In Japan, bathing in the nude with strangers is just a regular part of onsen culture. But for many foreign visitors, taking that first plunge can be intimidating.

OGUNI, Japan — There is an old folk tale that visitors to a hot spring resort here come leaning on canes and walk home forgetting they ever had them. That is exactly how the Tsuetate Onsen hot spring ...

MATSUYAMA -- The courtyard of Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu hot spring bathhouse in this west Japan city is adorned with decorations for the July 7 Tanabata star festival, exuding an illusionary ...

WHITE STEAM rises from the waters of Okuhida Onsengo in snowy northern Japan. Each year thousands of bathers from across the country travel to soak in these hot springs. Down the road, meanwhile, the ...

OGUNI, Japan -- There is an old folk tale that visitors to a hot spring resort here come leaning on canes and walk home forgetting they ever had them. That is exactly how the Tsuetate Onsen hot spring ...