It has been a little while since we left Japan, but we decided to write a quick article to describe in more detail the amazing Japanese Hot Source (Onsen) tradition. It was not only one of our favourite activities while visiting the country, but it has also been very popular with the locals for many centuries, and it should be a ‘must do’ in your list if you even plan to visit Japan.
An Onsen is a naturally hot spring where you can take a steamy bath. As Japan is such a volcanic land, there are over 3000 unique locations all over the country, ranging from the bare minimum, like a hidden hot waterfall/hot pool in the middle of the nature, to resorts with amazing spa services. Even many roadside stations have a little foot onsen for drivers to relax… We visited over 30 onsens during our time in Japan – we simply couldn’t get enough! We even planned detours in our roadtrip in order to visit famous ones.
Some are free, but most will cost 5-10 euros per person. At a minimum it’s a hot pool to soak in, but most places will have a range of additional options to play with, and waters with various properties and temperatures. We’ve experienced volcanic milky waters, volcanic acidic waters, own-dug bath in the stony riverbed, being covered with steamy volcanic sand, rock pools on the ocean edge with crashing waves, outdoors pools in Japanese gardens with waterfalls, small individual pools to lie in and watch the starry skies, jacuzzis, mineral water that tickles the skin, soft grey mud water, pool with electrical current (said to help cure back issues :O )… It’s so amazing to take some time to take care of the body, we don’t do this enough!
But before you jump in the hot water, there is a set of traditional rules – Etiquette – that must be followed, otherwise you might find yourself in a rare situation where a Japanese person will actually be angry and even shout at you 😀
Here are some of them:
- Naked – You will have to be fully naked, no exceptions. The baths are not mixed, so you don’t have to worry about people from the other gender, but you must be comfortable to walk naked as no swimwear will be allowed.
- No Tattoos – If you have a tattoo you might still be able to enjoy a private hot bath, but those are rare and always much more expensive.
- Towel – A small hand-towel will do and you will use it for a range of functions. From using it to scrub your body with soap, to using as a modesty device to cover your ‘parts’ and to also dry your body after the bath. Curiously, the towel should never touch the bath water – and to avoid leaving it around, many Japanese will fold the towel and put it on the top of their heads while soaking in the bath.
- Cleanliness – Guests are expected to be squeaky clean before using the baths. In many places, soap and shampoo are provided and you must wash and rinse yourself thoroughly before going to the pools.
- Hair – Your hair must not touch the water. So, no swimming or diving allowed. Women are requested to tie their hair very high, as Ieva discovered upon being told off on her first time 🙂
- No noise. You must keep quiet and let everyone relax
Sounds like a lot of rules, but the collective result is a clean and relaxed environment for everyone to enjoy 🙂
