Tom J
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Tom J

Apr. 20, 2026
[Image1]Travelling through Japan, Onsen are one of the major destinations for quiet rural getaways. Many tow

Travelling through Japan, Onsen are one of the major destinations for quiet rural getaways. Many towns have grown up entirely around their onsen, which are famed for health benefits as well as the rest and relaxation they provide. But going into an onsen is an involved process: There is etiquette to follow, many onsen have policies against tattoos, and of course, at the very least, you have to change out of your clothing and pay to go in.

But virtually none of the above applies to the humble foot bath. "Ashiyu" in Japanese, these mini-onsen for your feet can be found around the country in many onsen towns, and are often free and available for public use. It is a testament to Japan's excellent public order that these baths, available for free to everyone, are clean and well maintained.

It couldn't be much simpler to use the bath. Take off your shoes and socks, roll up your sleeves if needed, and there you go! Just soaking your feet can be a surprisingly relaxing experience, and you couldn't ask for a lower barrier to entry. As a courtesy to others, practice common sense if your feet are muddy or dirty, but otherwise you can't go wrong. Generally there are no towels available, so it is good to have your own, especially if you are visiting in winter.

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May. 18, 2026
With its largely industrial character, and nestled between such famous destinations as Osaka, Kobe and Himeji, it is no wonder that Kakogawa gets often overlooked. If you -were- in Kakogawa, it does have Kakurin-Ji, an old temple going back to some of Japan's oldest recorded history, and the "Akari no Kago" museum sheds light on the history of Japanese lamps, while less esoterically the Hyogo museum of Archaeology has a lot of unique information about ancient tomb culture in the region. Really, though, if you visit Kakogawa it should be for the Katsumeshi. Similar to the more nationally well-known Katsudon, Katsumeshi is usually beef instead of pork, abd features a different sauce, usually, with a demi-glace base. Without the egg usually seen with Katsudon, the katsu cutlet stays crisper too, and the overall flavor is meatier and more reminiscent of western cuisine. It is absolutely the culinary standout of Kakogawa, and its hard to believe it hasn't become more widespread. If you are a fan of fried meat in rich sauce (and really, who isn't?) its a must try!
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Apr. 13, 2026
For the solo traveler in Japan, there are a wealth of accommodation options. You will almost surely be familiar with capsule hotels, which are famous for their cheap prices and tight spaces. But for the budget-conscious traveler looking for something different, Japan's internet cafes are in a class of their own! In many other countries, an internet cafe is no more than a place to briefly use the internet, with the business model arising from disadvantaged areas which formerly did not have much computer access. So how has Japan, one of the nations with the highest internet access penetration in the world, maintained a thriving industry of internet cafes? The answer lies in comfort and services. While if you really do just want a computer at a counter seat it is an option, there are a wealth of choices including private booths with room to lay down, couple's booths, shower access, all-you-can-drink beverage dispensers, affordable meals delivered to your booth, and much more. Many internet cafes double as "manga cafes", with entire libraries of series to read at your leisure. Internet cafes offer overnight plans and discounted prices for late hours, making it a surprisingly reasonable and very unique alternative to staying at a conventional hotel, and since it encompasses dining options as well, can be an all-in-one destination for those who would rather not splurge for a meal at an unfamiliar restaurant. A word of warning for the truly weary, though: While sleeping at an internet cafe is very feasible, and the booths are closed off, those seeking complete privacy or more comfort in rest would perhaps be better off elsewhere. Spending the night in an internet cafe is perhaps most recommended for the young and unattached who don't mind the tradeoff of somewhat spartan sleeping conditions for affordability and a truly unique experience.

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