The Little-known Ritual Of Traditional Japanese Hot Spring Bathing

More than 25,000 natural hot springs are an important source of energy for Japan's wellness and tourism industry.
The little-known ritual of traditional Japanese hot spring bathing
Located in the volcanic region of the Pacific Ocean, Japan is compared to being on a "heating bed" with continuous geothermal activities. The country has more than 25,000 natural hot spring water springs that provide a "lifeline" for more than 3,000 resort spas across the country.
Onsen in Japan often open up in areas with very beautiful scenery, allowing bathers to relax while watching the scenery. Photo: BBC

.
Hot spring baths (onsen) are an important part of Japanese culture, with distinctive rituals dating back a long time. Here are some basic guidelines for first-time onsen baths.
Take a shower before entering
Depending on the property, guests will need to rinse with tap water or scrub with soap before entering the hot tub It is best to bring soap, shampoo and separate towels.




Take off all your clothes
Most onsen do not allow visitors to bathe in swimsuits. At these spas, there are separate baths for men and women. You can use a towel to cover your body while on the shore. The purpose of this is to keep the water as clean as possible.
Read carefully about the onsen's "tattoo policy"
According to the website OnsenJapan, tattooed people are traditionally understood to be in gangs or have relationships with organized crime. Although this rule seems discriminatory in the present era, some onsen are still not open to tourists with tattoos.
No taking picture
Many onsen do not allow taking pictures to ensure privacy If you want to take pictures of the surrounding landscape, you must ask the resort staff first.




Don't drink alcohol
Guests are encouraged to drink bottled water for hygiene. The most important thing is not to drink alcohol before taking a shower, partly because prolonged exposure to hot water while intoxicated can be dangerous to your health.
Most onsen will be divided into two areas: male and female separately. Photo: Japan Times.
Mineral spring baths are considered restorative and medical treatments, and have been widely used in Japan. Although often regarded as an "adjunct therapy", its benefits have been proven by prestigious medical studies around the world. The chemistry, temperature, and pressure combination of thermal baths is used to treat health problems such as dermatitis, arthritis or lower back pain.
The sulfur and magnesium found in hot springs help promote skin health, while the heat can reduce symptoms of inflammation and pain, while boosting the immune system.



The onsen in Japan must have a temperature of at least 25 degrees Celsius, even some up to 100 degrees Celsius.
Onsen bathing is a long tradition of the Japanese. Photo: Japan Times.
One of the most popular onsen bathing spots in Japan is Kurama Onsen, a peaceful outdoor bath located less than an hour's drive from downtown Kyoto.
Housed in a lovely, comfortable ryokan (traditional inn), Kurama hot spring offers a stunning view of the mountains surrounded by a forest of Japanese cedars.
Other popular traditional ryokans with hot spring baths include Gyozanen and Seryo, two beautifully designed resorts in Ohara, a rural district north of Kyoto near Sanzenin Temple.
According to Truong Dang / Vnexpress
***.

. Dịch vụ: Thiết kế website, quảng cáo google, đăng ký website bộ công thương uy tín