The eight springs of Beppu have each given rise to a number of hot spring inns, using the natural spring waters to offer the ultimate in relaxation. Suginoi Hotel, located in the famous Japanese hot spring town of Beppu, gives guests an amazing view of the bay below from the terraced outdoor baths at its bathhouse, Tanayu. To find out more, see our article　"Beppu Onsen's Suginoi Hotel: So much more than just a hot-spring resort"

The Japanese Macaques at Nagano's Jigokudani hot springs have become famous for their winter visits to the spa. All throughout the colder months one can visit and see them enjoying a relaxing and warming soak in the hot water as the entire valley lies beneath a deep blanket of snow. Jigokudani is also close to some of Japans best skiing locations like Hakuba, home to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. So, when you go to Nagano to take in the world class skiing, make sure to make a side trip to visit Jigokudani and its unique hot-spring-loving monkeys.

Photo: Jeff Laitila

Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most famous of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The many fox statues that can be found there are the messengers of Inari. Fushimi Inari Shrine is located at the base of a mountain also named Inari, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines. Merchants and manufacturers worship Inari for wealth and over the years they have donated the countless thousands of torii gates that line footpaths. These tunnels of brilliant vermillion are one of the most memorable scenes to be found in Kyoto.

Photo: Jeff Laitila

"Koyo" (colorful leaves) are to the Japanese autumn what cheery blossoms are to spring. Beginning in late September of each year, the "koyo front" sweeps slowly southwards from Hokkaido in the North until it reaches the lower elevations of central and southern Japan towards the end of November. Kyoto is one of those very special places in Japan where a new discovery awaits you around every corner. The autumn months are particularly nice with clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and explosions of color throughout the city from the changing leaves.

Photo: Jeff Laitila

Omikuji are fortunes written on strips of paper available at most Shinto shrines in Japan. There are 12 levels of fortunes, ranging from Great Blessing to Great Curse. When the fortune is bad, it is customary for the person to fold up the strip of paper and tie it to a pine tree branch at the temple grounds, thus freeing the person from the bad fortune. In the event of the fortune being good, the bearer should keep it. What will your fortune be? Come to Japan and find out!

Photo: Jeff Laitila