Hello, this is Ayamegu(@ayakami_meguru).I will write about Onsen this time.
Onsen (温泉) are natural hot springs found throughout Japan since ancient times. Bathing in these geothermally heated mineral waters provides relaxation and various health benefits. Onsen bathing is an integral part of Japanese culture and remains a popular activity for locals and travelers alike.
History and Significance of Onsen
Onsen were first discovered over 1,300 years ago in Japan. Since then, thousands of onsen locations have been uncovered across the Japanese islands.
Early onsen were revered for mystical healing powers. By the 17th century, bathing incursions gained medical approval. The Edo period saw onsen transformed into resort destinations.
Onsen vary by mineral composition, ranging from clear, colorless waters to cloudy, iron-rich black waters. Different minerals provide different therapeutic effects. For example, sulfur aids joint pain, iron treats anemia, and carbonated water improves circulation.
After WWII, Japan focused on modernizing onsen facilities. Contemporary onsen integrate traditional bathing with lodging, dining, and spa services.
Beyond physical healing, onsen provide social and cultural value. Public bathing enables community interaction. Onsen markings like shrines, stones, and motifs reflect regional identities. Luxurious ryokan inns offer complete cultural immersion.
While Japan’s birth rate declines, onsen tourism thrives. Overseas visitors now represent a major portion of onsen patronage as interest in wellness travel rises globally.
Main Types of Onsen
There are many varieties of onsen found in Japan:
Indoor Public Baths – Large shared bathing facilities with rows of faucets and washing areas.
Rotenburo – Open air baths allowing direct contact with nature. Available publicly or at ryokan inns.
Private Family Baths – Smaller onsen for private rental at ryokan, especially suited for families.
Hotel/Resort Onsen – Contemporary onsen facilities as part of vacation resorts and conference centers. May have exercise and spa services.
Onsen Towns – Destination towns oriented around onsen tourism, like Beppu in Kyushu. Feature baths, ryokan, food, and entertainment.
Hell Valley – Extreme onsen with temperatures from a natural geothermal source so hot you can barely stand it. Provides intense muscle relaxation.
Mixed Bathing – Separate male and female baths, which switch between genders hourly or daily. Offered in some public baths and ryokan.
Ashiyu – Foot baths where you soak just your feet and calves in hot mineral water, keeping the rest of your body clothed.
Onsen types utilize local conditions, catering to different needs like social, cultural, therapeutic and relaxation-oriented bathing.
Onsen Etiquette and Wellness Tips
To properly enjoy an onsen:
- Fully clean your body before soaking
- Enter the bath nude
- Sit on washing stools to clean well, then enter the bath slowly
- Keep noise down and don’t splash water over the sides
- Limit your soak to 10-15 minutes
- Cool down after bathing before going outside
To enhance wellness through onsen bathing:
- Drink extra fluids before and after to stay hydrated
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid peak crowds
- Try multiple onsen types during your visit
- Book overnight ryokan stays that include meals for total rejuvenation
- Consult doctors before bathing with any medical conditions
- Use onsen to complement other treatments like massage
With its centuries-old history and diversity, onsen bathing is truly a unique cultural experience that deeply reflects the Japanese connection to nature, community, and wellness.
References:
Japan National Tourism Organization: https://www.jnto.go.jp/onsen
Japan Onsen Association: https://onsenjapan.net/en/
