Hot Spring activities in Japan
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Wakoto Onsen
Special not for what it has, but for what it doesn't, Wakoto is merely a scalding-hot pool in the middle of nowhere on the southern shore of a beautiful lake. Best reached by car or bicycle, the onsen has none of the razzle-dazzle of most spa resorts. There's no electricity, no soap, no buckets, not even any doors on the bathhouse: you just strip, dip and enjoy. Not for everyone, but true onsen buffs will appreciate it. It has a view of the western side of Kussharo-ko and, in season, snow geese fly overhead as the sun slips behind the mountains. Not for the shy either, as it's a konyoku (mixed-sex bath) and there's algae on the rocks, which makes getting in and out a…
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