Getting a good soak in a traditional Japanese onsen ... and then some


Japan is home to more than 20,000 hot springs or called onsen.

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 distinguished appearance and friendly smile immediately make me feel at ease.

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