湯処

I guess I would if I had someone I knew with me, so I wouldn't feel awkward by myself.

No tatoos....I guess it's cause of the yakuza, but I guess I would never be allowed in one, understandable though. And etiher way I don't think I would go in one......

Love mixed bath onsen...always try to make my own, but the owners keep kicking me out of the ladies' side... >.<

Looks amazing Danny. I've been to 2 onsens before. It was a bit weird at first to be naked with a bunch of men, but the onsen it self feels too good for me to care. xD

The zooming feature DANNY! NICE! Seems after a session.. you become a new man.. love the Ufo-eva picture!

Hey Danny are the jackets only provided in the winter? I don't seem to see them being worn by any in my two visits, both which were in the summer.

"...long saggy eyes...," Oh man, I'm having nightmares tonight. Nice pics btw, that Lumix camera is pretty nifty.

So do Yakuza members get the stiff-arm if they try and enter a place like this?

It might take a while to get used to, but i probably would. Plus one can use a towel to cover up when out of water.

Nice pictures! ^^ Also, the ferris wheel made me think of Honey & Clover XP

looks really fun. too bad malaysia is a hot country..
getting in an onsen on hot day is like trying to kill yourself..

I wouldn't mind going to an onsen if they had some around my area.

the first time i went to an onsen was in my hotel - forgot what the place was called
Apparently, our group were the 1st 'Westerners' to stay in the hotel in many years

the first thing i saw in the locker room was the bare ass of an old wrinkly guy heading out of the locker room and towards the onsen baths

biggest shock of my life - 2 of my friends were with me and i don't think we moved for a whole minute

aaaahhhh miss onsen so much. hopefully to be resolved during my tokyo trip in feb ^_^

i find it quite surprising that there's actually a hot spring in some building in yokohama.. and it looks quite cooool. XD

as for the mixed onsen thing, as long as the other party wouldn't mind, i wouldn't mind.. ^^;

A dip in the hot springs will definitely be nice ^_^

Damn that is beautiful! If I ever get to go to Japan again, I'll need to check out Yokohama and this place out. It would be great if I had a girlfriend to experience it with, but alas...no such luck :( lol. Never been to onsen, and the closest to one was when I went to Mt. Fuji. My friend spent the night at a ryokan with his girlfriend while I marched upwards the mountain on my own... :

That is gonna take some getting use to...would like to try it at least once...

Never have the chance of soaking myself in onsen. T.T

Oh nice place to visit ^^

Yep, it's heaven. That's why there are so many clouds around you.

I'd go into the mix baths with no problem.

Really wish I could go there. Yet, most likely, it'll be never.

Unless I'm under duress or suffering from a temperature extreme, I have confidence that my dolphin will withstand the glare of someone of the opposite gender.

I cant wait till I study abroad in Japan

I don't think I would even want to visit an onsen yet... give me some time... I'll get there.

lol I thought this was a post from last year. ^^; anyway here's a trick for folks who are shy about walking into an onsen nekkid. Onsens usually give bathers a small face towel. one can use that to hide the dolphin as they make a mad dash from the shower to the onsen. alternately one could also use it to hide ones face as they make the dash, but that would be more risky. as one might slip and hurt his dolphin or worst bump into another guy's dolphin. ^^;

I gotta say those fish heads look absolutely delicious!

Thanks for the article Danny very enlightening to people that dream about relaxing like that lol. Got anymore pics of that Rei and Asuka, from the pic here I really want it lol.

Look like you pay your visit there every year, maybe this can be implement into the itinerary for your upcoming Japan Tour Guide ^_^

Would like to try how a mix onsen feel like, till then I can't tell how I will feel...

Lovely photo by LX3~~~~~~~~

Nothing better than new life experiences! So yea I'd take a dip on a mixed onsen. I'm comfortable with my sexuality so its not a big deal seeing dolphins everywhere. I also would like to go with my girl there one day. That roller coaster looks insane!

That's a very hairy leg you got there Danny ^^;

I have always wanted to try an Onsen. You just made me want to try it more ^^; looks really relaxing and fun ~

I think it's pretty dumb to have to pay and then have to pay to go inside the onsen. I don't think a pretty view is worth paying for.

lol do pet cats go to the Wan Wan House too?

I'd be too too shy to share my 'dolphin' to the eyes of 'dolphin' wielders.
I guess, once you're in, you'll get used to it and not feel too shameful.

The mix onsen would be troublesome. 'Dolphins' would be a active radar for hot looking chicks.
I for one would not head into a mix one... oh the shame and embarrassments when a 'dolphin' is flying high lol!

Like the Stitch tissues at the end. xD

It seems very convient to have an onsen to relax in across from all those rides. Hmm >>

Wow I wanna go to an onsen... but I did vote no up top... and I'm also uncomfortable showing my lil bro when other guys are present too. >.>

Danny, you forgot the part where you have to crouch over a miniature stool and wash your b0llocks in front of everybody, or was there a private b0llocks washing area there?

Looks cool!

ahh, getting in an onsen is on my to do list ^_^

I admit I'll feel awkward getting into an onsen, mixed or not, in my birthday suit. And tell the truth? Having someone I *DO* know there would actually make it even harder.

Still, if I was there I'm sure I'd get over it - would be a waste of time not to. I could get over it.

Guys complaining...sounds like they either a) have low self-esteem or b) were very embarassed when they stood to attention.

I'm too shy for a regular onsen let alone a mixed one.

it's not like I haven't done it before... Regardless, I like traditional onsen...

I would love to go to an onsen. OwO
Might try a mixed but would probably be too embarrassed.

hei danny...xxxcellent post....more like this please

Probably not. I'm actually shy in real life...

I would love to visit that place...
Maybe the next time I go to Japan in the summer...
I wonder what is the limit that one person should take in a hot spring...
I would feel wrong for people to see my dolphin who are the same gender (male) as me...

I guess I wouldn't mind if I was still a little kid or an adult but right now... You know puberty and stuff... It's embarrassing.

Those pics of Yokohama are awesome, Danny!

I recalled seen a japanese restaurant named ONSEN here at Malaysia but that different tales! XD
BTw i don't mind sharing but at lest wear swimming trunk for guys or bikini for gals to avoid *ahem* complication !

That new comment button is HUGE.

That's fascinating. I had no idea there were high-rise hotsprings, so to speak. Apparently there's some natural hot springs not to far from where I live, but supposedly the old hippie guy that escorts people there is rather scary.

Thanks for providing wallpaper sizes of some of those! I've snagged image 24071 myself.

Wow that's another place to mark on my map of places to visit... Looks real luxurious. BUt yeah mixed bath? No problem unless someone I know really well is with me.

Another trip, huh? I loved the pictures from last year, too.

I wouldn't be able to get into a mixed onsen. I would love to, but I don't trust my dolphin to not salute its counterparts.

Hi Danny.I have some question that I would like to ask you.Can you email me at ooliver016@gmail.com?Thanks a lot.

LOL I've never heard of a English speaking white Yakuza guy so why bother with translation ?_?. About this no tattoo policy, I can't take a dip with Angelina Jolie cause she's got a tatoos ? No fair ;_;.

Never went to a co-gendered onsen but they are so fun and relaxing! My parents always have these weird onsen gatherings where all of their friends come and we all relax and chit-chat together. There is a co-gender hot-spring area but you have to wear bathing suits. ^^;

A co-ed one sounds fun if I go with friends, as long as there's no bad people there. xD

New place to add to the "Sites To Visit" list.

I went to mixed onsen when I lived in Tohoku. Unfortunately the lower population density, especially in the 18-35 age group means that you end up with a lot of 60+ women staring at your man-parts.

Onsen? I never went to one before xD Mixed onsen has its own pros and cons, as mentioned in the article... And the "bumping" thingy scares me.

