No trip to Japan is complete without an authentic onsen (hot spring) experience. But the art of Japanese communal bathing, with its relaxing qualities and healing properties, is still a mystery to most Western tourists.

Help is now at hand. Onsen of Japan showcases over 100 of the best onsen from across the country – including traditional 7th-century baths, historic wooden buildings, open-air mountain springs, rustic neighbourhood baths, and big city super santos (aquatic centres) – all of them beautiful places to enjoy this quintessential Japanese experience. Alongside vivid descriptions and beautiful images, each listing includes a checklist with important travel information, such as price range, whether same-sex or mixed bathing is available, whether English is spoken, and if tattoos are accepted.

A detailed introduction at the front of the book includes a guide to etiquette, onsen rules, customs and quirks, as well as information on different water types and their healing benefits. The authors also offer tips on how to take a bath like a local, bathing in different seasons, the best places to take a foot bath (ashiyu) or hand bath (teyu), and where you can cook your own onsen egg.

This is essential reading for anyone dreaming of visiting Japan.

Steve Wide (photographer) and Michelle Mackintosh (designer) have been obsessed with Japan since their first visit in the late 1990s. This is the third Japan guidebook they've authored, following Tokyo Precincts and Kyoto Pocket Precincts.