Onsen, sources of relaxation

Onsen (温泉, literally burning stream) have existed in Japan since antiquity and have always been very popular. The oldest of those hot spring baths is the dogo onsen, in Ehime prefecture on Shikoku island, dating back to over 3.000 years ago.

Because it has a volcanic soil, Japan has many hot springs and there are onsen all over the country. The minerals in the water giveonsen medical proprieties, on top of a relaxing value.

There are several types of onsen, inside or outside (the latter are called rotenburo). Outside baths, whether natural or fitted out in wood or stone, sometimes offer a wonderful view over mountains, valleys, lakes, or the ocean, to make thinks even more enjoyable.

Sometimes mere public baths, onsen are often part of a traditional inn (ryokan), a hotel, or a bed and breakfast (minshuku). Some places also offer hot mud or sand baths. In the streets of resorts such as Beppu, Narugo, Kirishima, or Kusatsu, there are also ashiyu, small and shallow hot spring baths for the feet.

Before going into the bath, you have to wash and rinse to avoid any trace of dirt or soap in the water. Clothes are forbidden and only a towel is allowed, but not in the water. Baths used to be mixed but since Japan opened to the Western world in the Meiji era, baths are separated.

The minerals in onsen water give it medical value: hot springs are famous for intestines, the liver, or skin, against rheumatisms, hypertension… Since 1948, the Onsen Holaw allows baths to be called onsen depending on the mineral quality of the water, as well as its temperature, separating it from sentô, artificial public baths.