About the Author

Hello! I’m eu — an onsen enthusiast on a never-ending quest for the perfect hot spring bath.

Thank you so much for visiting Hot Springs Recommendations.

I’ve been soaking in hot springs for over 15 years, visiting more than 400 onsen across Japan. On this site, I share honest, detailed reviews of truly exceptional hot springs — primarily those with 100% natural flowing source water (源泉かけ流し) — covering the baths themselves, accommodations, and the unique atmosphere of each place.

What sets this blog apart:

Whether you’re exhausted from work, parenting, or the daily grind — I hope the onsen experiences shared here bring you a little rest and rejuvenation. Let’s go find your perfect hot spring together.

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My Onsen Journey

Getting Started

My very first onsen experience came over 15 years ago, when a hot-spring-loving acquaintance invited me on a trip. That first bath was at Ubayu Onsen Masugata-ya — a rustic, secluded inn deep in the mountains of Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture. The wild open-air mixed bathing bath, set against a breathtaking natural backdrop, completely blew me away. That moment is when I fell in love with onsen.

Discovering the “Feel” of Hot Springs

As I visited more onsen across Japan, I initially focused on scenery and food rather than the water itself. That changed when I stepped into Sakihana Onsen Hekisuiso — a beautiful pale-green bath with a delicate sulfur fragrance. The sensation was unlike anything I’d felt before. I still remember that feeling of pure bliss, even though it was over a decade ago. It was then I realized that a truly great onsen isn’t just about location — it’s about what the water does for your body and mind.

From that point on, I started paying close attention to water temperature, softness, skin feel, and scent — and discovered just how deep the world of onsen really goes.

Becoming a Lukewarm Bath (Nuru-yu) Lover

As I continued my onsen travels, I found myself drawn more and more to nuru-yu — baths with lower, more comfortable water temperatures. As a working adult with my share of workplace stress and life’s uncertainties, I found that the quiet time spent slowly soaking in a warm (not scalding) bath was the perfect space for reflection.

A conversation with the owner of Shirijiri Onsen Shirane no Mieru Oka deepened this belief. He was passionate about temperature, keeping the outdoor bath perfectly low — warm enough to soak in endlessly while gazing at autumn foliage. He also pointed out that Japanese baths tend to run hotter than international standards, and that high temperatures actually place significant strain on the body. That conversation confirmed what I already felt: nuru-yu is simply the best.

Sadly, the inn has since closed following the owner’s passing in 2025. But I carry his philosophy with me, and I’m committed to continuing to share the wonders of gentle, restorative hot spring bathing in his memory.

Exploring Further Afield

Based in the Kanto region, I used to be limited to destinations reachable by car. But in recent years, I’ve started flying — which has opened up Kyushu, Hokkaido, and the Chugoku region, all of which are treasure troves of extraordinary hot springs. I plan to keep traveling further in search of hidden onsen gems across Japan.

Why I Write About Onsen

Onsen are, to me, one of Japan’s most precious cultural traditions. Many of the hot spring resorts I’ve visited have histories stretching back hundreds of years. But in recent years, rising costs, the aftermath of COVID-19, and the lack of successors have forced many beloved inns and baths to close permanently.

Several onsen I’ve personally visited no longer exist.

I don’t have the financial power or business acumen to save these places directly. But what I can do is keep sharing their stories — introducing their beauty, their unique qualities, and the experiences they offer — and encourage people to actually visit.

If even one more person soaks in a bath they might never have found, and the inn keeps its doors open a little longer — that’s enough for me.

This blog is my small contribution to preserving a wonderful piece of Japanese culture. I hope it inspires you to get out there and discover the magic of Japan’s hot springs.

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Find Me on Social Media

While most of my social media posts and captions are currently in Japanese, you can still enjoy an extensive collection of real photos and video footage from hundreds of hot springs across Japan!

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Thank you so much for reading. I hope to keep bringing you the best of Japan’s onsen world. — eu

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