The Complete Guide to Japanese Onsen

1. Definition of Onsen and its significance in Japanese culture

Onsen (温泉) is the Japanese word for natural hot spring baths. Located in the middle of the volcanic belt of the Pacific region, Japan possesses a dense network of hot springs, totaling up to an impressive number of 150 hot springs and more than 1,400 tributaries. This explains the reason why the nation is widely considered to be one of the countries with the most abundant hot spring resources in the world. 

In Japan, due to the influence of the Shinto religion, Japanese culture places great emphasis on the concept of purity and cleanliness: things that are “dirty” and “impure” are often regarded as evil, and conversely, “purity” and “cleanliness” seen as symbols of goodness. Thus, many Japanese people would get onsen baths periodically to keep their souls and bodies clean and pure. 

2. Benefits of Onsen 

Onsen bathing is famous for its many health benefits. Nothing is better than going for a dip in a hot bath after a long, stressful working day, and the pleasure of getting an Onsen bath is just like that but even way better. The hot water helps relax both your body and mind and increases blood circulation and oxidation, which consequently aids the process of removing toxins from the body by applying hydrostatic pressure.

Additionally, Onsen water is also filled with minerals, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and lithium, which will then be absorbed by the body. This can help stimulate the immune system, resulting in enhanced immunity, physical and mental relaxation, production of endorphins, and normal gland function. 

Other than the aforementioned health benefits, going to the onsen is also soothing for the mind as it is like a short escape from the hustle and bustle of one’s daily life. While taking a dip in the hot water, you can take your time leisurely looking out to enjoy the scenery around the Onsen, which could be the mountain, garden, or beautiful white snow during the winter. 

This explains the reason why the onsen for long has always been a popular destination for both the local Japanese people and tourists to the country, as it is not only an amazing and effective form to relax and nourish the soul but also healing and good for the body. This is an experience not to be missed for tourists coming to Japan. 

3. Some general rules you should know before going to an Onsen 

• Cleaning your body thoroughly before entering the onsen: Since the onsen is shared with everyone, the body must be clean before going for a dip there. 
• Do not wear clothes while taking a dip in the onsen. This is a special rule of the Onsen bathing culture in Japan. Don’t worry, since the bathing area, most of the time, will be separated by gender. 
• Most onsen will not allow those with tattoos to enter. Those with small tattoos can cover them up using water-resistant patches. Though scarce, there are also onsen that allow people with tattoos as well! 
• No pictures allowed. This rule is pretty self-explanatory since everyone would be naked in the onsen. 
• No drinking allowed. It is also recommended not to take a dip in the onsen after drinking too much alcohol. 
• Don’t let your hair touch the water/ Dunk your head in the water.
• Be careful not to let your towel touch the water. 
• Avoid making too much noise so as not to disturb others

The above article was GoEMON’s complete guide to Japanese hot springs - Onsen! We hope that the information was of use to you. 

As the weather is getting closer, nothing is better than going for a dip in the Onsen as a short escape from reality to truly relax and destress. Nothing beats going to the Onsen on a cold winter day, so this is an activity that should not be missed this winter! 

Don’t forget to follow GoEMON for the latest updates on life in Japan!