is located at the foot of a mountain, it is true that accessibility is somewhat limited. It takes about 20 minutes by car from JR Kamifurano Station. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the hot sprin...

The hot spring I’m about to introduce is the one I was most excited about and ultimately most satisfied with during my Matsuyama trip: Dogo Onsen . As Japan’s oldest hot spring with a history stretching back 3,000 years, it’s a place where you can truly feel the footsteps of the past. Are you curious about this legendary bathhouse that has stood the test of time? In 1994, it became the first public bathhouse in Japan to be designated an Important Cultural Property. In a country that deeply values heritage, Dogo Onsen is a must-visit destination that is well worth your time.   The architecture itself is a masterpiece. It is famously known as a primary inspiration for 'Aburaya,' the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece, Spirited Away . Standing before it, I was struck by how much it resembled the scenes from the animation I watched as a child. Looking at the intricate wooden structure and the red glass windows on the top floor, I felt like a protagonist stepping into a fantas...

  When most people think of Otaru, they envision the romantic night views of the canal or the charming atmosphere of the Music Box Museum. However, if you turn your gaze just a little away from the bustling tourist spots, you will find Asarigawa , a tranquil hot spring village that feels as if a forest spirit might appear at any moment. While the uphill terrain makes it difficult to reach on foot, a short bus ride offers scenic views that lead you to a pristine village where the very air feels different. The accommodation I chose, Hotel Musashitei , was a hidden gem. Instead of the coldness of a modern hotel, it offered the warmth of a traditional Japanese ryokan and the essence of Omotenashi (heartfelt hospitality). Getting There and First Impressions: Thoughtful Transportation Hotel Musashitei offers various access options to suit any traveler’s schedule. It takes about 20 minutes by car from Otaru Station and approximately 15 minutes by bus from Otaru Chikko Station. Pro Tip: ...