Hot Spring Enthusiast

Akira Kato 's page

A Long Journey in Search of Healing Waters

Articles

Sawatari Hot Spring in Gunma Prefecture: a Two-Day Trip to the Hot Spring with an Overnight Stay

Sawatari Hot Spring (Sawatari Onsen) in Gunma Prefecture is one of my favourite hot spring resorts. Each fall I visit it. I love its snug hot spring, tranquil settings and rustic charm.
Iriya Morning Glory Festival, a Reminder of the Summer at Shitamachi, Tokyo

Over the weekend in summer, almost everywhere in Japan is rejuvenated by a local festival.Last year, my friends and I visited Iriya Kishimojin (Shingen-ji Temple), where the Iriya Morning Glory Festival was taking place.
O-eshiki at Ikegami Honmon-ji (Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple), a Great Occasion at Summer Night

In the brisk fall night breeze, my friend and I meet at Tokyo’s Ikegami by appointment and we are about to visit the Ikegami Honmon-ji O-eshiki, an annual event held between October 11 and October 13.
Lanzhou Mazilu Beef Lamian Debuts in Japan

On August 22, 2017, Lanzhou Mazilu Beef Lamian, reputed to be the most famous lamian brand in China, formally opened its first branch in Japan, which was located in Tokyo’s Jimbocho. Having heard of its tremendous popularity among the locals, I anticipated a long line before the restaurant to wait for trying its delicacies.

About Me

Born in Tokyo, I have a deep love of hot spring travel and am particularly fascinated by secluded hot springs tucked away in the mountains and other remote locations. The appeal of hot springs goes beyond the water’s mineral composition and therapeutic properties. For me, everything is part of the experience: scenery veiled in steam, the journey to the hot spring, local culture, and quiet time away from everyday life.

Rather than busy, well-known tourist destinations, I prefer visiting lesser-known places and areas with fewer tourists. I enjoy studying maps to find intriguing destinations and discovering scenery and ways of life found only there.
Slowly soaking in a hot spring and taking time to relax both body and mind is one of the finest experiences I hope every visitor to Japan will try. I want to share the appeal of hot spring destinations and the pleasures of peaceful travel, offering helpful information for both first-time visitors and secluded hot spring enthusiasts.

Profile

Hometown: Tokyo
Hobbies and Interests: Hot spring trips, visiting secluded hot springs, and exploring less crowded tourist destinations
Special Skill: Finding peaceful hot springs and off-the-beaten-path tourist destinations
Weakness: Staying in too long when a hot spring feels especially good
Recommended Experience in Japan: Staying at a hot spring inn in the mountains and enjoying the luxury of doing nothing
What Matters to Me When Traveling: Not whether a place is famous, but whether it offers a genuine sense of the local character

Akira Kato 's page

Articles

Sawatari Hot Spring in Gunma Prefecture: a Two-Day Trip to the Hot Spring with an Overnight Stay

Iriya Morning Glory Festival, a Reminder of the Summer at Shitamachi, Tokyo

O-eshiki at Ikegami Honmon-ji (Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple), a Great Occasion at Summer Night

Lanzhou Mazilu Beef Lamian Debuts in Japan

Torikoe Festival in Torikoe Shrine, the Embodiment of the Custom of Tokyo’s Shitamachi

A Visit to the Bunkyo Azalea Festival Held in Nezu Shrine in Tokyo

First sunrise over Lake Hamana

About Me

Profile