A Snapshot of My Other Writings, and Media

Ryokan Wanderings began as creative outlet during the pandemic, to return a bit to a childhood dream of wanting to write. It was a personal challenge to myself to see if I could still put pen to paper so to speak and convey something of meaning, of interest that evoked feelings in others to perhaps one day visit these stunning destinations, meet the people and just learn a little of what life can be like in Japan.

From there, it organically grew to writing for other publications, guest blogging and occasionally featuring in the Media. Here you can find links to my other works and appearances that I’m allowed to share publicly.

2025 saw my first book published with Gestalten globally; “ONSEN & RYOKAN OF JAPAN” - A 256pg hardcover stitchbound book filled with eloquent narratives, stunning photography detailing onsen ryokan across the country, many that have never been heard of outside Japan. From the local, traditional, rustic, family run to opulent, modern & traditional luxurious premises, there is something for everyone.

Onsen & Ryokan of Japan

A hardcover coffeetable book titled 'Onsen and Ryokan of Japan', written by Lia of Ryokanwanderings featuring a cover photo of a traditional Japanese room with shoji screens and a view of a garden - detailing numerous onsen ryokans across Japan

Reviews

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG | SEP 2025 | print

“..A magnificent volume, published by Gestalten and written by blogger Lia of Ryokanwanderings, now invites readers to immerse themselves in this world... the book presents the genesis and visions of the cities that have grown up around onsen...It portrays 48 onsen and their associated ryokan (traditional inns) in pictures and text... Across Japan’s prefectures, the book embarks on a spiritual quest for the absences of modernity. It particularly enjoys portraying ethereal landscapes... valuable digressions on onsen etiquette, kaiseki cuisine and the concept of preemptive hospitality “Omotenashi” round out the book. One emerges from this reading journey refreshed and enriched, as after an onsen bath, as if having learned a lesson in letting go.”

D-LA REPUBBLICA | OCT 2025 | print

“The book brings together a selection of the country’s most authentic hot spring resorts and inns with on-site baths (ryokans, precisely), offering a journey along the less traveled roads of the archipelago.”

VALET | OCT 2025 | online

“The best coffee table books in Fall 2025…. A visual and narrative journey through Japan's historic hot springs and traditional inns, revealing how their architectural grace, cultural rituals and harmonious union of nature and wellness define a contemplative way of life.”

A hardcover coffeetable book titled 'Onsen and Ryokan of Japan', written by Lia of Ryokanwanderings showing snowy landscape with trees and a wooden house on the left page, and Lia bathing in a traditional Japanese onsen hot spring on the right page.

NEW YORK TIMES | NOV 2025 | online

“TRANQUIL TOME: The world feels more full of noise and mess than usual these days, so let your tired mind be rinsed clean by the visual ASMR of 'Onsen and Ryokan of Japan,' an elegant, timeless tome on Japanese bathing culture. (Hot stones not included, but you can always bring your own.)”

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE | NOV 2025 | print

“…For all that experiencing Japan’s onsen (hot springs) and the ryokan inns) often attached to them appeals to most visitors, they can still be intimidating places, especially to first-timers who have never had a 15-course banquet (kaiseki) served in their room before. More traditional ryokans can come across as staid or inflexible to those unfamiliar with the time-worn etiquette they observe.

And while these inns may range in size from giant, modern hot spring complexes to small, family-run stays, by and large, they are places of formality, with standards, a culture and rules that are not immediately obvious to the outsider. This is why Gestalten’s new Onsen and Ryokan of Japan book is so hotly anticipated, as it promises a comprehensive guide to the history and culture of a side of Japanese life that has so much to offer.”

GLOBETROTTER | NOV 2025 | print

“ It boasts stunning photography of the many different options, the history of the locations, and a glimpse into the intricate architecture of the buildings themselves…This book can be read as a history and informative text of Japanese onsen and ryokan culture, but also details best times of year and unique features of individual establishments. Overall, a fascinating, inspirational book for those interested in the Japanese healing culture.”

