Yuzu Spa

In Japanese, the words for 'winter solstice' and 'hotspring cure' are homonyms (toji), and the same goes for 'being flexible' and 'yuzu'. A traditional winter solstice wish is thus to 'act flexibly (yuzu ga kiku you ni)' – likely a reference to all the positive effects yuzu has on the body. For those looking to put this saying into practice, we'd recommend the Takaosanguchi Station Bath Complex, which, although part of the nationwide Gokuraku chain, is a great place to soak in a yuzu bath for a day while taking in some clean mountain air. Even better, they're open until 11pm (though you'll need to enter by 10pm), so you'll be able to make the most of the shortest day of the year.