Facebook Page now ready

Onsen Soaker Facebook Page is now ready.

I'll know you when I write new post or updates former post, and other information for independent travelers. Questions about onsen and share of your onsen experiences are welcomed.

http://www.facebook.com/onsensoaker

Blog Renewal

Looks totally different blog doesn't it?　The new template introduced, the profile photo changed, and the top right message and the profile rewritten. The "Share Buttons" below each post and "Popular Posts for last 30 days" at right sidebar are newly installed.

I needed some change. I lost some working contracts after the Tohoku Earthquake, also suffered from chronic insomnia. But visiting Fuji last month was nice change and great relief, even I spent only five days there. Now I feel passion for onsen came back to me.

First Anniversary

"Onsen Soaker" celebrates first anniversary today. Thanks for visiting my blog from all over the world. The Flag Counter on this page tells this blog has visits from 100 different countries. Your visits always cheer me up. Some websites and blogs even mention and link this blog. I really appreciate it.

Let me explain why I started this blog. There are too many onsen related website in Japanese including mine, but it's hard to find practical and up-to-date information in English. I had been considering setting up a website in English for years, at the same time I had told myself again and again "Well, I'll start the English site after brushing up my English writing skills enough", and done nothing.

My father's death in Nov. 2008 made me realise I couldn't make an excuse and waste time anymore, and I started this blog. I've been struggling writing in English still now, but I believe I made right decision. I'll try to update more often.

Hope to share information on hot springs world wide, as my enthusiasm for onsen isn't limited to Japan. I want to visit hot springs in your country, too!

International Onsen Conference

Anybody coming to the International Onsen Conference, officially "the 2009 General Assembly and International Thermalism/Scientific Congress of The World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy (FEMTEC) " at Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan next week?

I'll be at the venue on Monday, Nov. 9 and probably on the following day, too. Look for me and let me welcome you to Japan.

Reference: Third Circular of the event　(pdf file)

Recent Updates

[1] Funsenchi of Gero Onsen, Gifu Pref. has changed dramatically. It's surrounded with primitive walls now, and all soakers regardless gender and age are required to wear swimsuites. Swimsuites bathing is in transition period now and obligatetory from Feb. 1, 2010 (I think if we have to wear swimsuites, walls aren't necessary). See my post "Funsenchi, Gero Onsen, Gifu Pref." dated Jan.17, 2009.

[2] After the DPJ's landslide victory over LDP at the general election last weekend, future of the Kawarayu Onsen, Gunma Pref. gets unpredictable, as the DPJ has promised to suspend construction of Yamba Dam, which was going to submarge the Kawarayu Onsen.

The Yamba Dam construction plan first made public about 60 years ago. Residents of the Kawarayu Onsen accepted the plan in 2001 after severe opposition activities against it for several decades, and before the recent election, they were supposed to move alternative site "New Kawarayu Onsen" in a few years. See my post "Kawarayu Onsen, Gunma Pref. (1)" dated Jan. 24, 2009.

[3] Added how to go to the Kita Onsen, Tochigi Pref. by public transportation. See my post " Kita Onsen Ryokan, Tochigi Pref." dated Mar. 6, 2009

Blog of the Week@Tokyo×Work×Life

I got a mail from an editor of Tokyo×Work×Life, a website for foreign business people living in Japan, telling this "onsen soaker" was chosen Blog of the Week by them. Thanks for choosing newly opened blog with only eight posts!

There are many blogs related to Japan on their past Blog of the Week list. If you are interested in Japanese life and culture besides Onsen, check it out!