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also available from your local bookstore

A hardcover coffeetable book titled 'Onsen and Ryokan of Japan', written by Lia of Ryokanwanderings with photos of cherry blossom trees in rural Japan in an onsen town

ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST POLAND | NOV/DEC 2025 | print

“The culture of these places is showcased in the album "Onsen and Ryokan of Japan," prepared by the Gestalten publishing house in collaboration with expert Lia, author of the Ryokan Wanderings blog, a writer and clothing designer who can breathe new life into old kimonos. We travel to the most beautiful bathing areas and their accompanying hotels to enjoy the exquisite Japanese architecture and the charms of nature, from pale mornings to atmospheric evenings, from spring dusted with cherry blossom petals to snowy winter. Through the album, we discover both places where centuries-old customs are cultivated and completely modern interpretations of luxury. Indoors and outdoors, in the clouds of steam and in the cool waters of pools known as mizuburo. Beautiful photographs allow us to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of Japanese bathing areas and clear our minds without even leaving home.”

ELITE TRAVELLER | NOV 2025 | online

“The most interesting books to gift this holiday season… In Onsen and Ryokan of Japan Tokyo-based writer Lia combines photography and narrative to capture the architecture, interiors and rituals of these spaces, showing how these retreats balance tradition with modern design. The book is an ideal choice for anyone interested in Japanese culture, design, or is in the midst of planning a trip to the magical country.”

THE AUSTRALIAN | FEB 2026 | print

“This immersive tome introduces readers to a wide variety of options, some requiring a bracing walk to pristine forest settings…

… Japan’s emergence as a leading destination for Australians, and ryokan inns with onsen facilities are popular itinerary inclusions.” by Susan Kurosawa 

Selection of Published Writings

An article from the travel magazine Wanderlust UK written by Lia of Ryokanwanderings featuring a traditional Japanese onsen ryokan surrounded by lush green trees, with a large pine tree overhanging the building.

WANDERLUST TRAVEL MAGAZINE

A view of Ehime Prefecture's renowned traditional Japanese Dogo Onsen on a clear late winter's day, with a clear blue sky and some trees.

TOKYO WEEKENDER

DISCOVERING LESSER TRAVELLED EHIME & OITA

The entrance to Togakushi Temple in Nagano Prefecture with a shimenawa rope hangs across the entrance, set amidst tall cedar trees in a lush green forest. There is a stone lantern in the foreground and the ground is covered with dirt and small rocks.

THE AU REVIEW

EXPLORE THE CITIES OF NAGANO & KANAZAWA

Two Japanese Geisha dressed in traditional silk kimonos sitting on tatami mats in a Japanese-style room in Kanazawa, Ishikawa engaged in a traditional game. The room has wooden sliding doors and shoji screens, with a wooden ceiling and purple walls.

THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE

A LUXURY ADVENTURE ON THE MITSUBOSHI KAIDO

A narrow street in a traditional Japanese neighborhood lined with wooden buildings on both sides. The street is paved with bricks, and street lamps illuminate the area as the sky appears overcast.

THE TRAVEL MAGAZINE

DISCOVERING  KANAZAWA & MATSUMOTO

A view of blooming cherry blossom trees with pink flowers, set against a backdrop of mountains and clear blue sky. There are buildings visible in the distance, and a grassy area in the foreground.

VOYAPON

EARLY CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING IN KAWAZU

A feature article from the travel magazine Wanderlust written by Lia of Ryokanwanderings showing writings and photos from multiple onsen ryokan across Japan, both traditional, modern and unique

PRINT ISSUE: FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026

Collection of Japanese folding screens with traditional landscapes and nature scenes, featuring mountains, rivers, and trees, displayed indoors.

VOYAPON

A LOVE OF SUSHI, ANTIQUE KIMONOS & OBI

Stacks of traditional Japanese sake barrels wrapped in straw, decorated with Japanese calligraphy and designs.

VOYAPON

PURSUING IWATE’S FAMOUS SAKE NAMBU TOJI

A feature article from the travel magazine Wanderlust written by Lia of Ryokanwanderings showing onsen ryokan travel destinations in Japan, featuring images of hot springs, traditional architecture, snowy landscapes, and rural mountain villages.

