We tryed to find an off the road rustic Onsen in the mountains in the northern Honshu. And after some investigation and the following complicated travel plans we succeeded. In the description of how to get there, we have to go one hour up the track from the Aoni onsen Iriguchi bus stop. But we missed that opportunity, the onsen... More

Aoni is NOT easy to get to, particularly from Tokyo by public transportation. It requires a full day of travel and much advanced planning. And about 7 or 8 transfers over train and bus. Also tough if you don't speak much Japanese. Once you get there, set aside your cares and worries. This place is so amazingly beautiful. The various... More

Aoni-Onsen may not have modern amenities, may not feature much to do, and may be hard to get to, but that is precisely why you'll want to go there. Aoni is all about providing a traditional, unfettered, onsen experience. And wow, with baths, food, and rooms like they have, what an experience it is. Aoni is a hotel built around... More

We stayed overnight at Aoni Onsen during the middle of the winter in January. During the winter, you have to park at a visitor's center off the main highway and are taken up to the onsen in a bus due to the deep snow and narrow road. (Some people opt to cross-country ski into the resort, but not us!) The... More