Unique hot spring bath experience must try when coming to Japan

1. What is an onsen?

The name Onsen is derived from the Chinese transliteration of “Wen Quan”. The meaning of Onsen is hot mineral spring, which is also a very popular type of relaxation in Japan. This is because Japan is located on the Pacific volcanic belt, so the country has many hot mineral springs.

In order for an Onsen to be considered perfect, capable of serving the entertainment and health care of people, the Onsen must ensure that it is formed naturally with the lowest temperature reaching 25°C and spread evenly up to 60°C, there are even hot springs in Japan where up to 100°C, along with that must contain at least 19 chemical components such as silicon, nitrogen, sulfur, sodium .

Onsen is a unique cultural feature of the Japanese people.

Onsen areas are built in areas with hot springs. To ensure privacy, people will direct mineral water into private areas or rooms.

Onsen baths in Japan are known for their miraculous effects when used in moderation and properly. Accordingly, Onsen baths are said to be able to support the treatment of arthritis, fibromyalgia, skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, high blood pressure, restore health, and cure a number of other diseases besides cancer. Relax and immerse yourself in nature when experiencing.

The most famous beautiful, full of minerals in Japan can be mentioned as: Hakone Onsen; Kusatsu Onsen; Beppu Onsen; Ibusuki Onsen; Arima Onsen; Shibu Onsen; Kurokawa Onsen,…

An image from Beppu Onsen

Yufuin Onsen is beautiful

However, experiencing Japanese Onsen is not simply coming and soaking in hot mineral springs, but having to go through certain “standard” processes, like the Japanese tea ceremony, to be able to experience Japanese Onsen. bring the most comfortable feeling and help the body absorb the most beneficial minerals for skin and health.

2. Standard Onsen bathing process

A process of enjoying Onsen must ensure correct and complete 3 stages: Preparation phase – before the Onsen bath; Onsen Bathing Stage and After Onsen Bathing Stage.

– Before the Onsen bath

It is a must to take a good shower before soaking in the Onsen. The bathrooms in the toilet area next to the Onsen are usually very comfortable with full equipment: shower, mirror, chair, water container, brush, … to ensure that enjoying the Onsen is not unhygienic. Onsen as well as influence the people around. You can bring your own personal belongings to ensure the best personal hygiene.

Toilet area, shower before and after using Onsen is comfortable and clean

In addition, you also need to determine that, onsen bathing means that you will have to remove all your clothes before stepping into the bath. But don’t worry, this is Japanese culture, everyone does it. At the same time, there are separate Onsen rooms for men and women, so you will be much less embarrassed.

– Onsen bath stage

Every Onsen in Japan has separate areas for men and women, you need to enter the right Onsen bathing area for you. The Japanese are very polite and meticulous, so when you enter the Onsen, leave your towels or other items neatly, to avoid falling into the water.

To avoid heat shock when taking a dip at the Onsen, use your fingers and feet to feel the temperature of the water and slowly lower your body, so you can fully enjoy the water. The ideal Onsen bath time is about 20 to 30 minutes, just enough for the body to absorb minerals and enjoy, while not affecting health.

– The period after the Onsen bath

The minerals in Onsen are very good, so if you feel good, without skin irritation, you can absolutely not take a bath to keep minerals on your skin. After taking a shower, use a towel to dry yourself, avoid making the floor wet.

After leaving the bathing area, Japanese people often have a snack, rest, and enjoy hot tea or sake right in the Onsen bathing area. These are also side experiences that make Onsen more enjoyable.

3. Rules to know when bathing Onsen

– Most onsen in Japan have signs prohibiting people with tattoos, because tattoos in Japanese society are symbols of evil, also known as Yakuza (gangsters, criminals in Japan) ).

A sign prohibiting tattooists from using Onsen in Japan

– Take off shoes when entering the changing area, belongings must be left in the storage area with lockers, do not bring into the Onsen area.

– Use the right bathroom for men, women, mixed areas.

– Before entering the Onsen, you must wash with clean water, you are allowed to bring small towels, but absolutely do not drop into the stream.

– Must keep order, do not make noise, do not disturb others when bathing, do not swim, jump, dive, play in the water in the hot spring area.

– Avoid letting your head and hair come into contact with spring water.

– Photography and filming are not allowed in the changing area and the Onsen area.

– Do not drink alcohol before taking an Onsen bath.

– Limit soaking too long in Onsen to ensure health.

Rules to pay special attention to when experiencing Onsen

After knowing the rules of Onsen, the next thing is to learn about the extremely unique Onsen experience process to follow and enjoy.

Đăng bởi: Quyên Nguyễn