Dolphin would be happy to show themselves to kitties once in a while. :]

I've put onsen on my to-do-when-in-Japan-list. Now if it would be a mixed onsen with nice girlies...that would be the best vacation ever ^^

BTW that zoom on the lumix is quite something.

You know they should realize that not all tattooed persons are violent or criminals. But then again, it's Japan. When in Rome, do what the Romans do. Oh wait-- O_o

I'm the shy type. I don't wanna be seen by others while in my birthday suit. Mixed bathing with girls (especially the young and juicy ones) will make me really uncomfortable x_x

I haven't watched the latest Rambo movie yet but since you mentioned "kids and limbs flying all over the place" maybe it's time I watch it! XD

that lx3 is really good at taking night shots.... *drools
also, having been in the army, seeing naked dolphins is a given. i try to hide mine but sigh to no avail. i felt so violated back then blehhh

incredible shots with the LX3

danny i have read some reviews saying that the LX3 is quite slow

could you confirm ?

thanks a lot

I would love to go to an onsen, but I have several tattoo's and it seems to be a rule encountered at all of them which I have looked into...either cross it off the to do list or get rid of them it seems

incredible place to spend night!^^;

Would love to go to an onsen one day, but it'll have to be a private one where no one can see^^

Sounds like one hell of an adventure ;) Nice post :D

First thing came into my mind when seeing the top picture is Honey & Clover ^^
And mixed onsen? Probably will try but then again probably not ^^;

only when theres someone coming with me ^^; I am very shy lols.

Going to onsen, A definitely must-do when I visit Japan. Onsen is a place to relax so sharing a bath with the opposite gender would make me uncomfortable.

of course I would do it. only thing is to hope that it is not full of old women =D

Been to a hot spring in Korea once and I totally loved it. They had different sorts of pools, and outdoor dipping in winter is awesome ^^;

I really wanna try hotsprings in Japan... during winter :D

I would try onsen if I visit japan or korea.

So that was the tag the tour guide for my japan trip was talking about o.o; interesting ^^

Never been to onsen, but onsens are similiar to saunas. There are even mixed steam saunas, the steam prevents seeing someone elses private parts.

I would love to go to onsen. Definitely a must-go once I get to Japan.

Looks like a real cosy place! That carnival right opposite looks like it might be a bit noisy, though.

I would probably be too shy for mixed onsens. I also think that if more young girls are going into them there will be a BIG difference in the male and female ratio!

Funny hot springs are very much associated with Japan when other countries have it too. I've been to ones in China that were in different flavours... Coffee, milk, green tea etc. Of course, I didn't try to taste any of it! Wasn't really used to the hot temperatures at first but good experience. Will have to try out Japan's ones!

I must be a great place to relax! Beautiful too!!

(Remind me of Hinata-son)

I don't think I can use the onsen ^^; I might pass out after :P
anyways the image of "walk along the wall with your back facing it" LOL!!! I thought everyone would at least have a towel to cover up ^^; I remember my cousin say cover the face at an onsen :P

I wouldn't go to an onsen. Dont like getting nekkid for a shower, nevermind when there are other folkies about. Stupid fatness and lack of self confidence >.<

Very beautiful place and whats with the stitch napkins.

Hmm.. I'll try the onsen out. 2 months to go. So excited.

Btw Danny, could you leave the exif data in the photo's? It's interesting stuff for the likes of me ^^

WTB Wholesale Costco pack of Stitch Tissues! And I will also take a ticket to a mixed Onsen :P

Damn man I have a tattoo too, I can never go to a hot spring in Japan in my life, DAMN IT!

Hey look, a Stitch tissue box.

*cries*

it's beautiful...

todo me gusto... hasta las cabezas de pescado... que suerte tienes de vivir alli..
la verdad que muy pocas veces se ven esos espectaculares paisajes jejeje ... y tienes un manga de Maken-ki!

