Thanks to its abundance of natural hot springs, bathing is an important part of Japanese culture. In fact, there are over 3,000 hot spring resorts across the country. While it’s easy to find an onsen ...

On a recent concert tour in Japan, I had the chance to visit several thermal baths and to chat with people about the tradition of bathing. I was fascinated by their differences with American spas.

Who knew that the simple process of bathing could be an elaborate religious and cultural act? Ask the Japanese and they will indulge you in the most fascinating stories glorifying their history and ...

Bathing in an “Onsen,” or hot spring, should be on any bucket list for Japan, even if you aren’t a big wellness girlie — although the physical and mental benefits are definitely part of the draw. Each ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I specialize in luxury hotels, Latin America and adventure travel. If tropical heat is a top item on your vacation checklist, ...

Some things are taboo in these dreamy public baths; find out what you may have to ditch in order to partake in this restorative ritual. There are a few things you should know before dipping into an ...

Making a creaking sound, the wooden entrance door opens, and Sumie Tamura is standing there with a friendly smile. "Irashaimase" - welcome - she says while bowing gracefully to greet me. Her ...

Onsen are baths filled with geothermally heated, mineral-rich water. They’ve long been part of Japanese culture, but foreign travelers often struggle with the nudity aspect. - Boaz Rottem/Alamy Stock ...

While Japan is synonymous with onsens (hot spring baths), there are onsens in Singapore, too. Even when they are replicated using mineral-infused or artificially-heated waters in Singapore, onsens — ...