Sumiya Kihoan, a cozy inn at Yunohana Onsen in Kameoka City in Kyoto, opened a unique new guest room on April 28, 2022. The room’s concept is “where guests can stay in the middle of contemporary art,” and was inspired by the works of internationally-acclaimed contemporary artist Yukinori Yanagi. The new room, created as part of the Art Room Project, has been named ‘Kofuu.’

The Icarus Corridor Connecting Heaven and Earth

Heavenly Bath Welcoming a Rainbow at Dusk

In-Ground Bath Featuring Oribe Glazed Ceramic

Concept Drawing of the Art Room Project by Yukinori Yanagi

The new room includes an open-air bath where guests can be transported into the world of Yanagi’s contemporary art while gazing at the gorgeous Kyoto landscape. Upon entering the inn, guests are greeted by a long corridor leading to the bedrooms, dining room, and two creative open-air baths. The space was created in collaboration with Yanagi and local artists and craftsmen, such as potter Ishii Naoto, obi craftsman Yamaguchi Genbei X, plasterer Kusumi Akira, and Japanese paper craftsman Hatano Wakaru. A delicious menu is prepared by chef Hosoi Kunihiko.

The Wakura Onsen Tourist Association is sponsoring a new project to illuminate Seirinji Temple, a nationally registered cultural property. Along with this light show, guests can enjoy a luxurious tea time starting on January 8, 2022. This year, the pavilion and garden will be lit up again, and the entrance will be decorated with traditional local paper lanterns. 

The historic property was built in 1909 as a resting place for Emperor Taisho. Only two such buildings exist in Japan: one in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, and the other at Wakura Onsen. Both were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan in 2017. 

Last year, the area was photographed for posters and pamphlets as part of the ‘Japanese Beauty Hokuriku’ campaign organized by JR East, JR West, and the Central JR Railway.

Each Saturday evening through February 26, guests will be invited to enjoy a different kind of atmosphere while enjoying a very fancy tea time. The program has been very well received by visitors, so it shouldn’t be missed!

The light-up of the temple and garden, with its slowly changing colors, will transport guests to another world. The entrance to Seirinji Temple will be redecorated and lit up, and a pathway of lights will be created from the gate to the entrance of the pavilion using paper lanterns.

DMM.com will sponsor a projection mapping project titled Yamashiro Night Promenade Fall 2021 on Yamashiro Onsen Street in Kaga, Ishikawa prefecture from October 30 until November 28, 2021. 

The limited-time project is being organized by the Yamashiro Onsen Tourist Association with support from DMM. Under the themes of harmony and local tradition, brilliant images of flowers, water, and geometric patterns will illuminate the hot spring resort while accompanied by music. There will also be traditional Taiko performances during the event. 

Japanese design company Jiyujin launched its new Satoyama Jujo THE HOUSE chain of accommodations this month which offer a single group of guests a one-night stay in an entire house.

The first branch to open is IZUMI which features a fully-renovated Japanese-style house located in the city of Uonuma in Niigata. A gorgeous outlook is offered from the house with an unbroken view of lush forests, rice fields, and Mt. Makihata, which is listed as one of the ‘100 Famous Japanese Mountains.’

A breathtaking view awaits guests from the open-air bath

The spacious living room

Fully renovated from a 150-year-old private house, the building is supported by beautiful wooden beams and columns, and in the middle the oe, a sunken hearth. This, along with the beams and sashigamoi joints, are made from keyaki Japanese zelkova which is an elm-like tree. This species of tree is rare even in a tree-covered region such as Uonuma. The lumber used for this house was cut, preserved, and dried out for a number of decades before being processed into building material for the house. The heart in the middle of the living room is reminiscent of a time when large families would gather around one and serves to recreate that lifestyle.

The Nishiyama region is known for is production of delicious rice. IZUMI in fact looks out over Kabanosawa, a special and important place of rice production in Nishiyama. This vantage point also gives guests an opportunity to appreciate the hot and cold temperatures of the daytime and evening, the rivers, the shape of the land, and the earth the city sits on. The drastic change in temperatures in the day and night are especially noteworthy as this, along with the basin between the mountains, gives rise to a sea of clouds.

IZUMI sits on a hill that overlooks the rice paddies, making it a perfect location for spotting the sea of clouds. Minamiuonuma’s sea of clouds has over a 70% chances of appearing in the autumn and spring seasons.

The number one reason why Japan’s old, long-standing, and precious private houses are demolished is due to the cold getting in and it being too dark inside. Even those who want to see them preserved for tradition, including those who live in them already, would rather live in a modern home. That’s why Jiyujin has begun a renovation project instead of a demolition one. By refurbishing the houses, the ancient framework can be fixed up and preserved while a range of contemporary amenities are incorporate to fit with modern lifestyles. The Satoyama Jujo accommodations are built so they can be used for over 100 years.

