Hakone Setsugetsuka Private Onsen Ryokan Experience - Gora Onsen Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka Hot Spring Spa Hotel Review

In May 2017, my buddy Richard traveled in Japan using the Japan Rail Pass. While visiting Hakone, he stayed at an upscale Onsen 温泉 Ryokan 旅館, Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka 季の湯 雪月花, in Gora Hakone 箱根 強羅 for his once-a-life-time private Hot Spring spa experience. I would like to dedicate this blog post to share his personal experience and photographs of one of the best Private Onsen Bath Ryokan hotel in Hakone near Tokyo.

Experiencing private open-air wooden Onsen bathtub is on the bucket lists of many couples traveling to Japan

Onsen for Shy Travelers: My experience of Sand Bath thermal hot spring Spa in Ibusuki Kyushu

In October 2016, I traveled to Japan using the 14-day Japan Rail Pass. While I was traveling in southern Kyushu 九州, I took the opportunity for a day trip from Kagoshima 鹿児島 to Ibusuki 指宿 for their famous Natural Sand Bath Spa 砂蒸し温泉 on the beach. I am dedicating this special Onsen day trip experience to some travelers who are shy and have concerns about the traditional naked hot spring in Japan.

Asakusa Area - Travel in time in Tokyo Japan

Asakusa 浅草 area, Sensoji 浅草寺, and Nakamise 仲見世通り areas have been the stables of must-visit sightseeing spots for new travelers to Tokyo Japan. With the recent development of the new landmark Tokyo Skytree, the already-popular tourist area has become even more popular not only among international visitors, local Japanese tourists have also flocked into the bustling neighborhood of Asakusa by the Sumida river 隅田川. I highly recommend both new or experienced travelers to visit and stay in Asakusa area for the feeling of traveling in time in the middle of modern Tokyo city.

Asakusa, Nakamise, Sensoji, and Pagoda in Tokyo Japan 

Japan Onsen for Shy Travelers - Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Swimsuit Hot Spring Bath and Private Onsen Ryokan

While almost all Onsen in Japan do not allow wearing swimsuits, I believe many of the foreign travelers to Japan feel uncomfortable getting naked for the authentic hot spring experience. Luckily there are some special hot spring onsen near Tokyo Japan that permit and require bathing suits to be worn. There are also options of private onsen, foot onsen, and reserved-time family onsen time for those who are a bit on the uncomfortable side.

Open-air private onsen hot spring with a nice view. This type of accommodation could be very expensive.

Day Trip from Tokyo - Quest for Snow Monkey in Nagano Jigokudani Monkey Park

In November 2015, I traveled to Japan using the Japan Rail Pass. While I was staying the Tokyo area, I took a side/day trip to Nagano, hoping to see the amazing Jigokudani Snow Monkey bathing in hot spring.

Baby Japanese Snow Monkey