Culture Fairies: Onsen

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Casual Yukata or Luxurious Kimono?

Every culture has their traditional clothing to be proud of and the yukata is no exception. Japan’s finest garments, reserved for special occasions are a sight to see, with many unique and benevolent designs. Firstly, there are two distinct traditional garments known as the kimono and the yukata. Kimonos in particular are worn at traditional weddings, tea ceremonies, formal events and funerals. However keeping true to the beautiful kimono is the yukata which is of a more casual attire. In modern day Japan, people often wear the yukata to summer festivals called “Omatsuri” which feature fireworks displays called “Hanabi taikai”.

Women's Yakuta and Omatsuri Summer Festival

Kimono_Hanabi taikai_Yakuta

Often when we think of traditional Japan images of cherry blossoms, the great Mt. Fuji, the legendary samurai, and even though many of us may not have been able to name them – the kimono and yukata come to mind. And at first glance the two may be indistinguishable to many foreigners. However if you pay attention to the finishing touches, the yukata resembles a robe, reflecting its original intended use, and is fastened around the waist with a sash called an obi. Literally translating to “bathing cloth” and its strong relation with Japanese onsen (natural hot springs) and ryokan (Japanese style Inns) the yukata portrays an authentic Japanese culture of the Edo period (1603 -1868) as they are typically provided by the ryokans and hotels for guests to wear about. For this reason, the yukata is usually made of cotton for absorbability and breathability.

Women's Kimono

The kimono on the other hand, is a luxurious endeavour made of the finest silk (although modernized polyester variations are available) characterised by artistic designs of embroidery, yuzen painting and dyeing. Kitsuke is the term addressing the many specific rules for when and how to wear kimono and yukata. The cultural etiquette of which kitsuke entails consists of perplexing steps to so much as wear either garment. Furthermore, an appropriate style and colour of kimono is to be worn depending on the occasion and the person's age and marital status. As such, a furisode which is another variation of the kimono may be worn by unmarried women throughout the year indicating their single status. On the other hand a komon can be worn by both married and unmarried females.

For a more detailed understanding on this topic and especially kitsuke etiquette check out these links:

Friday, 18 September 2015

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: