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Onsen bathing
Traditional onsen, Akita
The Japanese are very proud of their longstanding
tradition of hot spring onsen bathing,
and rightly so, for a visit to the communal
baths is truly a highlight of any trip. Onsen
bathing is highly recommended both for its
cultural importance and for the simple pleasure
of soaking in a steaming hot bath, especially
welcome after the rigours of travel. There are
around 3,000 hot springs in the country, many
in spectacular locations high up in mountains
or perched on cliff sides. The art of bathing
has become almost a religious act for the
Japanese and a trip to an onsen can be the
highlight of their year. Many ryokan inns or
Japanese style hotels offer onsen packages
including accommodation and seasonal cuisine.
Light cotton yukata robes are provided in
your room, along with wooden sandals to
use inside the accommodation.
Male bathers at Tsurunoyu Onsen
Indoor bathing area
The baths
Japanese baths are deep enough to sit in
comfortably up to the neck and are usually
large enough for a number of people to
bathe at once. The bath is filled to the top
with very hot water which can either be
normal tap water, or if you are at an onsen
resort, mineral-rich onsen water. This type of
water is incredibly good for you and can be
easily recognised by its (sometimes strong)
sulphurous smell, as well as by its cloudy
appearance. There are also iron-fed waters –
more rusty in colour – which have different
healing properties. Onsen waters are said
to cure many ailments, from arthritis to
rheumatism, fatigue and nervous disorders.
Men and women normally bathe separately,
except in some remote country areas
where traditional mixed bathing can still
be experienced.
Bathing etiquette
There are a number of options for taking your
first bath, be it at a traditional ryokan or at a
specific onsen resort. Baths are customarily
taken in the evening in Japanese society, but
most inns will offer bathing throughout the
day. There may be the opportunity to try an
open air bath called a rotemburo, a particularly
atmospheric initiation into the rituals of hot
spring bathing – gazing at the stars or watching
the snowflakes fall around you.
Enter the bathroom naked (apart from a
small towel which you can purchase on entry
or which may have been provided in your
hotel room and which can be used to
preserve your modesty!). Swimming costumes
are not allowed. You can take your own
shampoo and soap into the room if you like,
although generic brands will be provided for
you. Shower attachments will be located
around the bath and you should perch on
the small stool provided to wash yourself
thoroughly before entering the bath. Once
you are sure you have rinsed off all soapsuds,
enter the bath slowly – it will be hot! Do not
take the small towel in with you. Relax and
enjoy the bath.
www.audleytravel.com/japan ● 01993 838 210 ● Onsen 13