VI
EN
With approximately 150 hot springs and around 1400 smaller streams, soaking in hot springs and immersing oneself in nature is the best way to relax, a practice favored by people throughout Japan. It has long been a part of Japanese culture.
Hot springs – Onsen, in Sino-Vietnamese, is called On Tuyen, where "On" means warm or hot and "Tuyen" means spring. Outdoor onsens, also known as rotenburo or notenburo, allow you to soak in warm water while relaxing and immersing yourself in nature.
Let's visit Arima Onsen, one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan, located in Kita, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. According to records in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), dating back to the Nara period, Emperor Jomei stayed at Arima Onsen for three months in 631. Furthermore, Seishou Nagon's work "Makura No Shoshi" (Makura No Shoshi) also mentions this area. (Source: internet)
The feeling of peace upon arriving here, breathing in the gentle air and gazing at the babbling streams.
It's like stepping into an ancient town from hundreds of years ago; the antiquity emanates from the unique architecture, the winding paths leading to the temples, and the mysterious ancient wells.
Text and photos: Kieu Trang
