Onsen is a naturally occurring hot spring whose water is heated by the geothermal activity under the earth’s surface. Onsen water is generally warmer than 25 degrees celsius and comprises of one or more minerals like sulfur, sodium chloride, iron, and lithium. Onsen is part of the Japanese bathing culture and today, it is one of the most attractive features for tourists.

The hot, mineral-rich water in a serene and calm environment, is a haven for the Japanese to relax and rejuvenate. The minerals present in the water are meant to improve mood, blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and much more. Even the Samurais dipped in hot springs to cure their battle wounds. This means it is like a naturally occurring spa treatment. But, unlike a spa, an onsen has certain etiquettes and regulations, that cannot be ignored.

 

I have mentioned all about it below!

 

Navigating the onsen

 

Onsen can be situated in different facilities, including hotels, traditional Japanese inns, and private facilities. If you are a day user, or choosing accommodation in the facility without prior reservation, you can check in the counter at the entrance for ticket/booking.

Top 5 Onsen In Japan: A Quick Walkthrough

In some facilities, room slippers are provided at the entrance that should be used before entering the facility. Once you enter, you can check for directions towards the entrance to the bathing area. Men’s area is indicated by 男 on a blue curtain and women’s is indicated by 女 on a red curtain.

 

 

After you enter inside, make sure to pick a basket from the rack. You should strip down your clothes and store your belongings in the basket. Some onsen have locker facilities to store your belongings.

 

One of the main reasons tourists shy away from the onsen experience is because they have to go naked! It might feel strange at first, but the non-judgmental environment will ease your shyness eventually.

 

Ensure you have nothing but a small hand towel. You should also get rid of any piece of jewelry that might come in contact with the water.

 

Once you have your birthday suit on, you can enter the showering area and clean yourself with soap/shampoo/body wash that are generally available in most onsen.

After taking a bath, enter into the onsen and relish the benefits of the mineral-rich water.

Do’s in an Onsen

• Nudity: It is a rule to enter the bathing area naked. It is no big deal as everyone around will be naked and there is no staring! You can carry a small hand towel, to help you cover your private parts while walking around. You should use this towel to cover your head once you’re inside the water. Ensure it does not come in contact with the water.
• Towels: You can carry a large towel to the locker room. Once you come out of the bathing area, you can wipe yourself dry in the locker room, before wearing your clothes.
• Hair: If you have long hair, it is mandatory to tie it up. In Japanese culture, anything that comes in contact with clean hot spring water is considered dirty. Some onsen also have hair dryers in their changing rooms, you can make good use of them!
• Shower: The shower area generally has everything you will need to wash yourself. This includes shampoo, soap, and body wash. They will also have stools provided to encourage sitting and bathing. This prevents splashing of water.
• Hydrate: Since the water is rich in minerals and above the normal temperature, it is recommended to only sit for 30 minutes at a stretch, to avoid dehydration. Hydrating before entering the onsen is also a good practice.

Dont’s in an Onsen

• Tattoo: Tattoos are still considered taboo in Japan and most onsen restrict the entry of people with tattoos. While some onsen have relaxed their rules, it is better to check beforehand.
• Food and drinks: No food and drinks are allowed inside the onsen. Also, anyone who has consumed alcohol is also prohibited from entering the bathing area.
• Period: Women on period are prohibited from entering onsen waters
• Drying yourself: It is important to dry yourself thoroughly before entering the locker rooms or changing areas.
• Talk less, bathe more: One of the ways Japanese love to relax is by visiting Onsen to reap the benefits of its minerals. They often consider it a calm and relaxing experience. Hence, it is best to keep your volume down and enjoy the experience, without disturbing the people around you.
• Don’t stare: Staring in general is considered rude and in a setting like this one, it is recommended to avoid staring at others, even for a brief moment.
• No photos: Using phones beyond the locker rooms is strictly prohibited.

Post Onsen Etiquette

After you finish relaxing in the onsen, it is recommended that you avoid washing off immediately to preserve the minerals’ benefits for a bit longer. Since it can be dehydrating, it is a ritual to have cold milk, coffee milk, or fruit milk to hydrate and rejuvenate yourself. You can also have any sports drink or just plain water and a hearty meal in any of your favorite restaurants.

mumokuteki cafe

Benefits of onsen bathing

The custom of hot water cure (Toji) has been passed down for centuries to heal the mind and body. Certain minerals and natural salts in the rich onsen water are believed to work miracles on the body. Some of their benefits include:

Physical benefits

• Pain relief: the presence of minerals like sulfur helps in relieving muscle and joint pain. The touch of sulfur-rich water also helps in alleviating arthritis symptoms.
• Improved blood circulation: Since onsen water is at a higher temperature, soaking for a certain time will dilate the blood vessels, thus providing better blood circulation throughout the body.
• Detoxifying: The hot steam from the onsen promotes sweating and helps in the body’s detoxifying process.
• Skin: Onsen rich in sulfur or silica helps rejuvenate the skin by exfoliating it. Regular onsen visit makes you look younger.

Mental benefits

• Stress Reduction: The healing onsen water, in a calm and relaxing environment promotes the release of endorphins, aiding stress reduction.
• Better sleep: After a peaceful dip in a hot spring, the nerves are calm and rejuvenated. Hence you can have sound and quality sleep.

Takeaway

Bathing in a hot spring in Japan is a relaxing experience that gives a peek into Japan’s deep-rooted bathing culture. The naturally occurring mineral water has several benefits for the body and mind. Although going naked in front of strangers can be challenging for first-time onsen-goers, it gets easier over time as the people are respectful. As a tourist, it is also your duty to follow the etiquette of the place, which ensures respect for the culture and also the people. While abiding by the rules, do not forget to relax and embrace the wonders of onsen on your body and mind!

 

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