The best hot springs in Asia, and the cruise ships that will take you to them

The Scenic One: Iwamuro Onsen, Niigata, Japan

One of the world’s most spectacular hot springs settings, Iwamuro Onsen in Niigata, Japan, roosts on a mountain plateau in a panorama of paddy fields. Its waters, which are green, black, red or white depending on the daily mineral composition of the spring, are held to cure back aches and neuralgia (nerve pain). According to legend, its curative waters were discovered after a wounded goose bathed in its waters, some time in the 18th century, and was miraculously healed. These days it’s a hit with young Japanese, who come in groups by nightfall (by day you’ll have it’s waters almost to yourself, a boon if you’re squeamish about the nude-bathing norm). Tattoos are taboo in Japan, so cover them with a plaster if you have them and are planning to bathe. Once you’ve smoothed those muscular kinks, head on to the quirky Shirone Kite museum and a visit to the ethereal mountain shrine on 2,080-foot-tall Mt. Yahiko.

Princess Cruises is offering a nine-day Sea of Japan voyage on Diamond Princess sailing roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama). Departing Sunday August 23, 2020, ports of call include Busan (South Korea), Sakaiminato, Tsuruga, Kanazawa, Niigata and Sakata (all Japan). Prices from £1,199pp. The Iwamuro Onsen shore excursion costs US195.95 (£132).