For dinner, there are three options for guests. The first is a dinner at SANABURI which earned itself a Michelin star in Michelin Guide Niigata 2020. The second is a meal at a restaurant that earned the status of Bib Gourmand in the same guide. The third is to prepare your own meal in the house. There are plenty of shops around the station nearby where you can buy local ingredients.

After a delicious meal, guests can take a soak in the open-air tub and enjoy gazing out across the fields and the beautiful mountains which stand almost 2,000 meters high.

Kissho Yamanaka, a hot spring hotel in Kaga, Ishikawa, is now offering a firefly-viewing experience as part of a new guest plan until June 15. This gorgeous resort, situated by the Daishoji River in the Kakusenkei Gorges, was awarded three Michelin stars in the Ryokan category of Michelin Guide Hokuriku 2021 Special Issue.

The firefly tour arrives as early summer is soon to begin. As part of the hotel plan, guests can also enjoy a dazzling Firefly Cocktail too.

Feel the rays of early summertime at Kissho Yamanaka.

As part of their 10th anniversary event, Tamagawa Onsen, a Showa retro-style bathhouse in Saitama, opened their ‘Real Duck Baths’ on May 29 which lets people bathe with real ducks. The experience is available on weekends and public holidays only.

Forget bathing with bright yellow toy ducks – now you can have the real thing. These ducks were hatched and raise from ducklings by the bathhouse manager Arai at their home. The ducks are still small so the hours when they will be out are not set in stone, but the bathhouse hopes that guests will watch their and support their growth as they mature over time.

Core Global Management is set to open the all-new Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari Hewitt Resort on July 1, 2021. In line with its opening, Japanese calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa has been put in charge of designing the hotel’s name logo.

The sea and sky meet in the Infinity Onsen

Tsukifune: the buffet restaurant

Enjoy Japanese-style food at Kumonami

Tatami baths

Fires prepared by the staff everyday

A look inside the guest rooms

A look inside the guest rooms

Yunokawa Onsen is one of the three major hot spring resorts in Hokkaido. During the Edo period, Matsumae Chikatsumaru, who later became the lord of the Matsumae domain, and Enomoto Takeharu, the president of the former Tokugawa shogunate, are said to have bathed in this very hot spring. Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari Hewitt Resort is a chance to enjoy the good old days of Hakodate Yunokawa.

The rooftop offers an unbroken view of the incredible Tsugaru Straits. Guests can also enjoy a tranquil moment at the historic hot spring with a cup of Hakodate’s local sake and dango in hand underneath a moonlit sky while surrounded by the lights of fishing fires. There’s also a chance for both kids and adults to take a dip in a tatami bath – something you don’t really see in Japan.

Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse reopened on April 29 after refurbishments to install a new sauna. The hotel, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is known for being situated atop rice paddies. Along with the sauna, it has also introduced a new spa program and healthy new menu made using organic vegetables grown by the hotel company itself.

An authentic Finnish-style sauna

The sauna is based on the Finnish-style löyly sauna, fully equipped with an authentic kiuas sauna stove inside which sauna stones are placed to heat up the room. Hinoki scented water is also used in the sauna.

The Sauna Features

Men’s Sauna

The male sauna features hexagonal designs on the seats, ceiling windows, and bath. The seats can be moved around freely so guests can decide how high they wish to sit for optimal heat customisation. The sauna rooms overlook the rice paddies outside, and there’s open-air baths outdoors too so guests can feel at one with nature.

Women’s Sauna

The women’s sauna is also a löyly type but uses raised benches instead of chairs. After sweating it out, guests can head to one of the outdoor baths and enjoy the view and sky.

There’s also a bar where guests can order local beers, sake, and wine, as well as fruit juice and ice cream. While relaxing, they can pick out from one of the 1,000 books available.

As well as fitness and massage services, morning yoga will begin this June. The MOON TERRASSE restaurant is also introducing new healthy dishes and drinks made with organic local ingredients.

Onsen ryokan hot spring inn SOKI ATAMI is collaborating with Shiseido’s skin and mind brand BAUM to offer a special new accommodation plan for the spring season. SOKI ATAMI x BAUM -Fresh Verdure & Healthcare- will run from May 1, but pre-bookings are already open on SOKI ATAMI’s website.

Free gift bag to the first 100 people who make a reservation

Enjoy deep relaxation with sachets filled with natural smells like wood

A candle-lit night under the starry sky

Fresh verdure and caring for one’s health is the theme of this event which takes place deep within Atami. The plan includes the Forest Twin bedroom which is fitted with a half open-air hinoki area that faces the mountains and lets guests feel like they are surrounded by the new green leaves of spring. Rooms are also kitted out with amenities such as BAUM’s Hydro Essence Lotion which captures the essence of fresh trees and shrubs. Guests are invited to experience Atami’s hot spring culture and cuisine as they allow their mind and body to relax, ultimately benefitting their health. This season is known for its bounteous verdure and refreshing breeze, but it’s also said to help alleviate the May blues which many Japanese people experience after starting school or work again, the negative feelings of the rainy season, and more, all of which can put one’s spiritual state out of kilter. The scent of trees will rid guests of stress, nerves, and tension, and bring about relaxation, peaceful sleep, and a good detoxing.