.
una pregunta... aunque ni creo que la respondas pero si lo haces ok!!

conoces algun argentino que viva por alli...???

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I liked everything ... Fish heads up ... lucky that you have to live there ..
the truth that is rarely seen such spectacular scenery jejeje ... and have a sleeve Maken-ki!

.
a question ... but nor do I believe that the answer but if you do ok!

know some Argentines living there ...???

Wait, those figs or Rei and Asuka are edible? Strange....
I think I could do it. But having never gotten to, I can't be certain.

Cool photos in this post! Your camera can take some really good night shots!

Nice photos, the fish heads creep me out though.

I don't think I enjoy people staring at me in the nude, heck I don't even like people staring at me at all...... hmmmm....

Outside of the fish heads, that looks like fun. So would they kick you out even if your a foreigner with a tattoo?

Ah, another trip to this awesome onsen, now I really want to go when I visit Japan. I realized that I never went to an onsen ever! So I wonder how much it costs per day/night to visit this place?

Life is so nice there~
Better save up now to plan for Japan!!! ^.^

Perhaps, I am being overly self-conscious, but I would find it difficult to disrobe in front of complete strangers (mixed bath or not). Certainly, the prospects of mixed bathing sounds promising, but I simply could not bring myself to do it. Then again, I am a pretty private type of person when it comes to matters of body image.

Dunno about mixed... but sepparated I already got in.
Repeating myself, but the one thing I really miss from my trip to Japan is Onsens.

Pics are really nice... some of them are a little bit grainy though.

Not allowing tattoos is kinda stupid though huh? Prejudice some?

Anyways, a really nice scenario... I didn't go to that specific onsen, but we walked around Yokohama... had a nice view of the ferris wheel on that viewing tower

I would be so nervous to go into an onsen. I don't want to miss a great opportunity but I don't want people seeing me nekkid. Maybe the trick about going at 3 am would make it better.

Looks so super relaxing and nice.
I've never been to an onsen, but I do go to mixed sauna's here alot.
Love sleeping in a bathrobe infront of a huge fireplace in a chair after being busted from a day in the steamrooms <3~

At first i thought that you reposted your old post ^^;;;

I love the view over the skyline.It doesnt really sound romantic but i like beeing up in a big city watching over the bright skyline.I always get a fuzzy feeling then.

About the Dolphin beeing seen by other people:
I have no problem with that.I sometimes go into the Sauna and well were all humans after all.I could understand that you dont want anyone to see your dolphin if your Dolphin looks more like a Orca^^
Theres even that funny story where i was in the sauna and my old female biology teacher came in.She didnt recognize me but well it still was awkward ^^

Danny i have another totally unrelated thing to ask:
How come taht you are allowed to take pictures nearly everywhere?I tried to do some photowalks aswell but nearly everytime the owners/people rejected my request to take pictures.I dont shoot pictures without asking for a permit.Is the mentality in Japan that different or are you just a hot damn good ninja photographer

After a hard day of work, nothing beats this..
Really want to go there in the future.

i would never get in a mixed hot spring in my birthday suit... first, it's really embarrassing. second, while thinking about this question, the picture that came up was the scene from EuroTrip where they go to a nude beach hoping to see some eyes, but instead get to see "the biggest sausage fest on earth" XD

that seeems like fun. i wouldnt go in the bath tho, had enough middle school locker room traumas.

that looks so relaxing and fun. the lumix zoom function is amazing!

never been to one, but it does look interesting.

Those chairs with speakers in look awesome... And the view is really cool.

As for the hot springs.... I'm not sure... Wouldn't do unisex, maybe just women... but even then I wouldn't know where to look...

The pictures are beautiful!

I would definitely love to go to an onsen, but probably not a mixed one. But who knows~ ^^;

I would like to go to a mixed onsen but I'm afraid I wouldn't last. I have a hard enough time sitting in a hot tub and having women in bathing suits around.

Nice pictures as always. It's a shame the last trip over that we didn't get to one due to family obligations.

