Onsen

An onsen refers to the hot springs all around Japan. Traditionally, onsen were used for public bathing. Now, there are several indoor and outdoor baths in hotels and inns, and one can choose from several varieties of hot spring baths. A visit to a hot spring is always highly recommended to those who are visiting Japan. 

Apart from the comfort and relaxation that it brings, onsen are also believed to have healing powers because of the minerals that the water contains. One onsen may offer different mineral content from another onsen, so you can gain different benefits from various onsen. 

Regardless of which onsen you go to, however, there are basic rules on what to do and how to behave in an onsen. 

Before dipping yourself in the hot water, you are required to bathe or wash yourself in a bathing area. The bathing area is usually provided with faucets with attached shower heads, stools, and buckets for pouring water over yourself. Soap and shampoo are also usually provided so that you can fully cleanse yourself. Make sure that you thoroughly rinse yourself after washing.

When you are ready to get into the onsen, you can only bring a small towel with you. You leave all your clothing in a basket in the dressing room. Then, slip into the water; do not jump into it, splashing water onto everyone around you. Leave your towel by the side of the bath, or you can place it on top of your head. In most onsen, dipping the towel into the water is not allowed.

Because you share the onsen with other people, it is only proper not to visit the onsen when you have any sort of open cuts or wounds, or have any sort of ailment.

Also, when slipping into the water, do it slowly so that your body gets used to the temperature of the water. Once in the water, try not to move around so much, because if you stay put, your body will be able to adapt more quickly to the heat. Also, you don’t want to end up splashing water on people’s faces or disturbing others because of your frequent and quick movements. Then, when getting out of the water, do so slowly to let your body adjust to the change in temperature. But until then, just relax and enjoy the experience of being in an onsen.

As you visit  more onsen more frequently, you will learn more about how to behave and where to place things. There are some onsen which prohibit certain things that others may allow. It is important to read the rules and regulations of the onsen that you go to, so that you know what to do and how to behave.

When you’ve tried visiting an onsen once, you will definitely do it again because it is a truly relaxing and pleasurable experience. No wonder so many people get almost addicted to it!