A LOVE LETTER TO JAPAN

Guest Blog Features

A small boat with a red roof and white body sailing on turquoise water near a shoreline with houses and a mountainous landscape in the background

VISIT JAPAN UK

MIE: ONE OF THE LEAST TRAVELLED PREFECTURES

A semi open air onsen hot spring in Hakuba, Nagano with a stone-lined edge, wooden walls, and a view of snow outside through an open window or balcony. Snow covers the ground and trees can be seen in the distance.

VISIT JAPAN UK

DISCOVERING HAKUBA’S PURE ONSEN WATERS

A wooden path leading to the traditional onsen hot spring bath house of Yamashiro Onsen town in Kanazawa, Ishikawa . Trees frame the photo, and the coloured Kaga Gosai glass tiles of the bathhouse can bseen

VISIT JAPAN UK

A RELAXING WEEKEND ESCAPE AT YAMASHIRO ONSEN

A striking outdoor onsen hot spring rotenburo in the mountains of Niigata, Japan with rocks in the foreground, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees with mountains and cloudy sky in the distance.

VISIT JAPAN UK

DELVING DEEPER INTO NIIGATA’S ECHIGO YUZAWA

Scenic view of a rural Japanese mountainside village with houses, lush green fields, a lake, and a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A Japanese luxury modern hotel room with a large bed, white bedding. There is a plant beside the bed, a window with white curtains, and a view of trees and buildings outside. The ceiling has exposed concrete and industrial lighting fixtures.

VISIT JAPAN UK

EXPLORING THE CHARMS OF NIIGATA’S SADO ISLAND

VISIT JAPAN UK

5 LUXE PROPERTIES TO STAY IN THE MITSUBOSHI KAIDO

View of snow-covered trees and a wooden fence from inside a traditional Japanese outdoor onsen hot spring, with rocks and wooden buckets in the foreground.

VISIT JAPAN UK

SOAK AWAY IN THE  TOHOKU’S BEST WINTER ONSEN

A boutique modern hotel in Tokyo, Japan with colorful mural on bedroom walls depicting mythical creatures, women in traditional clothing, and animals including rabbits, with clouds and celestial motifs.

VISIT JAPAN UK

4 UNIQUE HOTEL STAYS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP TO TOKYO

A striking indoor sento bath house located in Kyoto, Japan in a modern hotel. The indoor baths have mosaic tile walls and a large mountain mural depicting a river, trees, and mountains in the background.

VISIT JAPAN UK

6 BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION FOR KYOTO

Snow-covered ground in rural Japan during winter with a river and leafless trees in the foreground, mountain range with snow on the peaks, and a cloudy sky overhead.

VISIT JAPAN UK

EXPLORING THE CHARMS OF MATSUMOTO CITY

A tranquil traditional Japanese garden in Kanazawa, Ishikawa with a pond, stone lantern, lush green trees, and a small building in the background, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

TRAVIS TRAVIS

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KANAZAWA CITY

A Japanese mountain range with green forested slopes and snow-capped peaks under a cloudy sky with some patches of blue.

TRAVIS TRAVIS

9 EXPERIENCES TO ENJOY POPULAR NAGANO!

YUKKURI SANSOU: our old Japanese mountain home renovation

YUKKURI SANSOU: EPISODE 01

YUKKURI SANSOU: EPISODE 02

YUKKURI SANSOU: EPISODE 03

Other Media | Press

A woman relaxing in a wooden outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow-covered trees and a wooden fence.

MIX MAG JAPAN (ENGLISH)

A woman (Lia of Ryokanwanderings) in a white floral dress with a low back reconstructed from a vintage silk kimono by Tokyo Kaleidoscope, standing outdoors in front of dense green foliage and rocks.

MIX MAG JAPAN (JAPANESE)

TOKYO WEEKENDER (ENGLISH)

A woman standing in a rooftop pool overlooking a city skyline with modern buildings, wearing a colorful, flowing dress.

ALL ABOUT JAPAN (ENGLISH)

ABN TV NEWS (JAPANESE)

A woman (Lia of Ryokanwanderings) in a white floral dress with a low back reconstructed from a vintage silk kimono by Tokyo Kaleidoscope standing on the edge of a Tokyo, Japan rooftop with a city skyline in the background.

SAVVY JAPAN (ENGLISH)

NHK NEWS (JAPANESE)