Onsen: The Hot Springs of Japan

Japanese people like to take baths. It warms and relaxes the body.

Onsen is the Japanese word for a hot spring. It is said that there are more than 3,000 hot springs throughout Japan, due to the fact that it is a volcanic country. If you are in an area where hot springs are available, you can use them at nearby hotels as well as facilities dedicated to hot springs. The springs flow into the facilities from underground, using specially designed water pipes.

One of the reasons why the Japanese love hot springs is because of their health benefits. Onsen water has a healing effect. It has been medically proven to do so. This includes both physical and psychological benefits.

The minerals in the hot water vary from region to region. Each region advertises the specific benefits of their local hot springs. People may go out in search of a hot spring that is compatible with them. Some people stay in hot springs resorts for long periods of time to restore their health.

Hot springs have a variety of benefits. They can help with fatigue, cooling, and rheumatism. Bathing in bicarbonate hot springs has a softening effect on the skin. Bicarbonate of earth hot springs can reduce inflammation. Hence, they are good for trauma, skin diseases, atopic dermatitis and allergic diseases.

Many hot springs are located in the mountains or on the coast. Visitors can enjoy the view of the mountains and the sea while soaking in the hot water. That is the best part of an open-air bath. Japanese people like to enjoy the beauty of nature and the seasons while soaking in onsen. When you experience an onsen, you will understand what it means.

There are a few rules you should be aware of when entering an onsen. Take off all your underwear before entering the bathhouse. You are not allowed to wear a bathing suit when entering the hot water. You are supposed to wash your body before entering the hot water. You are not allowed to put your head under the water in the hot water. Swimming is prohibited; this is to prevent danger and to maintain cleanliness. Hot springs also prohibit tattoos, which are closely related with gang activity in Japan. Most facilities have recently added English instructions for the benefit of foreign tourists, so please read them carefully.

Eating and drinking is another fun part of a hot spring trip. Meals will be served with different specialties depending on the area where the hot springs are located. There are some unusual foods that you can't find in the city, so that's part of the fun.

Trivia: Each of Japan's hot springs has its own distinctive name. A popular naming convention is to use the word “Hell.” One of those names is Hell in the Pool of Blood. Scary image, isn't it? That's because the iron-rich red water boiling and bubbling is compared to hell.

In spite of the names, hot springs are safe and controlled. Many Japanese people prefer hot water. Some hot springs are too hot for foreigners. It's a good idea to check the temperature before you go in.

Below is a list of famous onsen in Japan. We hope this will be of help to you.

Atami Onsen

It takes 40 minutes to get here from Tokyo by bullet train. As this is the center of Japan, people come from all parts of the country. There are plenty of tourist facilities in the hot spring area along the coast. In summer, you can swim at the beach. The scenery is beautiful from higher ground.

Atami Onsen is a mildly alkaline spring that is gentle on the skin, and the water is soft and pleasant to the touch.

Beppu Onsen

This is an island in the south of the Japanese archipelago. It boasts the largest number of hot springs in Japan in terms of the amount of water that comes out of them and the number of sources. This hot spring town is famous for the spectacle of countless steamy springs. At night, there is an observatory where you can watch the steam light up in a fantastic way. You can take a ride on a ropeway to see the beautiful night view from the mountain. This is also a great place for camping.

Kusatsu Onsen

Located in the highlands, Kusatsu Onsen is famous as a ski resort in winter. The best thing to do is to take a dip in the open-air hot spring baths in the snow. In Nishinokawara Park, there are hot springs all over the park, where you can soak your feet freely.