Onsen are natural hot springs in Japan, often surrounded by inns and bathing facilities. Visitors can choose from indoor and outdoor pools with varying temperatures and mineral compositions. Onsen have been popular for centuries and offer a relaxed atmosphere with traditional Japanese meals and massages. Visitors should be aware of gender-separated pools and follow etiquette rules.
An onsen is a natural hot spring in Japan. While the term refers to the hot springs themselves, many people use the term to refer to the inns and bathing facilities that surround the hot springs, and visits to regional onsen are very popular with residents of Japan. Visitors to Japan can also make time to visit a spring or two during their stay, as hot springs and communal baths are an important part of traditional Japanese culture.
Japan’s volcanic nature has created a myriad of geothermal springs scattered throughout the country. Some onsen are relatively private and known only to locals, while others are major vacation destinations. The bathing establishments around these springs typically also have accommodations, which can range from traditional Japanese inns known as ryokans to more conventional hotels. In some regions, an onsen is run as a municipal enterprise, while in other cases, the hot springs are run privately.
Visitors to an onsen typically have a number of hot pools to choose from, including indoor and outdoor pools. The temperature and mineral composition of each pool varies, with some sites classifying their pools based on the minerals in each one. Many people believe that certain minerals such as sulfur are beneficial, viewing the springs as a place for healing and relaxation.
The Japanese have been visiting these places for centuries. Around 1800, European visitors to Japan often observed the onsen and it became a popular spot with tourists. The atmosphere in these places is very informal and people are not divided by social rank. Many of the strict rules of personal conduct are relaxed, and the general feeling is one of parity and equality, not least because people enjoy the nude pools, whether they’re heads of big companies or street vendors.
In addition to the hot pools, some establishments also offer food and massages. Ryokan typically provide traditional Japanese meals for their guests, and visitors who simply want to use the pools without spending the night may be able to order meals as well. People looking to visit an onsen should definitely consider going to a ryokan for a traditional Japanese experience, and reservations are recommended.
There are a few rules of etiquette that gaijin, foreigners, may want to familiarize themselves with. Many onsen today have gender-separated pools, so visitors should make sure they enter the right area. Robes, towels and personal items are traditionally left in cubbies, with bathers taking a small towel to cover their intimates for modesty. Before entering a warm pool, bathers enter the shower cubicles to wash thoroughly, taking the time to rinse off any traces of soap. Swimmers must enter the pool carefully, making sure they do not splash or disturb other patrons.
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