2026.04.30
Have you decided on your travel destination for Golden Week yet? How about healing your body and mind at a hot spring?
To all the expats working hard in Japan, thank you for your daily hard work! Are you looking for a casual, relaxing getaway where you won't get too exhausted during the GW holidays?
The hot spring area centered around Atami is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. Overlooking the ocean, this town is the perfect place to step away from your daily routine without the stress of a long journey.
The Izu Peninsula and Shimoda are a treasure trove of delicious food, known for their beautiful coastlines and incredible dining. Tasting local, seasonal seafood—especially fresh sushi—is an essential part of the Japanese wellness experience. Nourishing your body with seasonal ingredients is also deeply connected to the principles of Oriental medicine.
If you ask me where I particularly recommend for hot springs, my answer is Shimoda. It's not just because of the wonderful hot spring facilities, but because Shimoda is a place where the blessings of nature are exceptionally abundant. You can easily get there by train, so I highly recommend it.
It's located quite deep into Shimoda, but if you love the beach, I also want to recommend a place called "Hirizo Beach." The water is so transparent that you can clearly see the fish in the ocean just by looking down from above. If you love the sea, I guarantee you will be very satisfied.