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Onsen - A unique aspect of Japanese culture
It's no exaggeration to say that Japan is renowned as the world's number one hot spring bathing culture. There are 2,983 hot spring towns and 27,297 hot spring locations throughout Japan. Most of these onsen (hot spring) sites are concentrated in rural areas.
To attract more tourists, onsens (hot spring baths) have also started to spring up in cities. However, these places are actually called Sento (a type of hot spring bath), or public onsen bathhouses (おんせん). The Japanese term for onsen is "温泉" in kanji, pronounced "onquan" in Chinese characters. Therefore, the Japanese only use the term onsen for natural hot springs.
Most onsens truly make the most of their locations in Japan's beautiful countryside, with many situated beside rivers, or with mountain views, or even a beautiful garden. Therefore, bathing in an onsen is an experience not to be missed when visiting the Land of the Rising Sun.
While bathing in an onsen, you'll be bathing with many other people, as communal bathing has been a tradition in Japanese culture. It emerged as a necessary part of the times, when few families could afford to build private bathrooms. This offers visitors a novel and exciting experience, as most of us usually bathe individually.
Rules for bathing in an Onsen
One very important thing to note when bathing in an onsen is that you must shower thoroughly outside before entering the onsen area. This is because the Japanese only use onsens for soaking and relaxing. Moreover, onsens are communal bathing areas, so your body must be clean before soaking in one.
Clothing for bathing in onsens is also something visitors should be aware of. Most onsens are divided into two areas based on gender. Therefore, visitors will often find that no clothing is allowed, even simple swimwear.
In fact, many foreigners feel uncomfortable and embarrassed by the culture of nudity when bathing in communal baths, so choosing a completely private onsen would be a great solution. Of course, the cost of a private onsen will be much higher.
Onsen baths typically have two towels: one large and one small. The large one is used for complete drying after a relaxing soak, and the small one is usually used to discreetly cover sensitive areas while walking from the bathing area to the onsen. Once inside, the smaller towel is often placed on the head, tied around the forehead, or left somewhere near the edge of the bath… as long as it dries so it can be used when leaving the onsen.
Benefits of Onsen bathing
Onsen baths not only help the body relax after stressful and tiring hours, but they can also help remove toxins from the body through hydrostatic pressure, thereby increasing blood circulation and oxygenation. In addition, small amounts of minerals such as carbon dioxide, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and lithium are absorbed by the body. This stimulates the immune system, leading to increased immunity, physical and mental relaxation; the production of endorphins, and normal glandular function...
Onsen bathing locations in Japan
In Japan, hot springs are scattered throughout the country, but are most concentrated in three areas: central Hokkaido, and western and northern Tokyo. However, the most famous onsen in Japan is the town of Kinosaki, which boasts seven traditional onsens.
Kinosaki has existed for over 1,300 years and boasts numerous hot springs, but the most famous are Satono-yu, Ichino-yu, Goshono-yu, Mandara-yu, Jizo-yu, Otori-yu, and Yanagi-yu. Strolling through the timeless streets in yukata, admiring the town's ancient scenery, and experiencing the seven famous hot springs is a favorite activity for all visitors to Kinosaki.
