Onsen - Taking a Dip!

Japanese Onsen (Natural Hot Spring)

Occasionally we all love a good soaking  in the tub just to relax and break away from the routine showers and daily rushes, but in Japan it’s on a whole new level. Or rather an older one - a much older one. Japan is known for many hot springs and the Japanese have embraced them since the early 1600’s. The abundance of this natural geothermal resource is the very definition of tranquillity, relaxation and socialization. Onsen is the Japanese word for ‘natural hot springs’ and the resorts that been built around them. There is believed to be over 2,500 onsen and many have been preserved because Japanese people love taking a dip in them. It is strongly believed that onsen wield health benefits as they are naturally composed of a plethora of minerals – which also have their own curious properties.

Onsen are a special place to socialize with others, and unlike the usual spas, pools, hot tubs, or even beaches you may be used to going to, Japanese onsen have similar yet slightly more peculiar rules. It is usually frowned upon not to fully disrobe – meaning yup you guessed it – if you’re not getting nude, you sure are being rude! But before you worry too much, just remember that this is a part of their culture and that there are some onsen resorts which are private and cost a little more. Japanese love taking a dip as regular as once a month to twice a week.

Pushing the social etiquette aside, you can find onsen with black, blue, green, smoky-white, blood-red, and rustic-brown coloured waters which derive from the variations of those fantastic minerals. But don’t hesitate to try it just yet – the minerals are all safe enough to soak in. Of course those coloured onsen are usually based on the terrain they are found in – and that applies to their respective minerals too.

Blood-Red_Smoky-White_Rustic-Brown_Black_Blue Osen

Mountainous terrain usually holds the best views to relax while in a hot spring. Those onsen in the mountains usually contain sulphur and are pretty much the most common type of hot spring in Japan. Rotenburo-onsen is roughly translated to outdoor hot springs.

Green Onsen - Delicacy Hard Boiled Eggs

The numerous health benefits include the aiding of circulatory, digestive, or neurological disorders to muscular, joint or skin problems. But that’s not the curious part per se. A half hour session will both relax you and tire you out as  it supposedly consumes the same amount of energy as running 1,000 meters at full speed, and bathers are advised to rest sufficiently and replenish fluids after bathing. Some of the resorts offer hard boiled eggs hot spring style...and it is delicacy! It is no wander the Japanese have a knack for inventing great things! They are always so relaxed and rejuvenated! 

Check out these links for more detailed information on Onsen:

• http://www.alljapantours.com/go-attrcont.php?cid=13&sid=2&p=AI112212393
• http://www.traveller.com.au/six-of-the-best-japanese-onsens-2v85x
• http://www.bugbog.com/exotic_places/japan-travel-guide/japanese-baths.html