A lot of people in the world are obsessed by hot springs and Japan is not an exception. But Japanese hot springs have a very special name; “Onsen“, which sets itself apart from others by its special locations and shapes.
As Japan is a volcanically active country, there are thousands of onsen scattered throughout the whole country as well as its major islands. Onsen, mainly present in different types as outdoor (roten-buro / 露天風呂 or noten-buro / 野天風呂) and indoor baths (uchiyu / 内湯). In terms of baths, it may be split into two types – Municipal and Private. Places with these kinds of baths are often called as ryokan / 旅館 (Japanese traditional hotel) and minshuku / 民宿 (bed and breakfast). But not every hotel has hot springs inside, how can we find out if there is only Japanese on the website? Don’t worry, what you need to do is to check if there is a symbol ♨, or kanji 湯 (meaning “hot water”). However, hot water here does not mean heated tap water, but hot water naturally from geothermally heated springs. Before getting into onsen, there is one thing you have to be aware is that mixed bathing was only popular many years ago, now many places have already banned nude mixed bathing, replacing it with separated baths. Only a few of hotels allow nude mixed bathing but people are required to wear swimsuits or yugi / 湯着 (a special wear designed for bathing). So, be careful if you are entering the right room, otherwise you will cause screaming, or even worse, police inspection.
(red for women 女, blue for men 男)
In western countries, going to public places for hot springs is no more than check-in, change into swimsuits, lock items, and enjoy. However, in Japan, there is ETIQUETTE that everyone needs to be attentive. First of all, all guests need to wash and rinse themselves thoroughly before entering into onsen. All bathing staff that you need are provided, so never excuse yourself by forgetting to bring soap or shampoo. It is not against the law if you get into onsen with a dry body or a body full of soap, but you will be stared by everyone as you are rude and mannerless. Instead of a locker, there are wooden buckets for putting belongings. Bathers are not allowed to wear swimsuits in the baths, unless you are in a mixed bath with a water park atmosphere. Generally, it is a little bit embarrassing to have a bath with others for the first time, some people tend to bring their towels to cover their bodies while getting into the water. It is totally understandable as many hotels accept it, but some hotels do put up some notices that it is prohibited to do so. Therefore, you should check it before getting into onsen, in case they will fault you afterwards. Okay, time for getting into onsen, so no more rules? No, but be alert if you have tattoos. In western countries, having tattoos is very common as it is a way to show love, personality or loyalty. By contrast, people who have tattoos in Japan are often associated with mafia or gangsters. By 2015, around half of onsen operators banned people with tattoos as these people will scare other customers away. Now the circumstance is getting better due to growing tourism and many onsen operators started loosening their rules for greater profits.
Alright, time for onsen recommendation! Don’t get too excited as there are many choices for you with different purpose!
Sulphur Onsen
The sulphur onsen is famous for the distinct smell and milky color. Don’t be driven away by the smell because it is believed that sulphur onsen can actually help treat skin disorders and arthritis.
Iron Onsen
This kind of onsen is rich in iron and the water presents the color of rust. It will help the body’s ability to retain heat and when consumed replenishes the iron levels of the body, beneficial for Anemia.
Sulphate Onsen
In Yamagata, the most famous and traditional skiing & snowboarding resort village that wins popularity all year around is called Zao Onsen. Many people come here every year for bathing after skiing, as there is no better way than enjoying hot springs after exercise.
These three types of onsen are mostly common in Japan, but in fact, there are over ten types of onsen that are full of different kinds of minerals. Regardless of the onsen you visit, throwing back your towels and immerse yourself into onsen is the most important thing!
Words used in this article:
温泉 おんせん onsen (hot spring)
露天風呂 ろてんぶろ or 野天風呂 のてんぶろ rotenburo or notenburo (outdoor hot spring)
内湯 うちゆ uchiyu (outdoor hot spring)
旅館 りょかん ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel)
民宿 みんしゅく minshuku (bed and breakfast)
湯着 ゆぎ yugi (a special wear designed for bathing)
