#onsenretreat

#summervacay Discover Ishikawa, where samurai districts, golden temples, and artisan villages await beyond the well-trodden tourist trails. This compact coastal prefecture offers solo travelers an authentic slice of Japan with fewer crowds than Kyoto but equal cultural riches. ## **Must-Visit Destinations** ### **1. Kanazawa: The "Little Kyoto" Without the Crowds** - **Kenrokuen Garden**: One of Japan's top 3 landscape gardens (visit at dawn for magical light) - **Higashi Chaya District**: Geisha teahouses with hidden gold-leaf workshops - **21st Century Museum**: Instagram-famous contemporary art space - **Omicho Market**: Seafood bowls so fresh they might still wiggle ### **2. Wajima: Where Artisans Keep Ancient Traditions Alive** - **Morning Market**: Chat with fisherwomen over grilled squid (6am-noon) - **Urushi Lacquerware Studios**: Try gold-inlay workshops (advance booking needed) - **Senmaida Rice Terraces**: 1004 tiny paddies cascading to the sea ### **3. Kaga Onsen Towns: Soak Like a Samurai** - **Yamashiro Onsen**: Historic baths with garden views - **Yunokuni no Mori**: Craft village with hands-on pottery/weaving experiences ### **4. Noto Peninsula: Japan's Last Wild Coast** - **Shiroyone Senmaida**: Rice terraces illuminated at night (seasonal) - **Ganmon Rock**: Sea caves with thunderous waves - **Wakura Onsen**: Ocean-view ryokans perfect for solo reflection ## **Unique Solo Experiences** - **Gold Leaf Application**: Make your own souvenir in Kanazawa (~¥1,500) - **Samurai House Tea Ceremony**: Sip matcha where warriors once did - **Kutani Pottery Painting**: Create your own colorful plate (2-hour workshop) - **Nighttime Garden Strolls**: Kenrokuen's special illuminations ## **Solo Traveler Perks** ✅ Excellent public transport (buses cover most attractions) ✅ Compact cities walkable without tour groups ✅ English menus widely available ✅ Safe with helpful locals ## **Getting Around** - 🚄 Thunderbird Limited Express from Osaka (2.5 hours) - 🚌 Noto Peninsula buses run 3-5x daily (rent a car for more freedom) - 🚲 Kanazawa has great cycle rental system (~¥500/day) ## **5-Day Suggested Itinerary** 1. **Days 1-2**: Kanazawa (gardens, museums, geisha districts) 2. **Day 3**: Kaga Onsen (soak + craft workshops) 3. **Days 4-5**: Noto Peninsula (coastal drives + seafood feasts) *"Ishikawa rewards slow travel - the kind where you spend an afternoon watching gold leaf artisans press fragments thinner than butterfly wings."* ## **Local Flavors to Try** - **Jibuni**: Duck stew in gingery broth - **Kaburazushi**: Fermented fish and turner sushi - **Noto-gyu**: Premium beef from seaside-raised cattle - **Gold Leaf Ice Cream**: Because why not? #SoloJapan #Ishikawa #Kanazawa #ArtisanTrail #JapanTravel #OffTheBeatenPath #CulturalImmersion #OnsenRetreat **Have you explored Ishikawa? Share your favorite hidden gem below!** 👇🎐

#cityplaybook If you’re looking for a weekend that’s all about slowing down and soaking it in—literally—Beppu is the place. Tucked into Oita Prefecture on the coast of Kyushu, this hot spring town is known for its endless steam, healing waters, and relaxed pace. I stayed at AMANE RESORT GAHAMA, where traditional Japanese hospitality meets modern design. The private onsen in the room? Absolutely worth it. Waking up to the sound of the sea and stepping straight into a hot bath was the definition of luxury. Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying Beppu’s famous onsen—there are so many to choose from, each with its own mineral properties and charm. Just stepping into the steam-filled streets feels like therapy. And then there’s the Jigoku Meguri, or “Hell Tour”—a set of dramatic, naturally steaming hot spring pools in bold colors. It’s surreal, a little eerie, and totally fascinating. Why I recommend Beppu: ・It’s the ultimate place to relax, refresh, and disconnect from daily life ・Between ocean views, private baths, and local charm, it’s the perfect weekend retreat 📍Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan #Beppu #Japan #OnsenRetreat #WeekendTrip #BeppuHells #AMANERESORTGAHAMA #SlowTravel #HotSpringEscape #KyushuTravel #CityGuide

#cityplaybook If you’re looking for a quiet escape that feels like a breath of fresh air, Yufuin might be just what you need. Nestled in the mountains of Oita Prefecture, this charming onsen town is full of soft light, gentle sounds, and warm hospitality. I stayed at Sansou Warabino, a beautiful ryokan tucked into the hillside. The rooms are spacious and serene, with private outdoor baths that overlook the trees. It’s the kind of place where you wake up early just to hear the birds. A short walk from town takes you to Kinrin Lake, where steam rises from the surface in the morning and the reflections are dreamy all day. It’s especially peaceful in the early hours or just before sunset. Nearby, I also visited Tenso Shrine, a small but sacred spot that feels like it’s been quietly watching over the town for centuries. Simple, quiet, and beautiful. Why I recommend Yufuin: ・It’s a peaceful blend of hot springs, local charm, and natural beauty ・Perfect for slowing down and reconnecting—with nature, or just yourself 📍Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, Japan #Yufuin #Oita #JapanGetaway #OnsenRetreat #KinrinLake #SansouWarabino #WeekendEscape #RuralJapan #SlowTravel #CityGuide

#cityplaybook Sometimes, the best trips are the quiet ones—and Jozankei is the perfect place for that. Tucked into the mountains just outside of Sapporo, this hot spring town is all about slowing down, soaking in, and switching off 🌿 I stayed at Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione, where the room was spacious and calming, with big windows overlooking a sea of greenery. Honestly, I could’ve stayed in the room all day—and I kind of did. From morning to night, I took full advantage of the private open-air onsen attached to my room ♨️ Steam rising, birdsong in the background, and nothing on the schedule. Pure bliss. In the evening, I wandered over to Jozankei Futami Park, where the trees were softly lit and projection mapping danced across the landscape. It felt magical—like walking through a forest dream 🌌 Why I recommend Jozankei: ・It’s the perfect place to rest, recharge, and reconnect with nature ・A great escape from the city—with hot springs that make you never want to leave 📍Jozankei, Hokkaido #Jozankei #Hokkaido #OnsenRetreat #SlowTravel #NatureEscape #PrivateOnsen #HotelMilione #FutamiPark #CozyGetaway #CityGuide

Just came back from an unforgettable trip to Jozankei, and I can’t stop thinking about how amazing it was! The entire experience felt like a winter dream – from the stunning snow-covered scenery to the relaxing onsen baths, everything was just perfect. The freezing weather only made the hot spring soak feel even better. There’s something truly magical about sitting in an outdoor onsen, surrounded by snow, with steam rising all around you – it’s a moment I’ll never forget. And let’s not forget the delicious food! Every meal was a treat, full of rich flavors and local goodness. It added to the whole sense of comfort and indulgence. Jozankei gave me a deep sense of calm and peace – it was the perfect escape to recharge and reconnect with nature. Truly a very awesome and unforgettable experience. #Jozankei #WinterWonderland #OnsenRetreat #SnowyEscape #JapanTravel #HokkaidoMoments #TravelDiaries #UnforgettableTrip #NatureAndRelaxation