When is a bath not just a bath? When it's a hot spring. Despite the cultural stereotype of the shy Japanese communal bathing has been popular since the Heian period (over 1000 years ago). Japanese Hot Springs or "Onsens" are an experience that should not be missed. This article briefly outlines what they are, the rules about using them and suggest some good places to visit.
A Japanese Hobby
They have even become the focus of a very lucrative and popular tourist industry seducing many with promise of relaxation and pampering away from hectic city life. Authentic onsens use geothermicaly heated groundwater, basically water that is heated underground by volcanic activity.
Which Kind of Hot Bath is Best?
With a variety of bathing experiences on offer it can be hard to decide. Ranging from a visit to a local bath (sento) where you are most likely to find the locals having a good gossip to immersion in an opulent hot spring resort the choice is yours. Many hotels or Ryokans (traditional Japanese guest houses) have onsens or private baths included so that it's not even necessary to leave the hotel.
In colder climates such as Iceland, Canada and Peru natural hot springs are plentiful. According to Wikipedia Japanese onsens can contain a high content of minerals such as sulphur, sodium chloride, iron and hydrogen carbonate.
Onsen Rules:The Dos and Don'ts Of Bathing
Yes, communal bathing means communal nakedness. There are towels for modesty and men and women usually bathe separately but for the curious and adventurous. More about other options later.
There are a few things to remember
Do
- Cover tattoos, they are often not allowed in Onsens.
- Wash your body in the shower area first. This is usually done whilst trying to balance on small plastic chairs. It is permissible to go into the hot baths without doing this but it is considered bad manners as the baths are for relaxation not sanitation.
- Bring a small towel with you into the Onsen, it can be used to cover your head, or your modesty. If you forget many places have towels for hire for around 300 yen (about 4 dollars).
Do not
- Try and drink (anything), eat, smoke,
- Splash a lot
Onsens in Hokkaido, Jozankei and along the Izu Peninsula
In Northern areas such as Hokkaido there are many onsens to choose from. Near Sapporo is the Jozankei Onsen area. The best value is purchase a combined ticket that allows you to take a local bus (no 12) from Sapporo city and get into an onsen of your choice all for 1700 yen (around 20 dollars). You can get on and off the bus at any point and there are many options to choose from.
Izu Peninsular is a beautiful coastal location with some onsens located directly on the sea front. Shimoda, (the white sand beach) is also worth checking out. Hakone is an hours train ride from Tokyo and has a variety of up market hot springs as well as a "super onsen" complex where you can bathe in green tea, red wine and chocolate scented water.
For the more adventurous there are a variety of outdoor and mixed bathing options such as the Takaragawa Onsen near Minakami which has hot pools right on the river. Many older men are happy to discard towels so if you are offended by nakedness then a separate sex onsen would be a better place to start.
For a more kitsch experience try the Odaiba Onsen in Tokyo. As an indoor complex it boasts an Edo themed indoor town and fish that will eat the dead skin off your feet.
Natural Hot springs are a wonderful way to unwind in any season. Although it can be a little strange at first once you get used to the experience you might find yourself eager to make it a regular part of your relaxation routine.
