The best time to visit a luxury onsen spa is in the heavy Rain ☔️ or when a typhoon is moving just off the coast.

You get the cold winds that bring with it big droplets 💧 of rain and gusty winds. Depending on the construction of the spa, A-frame metal-reinforced roofs withstand the strong winds while at the same time allowing torrential showers to pour in from the balustrade.

Imagine coming out of a really hot dry sauna and walking out into the cold wind and rain shower. Windy and divine. You are a storm captain.

After being cooled down by a typhoon, hop into that hot spa. The mineral richness in the water begins to soothe and relax your whole entire body.

Most modern spas will have a big flat-screen TV in the outdoor tub area. This is really nice as one can relax while enjoying the news.

It’s a small slice of heaven and it’s not crowded. The sound of the typhoon reminds you of just how powerful and dangerous it is outside, but is also a cultural feature of Japan. The Japanese are always calm in the face of danger and uncertainty, like North Korean missiles fly overhead every year, the locals carry on without fear nor care.

After a hot soak in the spas, I head downstairs to the dining area for a one-liter-sized draft beer! This is not your typical 350ml or even 500ml size. I think it is much bigger. The perfect way to hydrate if you ask me.