Steam rises into the frigid night air. Few locals brave the below-zero temperature, yet here we are dressed in yukata (Japanese-style robes) with feet dangling in the heated waters of the grandly named Kiso River Hydrophilic Foot Spa.

Despite the name’s claims of grandeur, it is an illusion consisting of an open-air water channel with a covering to protect against the elements. The hot waters, though, are no illusion, and they comfort the soles of our feet after a punishing yet serene nine-kilometre walk along Japan’s Nakasendo Way.

You can read the full article here