Onsen 温泉
What Exactly is an Onsen? How Does it Differ from Other Baths? What can you expect, and how should you behave? I’ll address all these questions and more in this article.
Origins of the Onsen
The history of the onsen is deeply intertwined with Japan’s geological landscape and cultural development. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is a hotbed of volcanic activity, responsible for the many natural hot springs scattered across the country. The use of these hot springs dates back to the Jomon period (around 10,000 BC to 300 BC), when people utilized them for both therapeutic and ritual purposes. Over the centuries, onsens evolved into essential centers for social life and healing, supported by Buddhist and Shinto beliefs that emphasized the purifying power of water. Today, onsens are not only places for relaxation but also an integral part of Japanese culture and identity.
What Exactly is an Onsen?
TO understand what onsen is, we first need to know what makes an onsen different from a sento, the other kind of Japanese bath.
Sento
Let’s start with the sento, as it’s easier to explain. Until not too long ago, it wasn’t common for Japanese homes to have their own baths. As a result, people would visit these public bathhouses to wash and clean themselves. Sentos served a purely practical purpose. The water in a sento comes from the regular water supply and is artificially heated. Sentos usually offer less service compared to an onsen; items like towels often need to be purchased or brought from home.
Onsen
On the other hand, an onsen goes far beyond the basic function of a sento. To be officially recognized as an onsen, it must meet certain specific criteria. These include being fed by natural hot springs and containing a defined level of minerals that contribute to its therapeutic benefits.
- Natural Source: The water must come from a natural hot spring.
- Minimum Temperature: The spring water must have a minimum temperature of 25°C (77°F) when it emerges from the ground.
- Mineral Content: The water must contain a specific concentration of at least one of 19 designated minerals, such as sulfur, iron, or calcium.
- Health Authority Certification: The spring must be officially recognized and registered as an onsen by Japanese health authorities.
- No Chemical Additives: The water cannot be artificially altered or chemically treated to enhance or modify the mineral content.
Due to these requirements, onsens are typically found near volcanic sources. The advantage of this is that many historic onsens are located amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Great care is taken in the design of onsen baths to create a serene and harmonious environment for relaxation. Onsens offer excellent service and often provide more than just a bathing experience. However, this also means they are often more expensive than sentos.
Step-by-Step Guide to an Onsen Visit
To ensure an enjoyable and smooth bathing experience for both you and other guests, there are a few rules to follow—just like in every aspect of Japanese society.
Step 1: Reception
When visiting a public onsen, the first step is to pay the entrance fee. Many onsens do not accept card payments, so make sure you have enough cash on hand. If towels and bathing items are not provided in the changing or bathing area, you can get them here. They are usually available at no extra cost. Some onsens offer lockers for valuables, but this is not always the case. Don’t forget to take off your shoes at the end of the entrance area, as you’ll be walking barefoot inside the onsen. You will receive two towels: a large one for drying off later, which stays in the changing room, and a small one to take with you to the bath.
Step 2: Changing Room
IIn the changing room, you’ll find many small baskets. Those turned upside down are available for guests to use. You should completely undress and place your clothes and other personal items in the basket. Then, you can proceed to the bathing area. Swimwear is not allowed in the onsen, as bathing is traditionally done naked. Make sure not to enter the wrong changing room—red is for women, blue is for men. You’ll also see the symbol “ゆ” on the colored curtains, which stands for hot water. Makes sense, right?
Step 3: Washing
Before entering the onsen bath, it’s important to thoroughly wash yourself—this is a key part of onsen etiquette. In the washing area, you’ll find small stools, faucets, shower heads (if available), and buckets. The buckets are traditionally used to pour water over yourself, serving not only for cleaning but also to help you gradually adjust to the water temperature.
Take your time—about 5 to 10 minutes—to wash thoroughly. Make sure your entire body is well-cleaned, as the onsen water needs to remain pure. Soap yourself well and rinse off completely, using the bucket to pour water over yourself repeatedly to ensure no soap residue is left behind.
This step is crucial for maintaining the purity of the spring water and ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
Step 4: Bathing
Now it’s time to enjoy the hot spring water! Be careful, as it can be quite hot. It’s best to sit at the edge of the bath and slowly ease your body into the water. You can place your small towel on your head or use it to wipe off sweat, but make sure it never touches the water.
Step 5: Relaxing
After your bath, you can relax in a designated rest area. These rooms often offer drinks, snacks, or even massage chairs. Many Japanese people use this time to unwind, read, or spend time with family. The rest area is the perfect place to cool down after your hot bath and enjoy the rest of your day in a calm and pleasant atmosphere.
A Day of Relaxation
I hope I was able to give you a glimpse into the onsen experience. For anyone traveling to Japan, I highly recommend visiting an onsen now and then to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities and unwind. Now you know how it’s done! 