Let's Go to Onsen (1999)
A heartfelt Japanese drama-comedy about second chances, workplace rivalries, and finding belonging at a traditional hot spring inn.
Let's Go to Onsen - Series Information
- Original Title: 温泉へ行こう
- First Air Year: 1999
- Last Air Year: 2003
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 246
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: JNN
- Alternative Titles: Women of the Onsen (US), Onsen e Iko! (JP)
- Production Companies: TELEPACK, TBS
- Production Countries: Japan
Let's Go to Onsen - Plot
Left at the altar after quitting her job to marry, Kaoru travels to the countryside to work at the Japanese inn and hot spring resort that her mother manages. With her daughter back, Kaoru's mother decides to groom her to become the next manager, but this causes the woman previously in line for that position to become a jealous rival. On top of that, the rest of the staff don't respect her and refuse to cooperate at every turn. Fighting to thwart the efforts of her rival, earning the respect of her co-workers, learning a new job and hopefully finding love along the way may be tough, but she is determined to make this her new home!
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Let's Go to Onsen - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Chiyo Tanaka
- Kumiko Fujiyoshi
- Miho Yabe
- Hiroko Yamashita
- Kazuma Shigaya
- Shiho Fujimura
- Takako Katou
- Minoru Tanaka
- Yuki Ayu
- Yukie Takiyama
Writers
- Shizuka Ouki
- Yuki Kiyomoto
- Bull Ishihara
Let's Go to Onsen - FAQs
What is Let's Go to Onsen about?
Let's Go to Onsen follows Kaoru, a woman left at the altar who moves to the countryside to work at her mother's traditional Japanese hot spring inn. She must overcome a jealous rival, earn her coworkers' respect, master a new career, and hopefully find love along the way.
How many seasons does Let's Go to Onsen have?
Let's Go to Onsen ran for 5 seasons, comprising 246 episodes in total. Season 1 had 65 episodes, Season 2 had 60, Season 3 had 54, Season 4 had 47, and Season 5 concluded the series with 20 episodes.
Where can you watch Let's Go to Onsen?
Streaming availability for Let's Go to Onsen varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription or rental platforms carrying the series, by visiting JustWatch, which lists up-to-date streaming and on-demand availability in your country.
When did Let's Go to Onsen first air?
Let's Go to Onsen first aired in 1999 on the JNN network in Japan. The series ran until 2003, spanning five seasons and establishing itself as a beloved long-running Japanese drama-comedy set in the world of traditional onsen hospitality.
Who are the main actors in Let's Go to Onsen?
The main cast includes Takako Katou as protagonist Kaoru Shiina, alongside Chiyo Tanaka, Kumiko Fujiyoshi, Miho Yabe, Hiroko Yamashita, Kazuma Shigaya, Shiho Fujimura, Minoru Tanaka, Yuki Ayu, and Yukie Takiyama in key supporting roles.
Is Let's Go to Onsen based on a true story?
Let's Go to Onsen is not based on a true story. It is an original Japanese drama-comedy series created for television, set in the culturally rich world of traditional Japanese hot spring inns, known as onsen ryokan, and centered on fictional characters navigating work and personal life.
What genre is Let's Go to Onsen?
Let's Go to Onsen blends Drama and Comedy, offering a warm mix of workplace rivalry, personal growth, and romantic storylines. Set against the backdrop of a traditional Japanese hot spring resort, it balances lighthearted humor with emotionally engaging character-driven narratives.
What are shows similar to Let's Go to Onsen?
Fans of Let's Go to Onsen may enjoy Hanasaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow, Konohana Kitan, Okko's Inn, and Koi wa Yukemuri no Naka de — all series that explore themes of hospitality, personal growth, and traditional Japanese inn culture in similarly warm and engaging ways.
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