Things I'm grateful for during winter in Japan: onsen

It took me a while to love the concept of onsen. Private ones, sure -- those were fine, but the idea of public nudity was something that took my mind a while to get comfortable with. In my home country I feel like bathing is a private thing rather than a communal one, and there's also the etiquette piece of things here in Japan (e.g. tying up your hair beforehand and making sure you're squeaky clean before entering) that felt a bit intimidating. 

I'm glad that I've overcome the fear side of things with onsen, because they are one of my favorite ways to spend chilly winter days. Obviously, a big part of that love comes from the fact that they're so lovely and warm, and my house often isn't ;) 

Some onsen that I've visited also have incredible wintertime views, including the one pictured below which was at an anniversary trip to Konansou (a ryokan in Yamanashi) that my husband and I took several years ago. It was a bit of a splurge but worth every penny, and still the most memorable ryokan trip I think we've taken. I'll remember the views for a lifetime there.