I went to that onsen back in Sept 08.....I have a place very close to there in minato mirai. I hope to move out there and join my wife at the end of the year if things go well at work!

Great photos again!

I would not mind bathing with other people in the sense of being offended by their nakedness -- if it is something I don't want to see I will just not look. Actually I would just not look even if I did want to see, because it's rude. However I never WILL bath in public hot spring because I'm quite a bit overweight even by American standards, and would feel guilty subjecting others to that image.

Hey danny, with the exception of the stereotype of only yakuza/criminals being tattooed, is there some other cultural significance to denying tattooed individuals entry to hot springs? Are there alot of other places where that sort of rule is imposed? It's something I've wondered for a while. When I've traveled abroad in other parts of Asia, especially when visiting relatives, I've been told by people I meet that I'm pretty heavily tattooed for a woman(I have full sleeves). Where I live, it's fairly common to see regular people(office workers, professionals, mothers, etc) with lots of tattoos. It just sort of blends together till it's something you rarely notice anymore. So I find it interesting that there are places that would deny someone entry because of that.

I don't mind sharing the bathroom with the same gender but with girls... I might nosebleed and yea, it'll cause alot of trouble^^;...

danny will you be posting HD version (1920x1200) of these pictures? I want to use the ferris wheel and the city nights as my wallpaper.

thanks

I wish I could go now~ T_T

"There are two relaxation lounges - one for folks who snore and for those who don't but occasionally fart"
-lol>>I chose snorring.

I wish I could go to an onsen~
I've only went to saunas before, so an onsen would be nice.

Hot spring, hot bath in Japan is a wonderful thing. An amazing experience, but Americans need to be instructed in how to do it all correctly, the Japanese way.

In America, Hotbath, springs, it just became a cesspool of gay activity and never really worked out. No, I do not speak from experience. We're just not as community centered as Japan and the place is full of weirdos.

I've always wanted to visit an onsen, but I don't think I'd have the courage to reveal myself to anyone. No oppai for you XD

Ah great pics as usual!

Danny, I would like to know the total damage in terms of yen, including the din-dins and what not. Wanna budget my expenses for my first trip there :3

Great pics but... these Kabuto Yaki look creepy.

Lots of folks are a bit self-conscious here, eh?? Well, don't let that stop you from having this wonderful experience that has an important place at the heart and soul of Japan!

Onsen - one of the greatest, most relaxing joys in life, IMO. I am not embarrassed at all being nekkid in the presence of others. The very first time I went to an onsen was a tiny bit uncomfortable, however. I went with my wife and her family, except she was still just my girlfriend at that time (not even my fiancee yet). I had met her father for the first time only 3 days earlier and then we were getting naked and soaking in the onsen together. Also, my Japanese language skills were just *awful* back then and it was awkward at times. The ryokan was so nice, though-- situated in a beautiful mountain resort in northern Miyagi Prefecture called Akiu. The kaiseki there was soooo delicious. I don't mind this experience at all anymore since he's my father-in-law now and we get along great.

A couple of years ago I went to a very nice onsen in Nagoya with my friends and that was so great. We stayed for a long time! I would really appreciate the opportunity to go to konyoku since I could go together with my wife.

I'm comfortable enough for single onsen, and I'm proud enough to quite happily go into a mixed onsen...not sure about how much self control I'd have with my dolphin though ^^
Also, the zoom on that Lumix is amazing!

First time post-er but longtime reader. Hi Danny!

Wow, that's my first time to see the inside of an onsen. It's very fancy. I really have to try this one when I go to Japan (maybe next year). But hmmm, the sign..."persons associated with violent gangs" made me laugh so hard. I'm wondering if violent gang members carry ID there lol!

I'm comfortable being nakkie amongs girl friends but I don't think it's something I can do among stranger. But I change my mind easily.

I would love to go to an onsen! But I would first have to get used to my own body lol.

Yet, another reason why I need to get my butt over to Japan.