The Most Iconic Traditional Onsen in Japan

Rizina

5 May, 2024

A visit to Japan is almost incomplete without enjoying the most iconic traditional Japanese Onsen. In Japan , the word "Onsen" means hot spring and the bathing facilities and the traditional inns around them, taking. Onsen food and drink. Some people believe that Onsen is just soaking in hot water and washing your body but they do not truly know the real meaning of Onsen.

Japanese people deeply love Onsen. Onsen culture goes deeper than you may imagine. In this article I am going to introduce you to the true meaning of Onsen.

What is Onsen? Technically....

The true Onsen definition is a hot spring over 25 degree centigrade Celsius that contains a certain level minerals. In Japan, there are many volcanoes all over the country and these have created many Onsen and some of them are the most iconic traditional Onsen. It is said that there are more than 27 thousands hot spring sources all over Japan and ten different types of Onsen water.

Basic Rules of The Most Iconic Traditional Onsen

Completely undress in the locker room before entering the bathing area.
Wash your body completely before entering the shared bath. Don't bath in the shared bath. Rinse off any soap before entering.
Don't put your towel or anything above your neck into the water.
Respect the tranquility and calm of the Onsen experience. This is a time to relax and speak quietly.
There are many ways to enjoy your time like soak, heat up, get out , cool down, get in , repeat.
Dry off your body after bathing and before entering the locker room.
Enjoy and relax. This is a wonderful piece of Japanese culture treasured for centuries.

Benefits of Onsen

Improved blood circulation-- Onsen water is full of naturals elements that your body absorbs as you bathe. These natural elements increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and improve blood flow and circulation .
Reduced stress-- The best ways to relax is soaking in an Onsen bath. The hot spring water helps you relax by relieving your tense muscles and helps clear your mind. After an Onsen bath you will find that you are sleeping better than before.
Pain relief--Onsen water acts as buoyancy for those with aching joints. Floating free lets your muscles relax and recover, so there is no pressure on your body. This leads to less muscles tension, stress and anxiety that helps relieve your pain.
Skin beautification and healing-- Many Onsen have become famous for beautifying the skin. Some Onsen contain silica which smooths and softens dry and rough skin. If you have eczema or psoriasis, look for an Onsen with sulfur which helps ease the itchiness.

Onsen food and drink

You can try the Japanese cold milk after a bath. Take a sip of furutsu gyuunyuu(fruit milk) or koohii gyuunyuu(coffee milk) and try some Onsen tamago ( eggs slow-boiled in Onsen water and steam) . Some Onsens even sell bottled onsen water that is rich in beneficial minerals.

The best Onsen and Onsen towns in Japan

When travelling through Japan , you can visit various types of Onsen and Onsen towns. Here is a quick list of places you can include in your itinerary for going to the most iconic traditional Onsen in Japan:

Near Tokyo

Hakone- boasts of 17 well-known Japanese spa
Ito- One of Japan top onsen town with healing waters and scenic coastal views
Atami- a favorite destination for couples, famous for their salt water hot springs
Kinugawa- an onsen town with theme parks and other amusements
Yunishigawa- small onsen town famous for the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival in the winter
Nikko Yumoto- Onsen town where hot water bubbles up from ground
Kusatsu- Kusatsu onsen, one of Japan's top hot spring resort

Near Osaka

Kinosaki- a charming, old- fashioned onsen town built along a river lined with willows
Arima- popular onsen town with two types of hot spring water
Yonohana- onsen with natural bath salts
Shirahama- one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan
Gero-one of the famous hot spring gero onsen to soak in the hot springs and slip back in time

Near Hokkaido

Noboribetsu--onsen town with nine types of water, including sulfur-infused hot springs
Jozankei- popular side trip destination from Sapporo with dozens of ryokan
Lake Toya- popular hot spring resort town at the foot of Mount Usu

I have enjoyed this amazing onsen .I want you to enjoy the most iconic traditional Onsen in Japan. If you get some information about Onsen reading this article, please share it with your friends, relatives by any social media.