Perhaps you would agree that any Japan itinerary will not be complete in the absence of a quick visit to a local hot spring. Japan has some of the best hot springs (onsen) in the world and while some might be too far from your location, there are few select spots that are worth the…

Japan is home to some of the most beautiful hot springs in the world. Regardless if you’re in a rural or urban area, the country has lots of accessible options that will let you enjoy the natural gift of geothermal heat – relaxing and therapeutic at its best. But did you know that there are…

Are you a huge fan of Studio Ghibli animations? If you are, then you must have come across the 1989 fantasy animation, Kiki’s Delivery Service. Interestingly, there’s a real-life Kiki’s Bakery located in a small hamlet called Yufuin Floral Village in Japan. Not much is known about the place other than having a whimsical and…

Oita Prefecture, on the southern island of Kyushu, is particularly popular for a variety of food which comes from the sea and mountains. Besides being blessed with hot springs, it is also known for its chicken karaage, a Japanese dish of chicken deep fried in oil. Many different establishments serve this dish but one particular…

Japan’s former castle town, Usuki (臼杵), is one of the off-the-beaten-track areas offering tourists a chance to see some of old Japan. Usuki is located on the east coast of Oita Prefecture (大分県) in Kyushu (九州). There are so many places to visit in Usuki and these retain the beauty of the old castle town.…

If you love hot springs (温泉) and beautiful scenery in Japan, Oita Prefecture (大分県) is the place to be. It is located on the eastern side of Kyushu (九州), which is a perfect spot to see and experience the earth’s powerful force beneath our feet. Japan is known for being located on the Ring of…

Staying in Japan is never complete without soaking in an “onsen (温泉)” or a Japanese hot spring. For hundreds of years, the Japanese people have enjoyed this activity mainly for socializing and its health benefits. It is considered as one of the great ways to enjoy the Japanese culture in the country. There are so…

During a visit to the museum, we tend to rely on our senses of sight, hearing, and touch to absorb the information presented and admire exhibits on display. However, do you know that there is this unusual museum in Oita Prefecture which has exhibits that can only be appreciated with your sense of smell? Join…

Japan is well-known for its onsen (hot springs), but did you know that you could experience the same benefits without getting yourself wet? Japan offers you another outdoor spa experience that will keep you coming back for more! Imagine lying comfortably on your back while being slow-baked as a man with a shovel covers you…

※The content in this article has been translated from this interview by Nikkei Business Online On April 14th, 2016, an earthquake struck the center of Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu and the surrounding area. In Kumamoto, the deaths of over 40 people have been reported, Aso Ohashi has collapsed and damages to various places have arisen.…