Small StepsJapan is a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and few experiences embody this as authentically as the onsen, the traditional Japanese hot spring. Beyond relaxation, they are deeply ingrained in Japanese society, offering a unique blend of history, health benefits, and social connection. Not just about personal wellness; they also play a vital role in Japanese social life. It’s a place where friends and families gather to relax, converse, and strengthen bonds. The shared experience of bathing fosters a sense of community and connection.
History and Origins
Onsen have been cherished in Japan for centuries, so much so that baths and bathing are still a staple in Japanese households. Their origins trace back to ancient times. A positive result of the volcanic activity on the island has blessed the country with an abundance of geothermal hot springs. Over time Japan recognized their therapeutic properties. Initially reserved for the elite and religious figures, they eventually became accessible to people from all walks of life and are enjoyed by millions to this day.
The Onsen Experience
Visiting an onsen can be a daunting experience for foreign travelers. I still have not set foot in a public bath with others. Most baths are public and separated by gender. However, unisex baths still exist, though they’re extremely rare and slowly becoming obsolete. When visiting you will join other males or females (depending on your gender) in a large open bath (indoor or outdoor) wherein you must be completely naked – no swimsuits or large body towels allowed.
Before entering the bath, you will thoroughly cleanse yourself in the locker room showers. Nudity is the norm, though small towels are permitted for modesty. Once clean, you’ll then walk out to the bath and immerse yourself in the mineral-rich waters with fellow bathers, enjoying the soothing warmth and health benefits.
Onsen etiquette also includes being mindful of others. Conversation is generally hushed, and excessive splashing is discouraged. Many offer both indoor and outdoor baths, providing stunning views of natural landscapes.
Onsen Etiquette Tips
To ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit, here are some essential etiquette tips you must follow:
Shower thoroughly before entering the bath – there are locker rooms with showers you must use before entering the bathing area. These showers are open showers that line a wall, they are not usually private shower stalls.
No swimwear allowed.
Don’t put your towel in the water.
Keep conversations quiet.
Tattoos are often frowned upon, but some may allow them if covered with a patch. – you can find tattoo friendly onsen online before your trip.
Health and Wellness
The geothermal waters of onsen are rich in minerals like sulfur, iron, and calcium, believed to offer various health benefits:
Muscle relaxation: The warm water soothes sore muscles and eases tension.
Improved circulation: The heat promotes blood flow, potentially aiding in cardiovascular health.
Skin rejuvenation: The minerals in the water may help cleanse and soften skin. When we visited Yufuin we had a private bath and every night our and the next morning our skin felt so soft and refreshed.
Stress reduction: The beautiful atmosphere and warmth can provide a sense of calm and well-being. You’re sure to find some peace while soaking in the rich minerals and nature.
Want to take a piece of the onsen home with you? Many hot spring towns sell mineral packets (like this one) and salts from the geothermal water to use in your bath back home. Pick one up or order online to enjoy the same relaxation at your own home.
Types of Onsen
Simply put an onsen will either be public or private. Public baths are segregated by gender and one location may offer a variety of baths to choose from (some indoor, some outdoor). They may vary by scenery, temperature, or health benefit. Each vary widely in style and setting. Some are rustic and traditional, while others are modern and luxurious. They can be found all over Japan in both urban and rural areas.
Ryokan, traditional Japanese inns, often have their own private baths, offering guests a truly immersive experience. Sometimes the onsen is still shared with other guests, so it’s more like an exclusive onsen. Other times you can reserve a specific time for use. The best way to enjoy, in my experience, is by renting a room with its own private bath attached. We did this in Yufuin and absolutely loved it. The ryokan also had public baths available, but I still couldn’t get past sharing water and sitting naked with a bunch of strangers. I highly recommend: Yufuin Onsen Tsukanoma for a private onsen in Yufuin, be sure to choose a room with a private bath – there is a public bath on the grounds as well.
NOTE: In most cases when there is an onsen at the hotel or in your room there will not be an indoor shower. Usually there is a shower outside with the onsen but not another indoors. During a stay in Hakone there was no shower or bath in my room, only one at the public bath.
Popular Onsen Towns
You can find onsens all over Japan, however a few cities stand-out as popular onsen destinations. Personally, I have visited a few of these on my travels – Hakone, Yufuin and Beppu.
Hakone: Conveniently located near Tokyo, Hakone is a popular getaway for onsen lovers. It offers diverse hot spring experiences, from traditional ryokan with private baths to modern resorts with stunning views of Mount Fuji. It is a perfect place to visit to check two items off your Japan Bucket List: Onsen and Fuji.
Beppu: Beppu is a steaming onsen resort with the largest volume of hot spring water in Japan. It boasts a wide variety of onsen, including unique “hells” (jigoku), where hot spring water gushes out at high temperatures and creates colorful landscapes. There are a lot of fun hot spring themed souvenirs to bring home and carry on the relaxation.
Yufuin: Yufuin boasts a wide variety of onsen, ranging from public bathhouses to private ones within ryokan (like the one we stayed in: Yufuin Onsen Tsukanoma) . Many ryokan offer day-use passes, allowing visitors to experience different onsen without staying overnight. Only around an hour away from Beppu, if you’re an onsen lover it’s a great option to tackle both on your trip.
Onsen culture is a treasure of Japanese heritage, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic traditions, promote wellness, and connect with locals. Whether you seek relaxation, healing, or cultural immersion, a visit to an onsen is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japan. I hope you enjoy it to the fullest!
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