The mistakes foreigners make when bathing naked in Japan
Navigating Japanese Onsen: A Guide for International Visitors
The mistakes foreigners make when bathing – Japan’s celebrated hot springs, known as onsen, represent one of the nation’s most distinctive cultural offerings. However, international travelers often stumble over unspoken rules that locals take for granted. Among these customs are strict adherence to timing and the occasional need for waterproof adhesive strips to conceal body art. Perhaps most notably, complete nudity remains obligatory in these therapeutic waters.
An experienced onsen specialist recently shared guidance on maximizing this traditional bathing experience while sidestepping potentially hazardous temperature-related errors. Such mishaps could easily add an emergency room visit to your travel schedule. This concern isn’t unique to Japan; merely a few years prior, swimming in Paris’s River Seine could similarly result in hospitalization due to elevated pollution concentrations. Fortunately, the waterway underwent restoration before the Paris Olympic Games commenced, transforming it into the capital’s trendiest aquatic destination—especially during this year’s unprecedented heatwave.
Nudity Norms Around the Globe
While full nudity stands as a requirement within Japanese onsen facilities, the practice varies considerably elsewhere. In the picturesque village of Varenna, situated along Italy’s Lake Como shoreline, regulations differ substantially. This charming fishing community has recently implemented monetary penalties for individuals spotted strolling through its streets without shirts or wearing swim attire.
Wild Encounters and Urban Discoveries
From bare skin to bear encounters, a Tibetan brown bear created quite a stir this week in Naqu, Tibet. According to state media reports, the animal casually ambled into a local hotel, consumed bottled water from the reception area, and briefly entered a guest’s accommodation before vanishing. The unexpected visitor provided an unforgettable wake-up call for one hotel occupant.
Meanwhile, our ongoing series highlighting America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2026 features Lawrence, Kansas, positioned at number nine. This Midwestern city embodies Main Street charm through its collection of artisanal breweries, independent bookshops, and heritage accommodations. Yet beneath this appealing exterior resides a spirited, defiant character. Having survived two devastating fires during the Civil War period, Lawrence consistently reinvented itself. That resilient energy persists today as Massachusetts Street wages a contemporary struggle against corporate chain dominance while preserving local distinctiveness. Don’t forget to explore our complete rankings alongside our tenth selection, Roanoke, Virginia.
Unexpected Tourist Attractions
For World Cup attendees traveling to the United States, an unlikely destination has emerged as a popular attraction: Walmart. With over four thousand locations nationwide, this retail giant is capitalizing on social media enthusiasm by organizing exclusive VIP tours for international supporters in New Jersey and Miami.
Further afield, El Hierro—the most isolated of Spain’s Canary Islands—once held the distinction of marking the westernmost boundary of known geography. Historical accounts suggest this was the final landmass Christopher Columbus observed departing from Europe before reaching the Americas in 1492. Contemporary explorers now flock to this island seeking renewed wonder. Despite lacking resort infrastructure and direct air connections, enthusiasts maintain that the turbulent two-and-a-half-hour ferry journey from Tenerife delivers exceptional value.
Culinary Innovation and Cultural Connections
Scientists in Seoul are currently refining the formula for kimchi, Korea’s beloved fermented vegetable accompaniment, within laboratory settings. Daniel Dae Kim, host of CNN Original Series “K-Everything,” collaborates with three-Michelin-starred chef Corey Lee to explore this culinary science. Their investigation promises fascinating insights into traditional preservation methods.
In human interest news, one individual requested an internet stranger serve as their European tour guide—and romance followed. (Available exclusively for CNN subscribers.)
Weekly Travel Highlights
A magnificent wedding celebration. World Cup aspirations. A continental power outage. What moments stand out from this past week? The title of the world’s most liveable city for 2026 has been announced. It belongs to a European capital distributed across two coastal islands. Additionally, America’s most legendary sandwich varieties have been catalogued, complete with recommendations for where to sample them.
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