BAUM is a skin and mind brand that helps support the strength of one’s skin by focusing attention on the water storage, growth, and environmental protection of trees and forests while showing the importance of looking after your mind and body. The brand is giving free gift bags to the first 100 people that make a reservation to show how anyone can enjoy a sustainable life using an everyday item.

On the top floor of the inn is a tearoom where guests can make their own sachets using hinoki cypress. Guests can also enjoy the Aroamtic Room Spray and Aromatic Candles provided by BAUM, all to further aid in relaxation and restoration. In the evenings, the lights will be switched off at the cafe and be replaced with candlelight which will serve as a romantic replacement to shine against the overhead backdrop of the starry night sky.

Hot spring chain Gokurakuya is set to host a collaborative event with the TV anime series Attack on Titan on Friday (March 5). It will take place at 32 of the chain’s RAKU SPA venues in promotion of the anime series’ final season.

Check out the promotional videos released for the collaboration.

Hand Towels: Entry Price + Sauna Set | ¥770 (Tax Included)

Merch Line-Up

Acrylic Stands | ¥1,980 Each (Tax Included)

Folders | ¥550 (Tax Included)

Online Shop Exclusives

Tapestry | ¥5,808 (Tax Included)

A1 Posters | ¥1,848 Each (Tax Included) / A2 Posters | ¥1,518 Each (Tax Included)

First-Come, First-Served Free Postcards

Photo Spots

Take a photo against a backdrop of Eren and Levi

Take a photo against a backdrop of Hange

Dishes, drinks, and desserts are also being served until April 11, 2021. Check out the menu below.

Eren’s Bandage Parfait | ¥1,188 (Tax Included)

Mikasa’s Red Tomato Ramen | ¥1,408 (Tax Included)

Armin’s Mushroom Porcini Omurice | ¥1,848 (Tax Included)

Levi’s Triple Hamburgers | ¥3,278 (Tax Included)

Survey Corps Seafood Squid Ink Pasta | ¥1,848 (Tax Included)

Eren’s Strawberry Soda Float / Mikasa’s Lychee Soda Float / Armin’s Mikan Soda Float / Levi’s Grape Soda Float / Hange’s Purple Soda Float | ¥715 Each (Tax Included)

Coasters (12 Designs)

Outfit Rentals

Eren Shirt – ¥330 (Tax Included)

Colossal Titan Suit – ¥330 (Tax Included) *Limited to one person per day, first-come first-served

Birthday Plan

To celebrate Eren’s birthday, the hot springs will also be serving up a special cake limited-time cake and setting up a backdrop for people to take photos with. These will be available from March 24 to April 2.

Eren’s Chocolate & Raspberry Birthday Cake | ¥1,958 (Tax Included)

Photo Spot

Backdrop

(C)諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会

Ofuro Cafe Hakuju no Yu is holding a special Valentine’s Day event for lovers which will run from February 6 to 14.

Though the bath house is split between male and female, couples can write messages of love to their special someone on a heart-shaped plaque made from Japanese cypress wood. The plaques were made in collaboration with the local business Kanezawa.

Choko Sweet Sake Shake | ¥630 (Before Tax)

For the Valentine’s event, the bath house is also serving up a special shake beverage made with chocolate and sweet sake. The polyphenol in chocolate is said to be good for health and beauty, making it a perfect choice for a day of luxury at Ofuro Cafe Hakuju no Yu.

Guys who visit the bath house on Valentine’s Day itself will also receive free Valentine’s chocolate.

FANCL has brought the hot spring experience to its flagship site FANCL Ginza Square for a limited time with a variety of content that makes visitors feel like they’ve come to a Japanese onsen. The experience, named Tabi Suru Square Yu, is running until February 11, 2021.

Café au Lait / Fruit au Lait / Soy Milk Aojiru – ¥300 Each

Reiwa Honzen (FANCL Ginza Square Floor 9F)

Lunch Sana Winter Seafood Bento | ¥3,500

Winter Dinner Seafood Course | From ¥9,000

FANCL BROWN RICE MEALS (FANCL Ginza Square Floor B1F)

Hiroshima Oyster & Spinach Risotto Parmesan Cheese Galette Lunch Set | ¥1,850

Tomato Cream Pasta Lunch Set ¥1,850

Original Hand Towel

FANCL Ginza Square Onsen Essentials Set | ¥3,668

Breathing exercises at SUU-HAKU

At Tabi Suru Square Yu, visitors can enter a room that fully recreates the experience of being in a hot spring. The room is set at the same temperature, is filled with the same aromas, and is decorated in the same way. Visitors sit on one of the relaxation sheets to soak up the experience – effectively getting into a hot spring without having to change their clothes.

A variety of classic drinks and dishes sold at hot springs in Japan will also be sold, and visitors can get involved in the breathing exercises on offer.