The Healing Waters of Japan: A Guide to Traditional Onsens

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Land of the Rising Sun, the traditional onsens of Japan beckon wellness seekers from around the world. With the country's rich geothermal activity and an ancient culture steeped in holistic healing, Japanese onsens offer an unparalleled experience. In this guide, we delve into the heart of Japan's healing waters, explore the traditions that surround them, and offer insights into some of the must-visit onsens for industry professionals.

The Lore of Onsen Culture

Japan’s onsen culture dates back centuries. The term "onsen" refers to hot springs, as well as the bathing facilities and inns often situated around them. Rooted in Shinto beliefs, which revere nature, onsens have been traditionally considered as places for purification, healing, and relaxation.

The geothermal springs are known for their mineral-rich waters which vary from place to place. These minerals, including sulfur, radium, and bicarbonate, possess therapeutic properties that have been cherished by many. The onsens have been a hub for "balneotherapy", which involves treating diseases through bathing.

The Onsen Experience

Etiquette and Tradition

Before immersing oneself in the soothing waters of an onsen, it is imperative to understand and respect the local traditions and etiquette. This includes washing and rinsing the body thoroughly before entering the communal bath. It is also customary to keep towels out of the water and maintain a serene atmosphere by refraining from swimming or splashing.

Rotenburo – The Outdoor Bath

One of the quintessential onsen experiences is bathing in a ‘rotenburo’ or an outdoor bath. Surrounded by natural beauty, these open-air baths allow you to absorb the healing essence of the water while being cradled by nature.

Ryokan – The Traditional Inn

Enhancing the onsen experience is the ‘ryokan’, a traditional Japanese inn. With tatami-matted rooms, sliding doors, and a keen attention to detail, ryokans provide an authentic Japanese experience. Most ryokans serve ‘kaiseki’, a traditional multi-course dinner that delights the palate with local and seasonal ingredients.

Noteworthy Onsens

1. Dogashima Onsen - Located in the Izu Peninsula, Dogashima Onsen is famous for its seafront hot springs. The rocky coastlines and the serene waters of the Pacific make it a perfect retreat.
2. Kinosaki Onsen - A quaint onsen town, Kinosaki is renowned for its charming streets and seven public hot springs baths. Here, guests often stroll around in ‘yukatas’ (casual summer kimono) and ‘geta’ (wooden sandals), visiting different baths.
3. Beppu Onsen - As one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, Beppu offers a diverse range of baths, including mud baths, sand baths, and steam baths. The “Hells of Beppu” are a collection of visually striking hot springs.
4. Hakone Onsen - Close to Tokyo, Hakone is known for its scenic beauty and rich history. It offers a variety of onsens, and on clear days, you can see Mount Fuji while soaking in the hot springs.
5. Gero Onsen - Often referred to as one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, Gero Onsen’s waters are known for their healing properties, particularly benefiting the skin and muscles.

Wrapping Up: A Soothing Embrace

Japan's onsens offer a gateway to not just physical wellness but also mental tranquility. The immersive experience brings one closer to nature and tradition. For wellness tourism professionals, understanding and experiencing the depth of onsen culture can offer insights into an ancient practice that beautifully marries wellness with travel.

If you are looking for a top WellHotel®, check out those hotels accredited for both wellness tourists and medical tourists at Global Healthcare Accreditation.

‍