Hot Springs National Park encompasses over 5,500 acres and includes downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. There are 47 hot springs in the area, and you can soak in the healing waters at several bathhouses.

On a recent concert tour in Japan, I had the chance to visit several thermal baths and to chat with people about the tradition of bathing. I was fascinated by their differences with American spas.

There's nothing quite like sinking your weary limbs into a natural hot spring after a tiring hike. Especially if the enchanting pool is hidden halfway up a hillside with jaw-dropping views of the ...