🏞️ A Traveler's Guide to Japan's Hot Spring Culture

1. History and Background of Japanese Hot Spring Culture

• Origin : Japan, nestled in a volcanic belt, has been rich in natural hot springs since ancient times. The earliest written record of the therapeutic benefits of hot springs dates back to the 8th century, in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicle of Japan).
• Religion and Beliefs : Ancient people believed that hot springs were a blessing from the gods, purifying both body and mind. Many hot spring areas are connected to shrines (e.g., Beppu and Dogo Onsen).
• Recuperation function : Since the Edo period, hot springs have been widely used for medical treatment and recuperation, and are known as "hot spring treatment (とうじ)".
• Modern hot springs are not only places for health preservation, but also places for sightseeing, leisure and socializing, integrating traditional inns (inn・りょかん), Japanese cuisine and natural landscapes.

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2. Japan's major hot spring areas

• Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa) : Located near Tokyo, with convenient transportation and beautiful scenery.
• Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma) : Famous for its highly acidic spring water, it is known as one of the "Three Great Hot Springs of Japan".
• Arima Onsen (Hyogo): has a long history and is divided into "golden spring" (containing iron) and "silver spring" (transparent spring).
• Beppu Onsen (Oita) : It has the largest amount of hot springs in the world and the most diverse types.
• Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido) : The springs have diverse qualities and the winter snow scene is particularly romantic.

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3. Types of hot springs (classified by spring quality)

• Sulfur spring : has a light sulfur smell and is effective for skin diseases and joint pain.
• Carbonated spring : contains bubbles that promote blood circulation.
• Iron Spring (Golden Spring) : The water is reddish-brown and is helpful for anemia or gynecological diseases.
• Salt spring : contains salt, has good heat preservation effect, and it is not easy to catch cold after soaking in it.
• Simple spring : The ingredients are relatively mild and suitable for the general public.

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4. Basic procedures for tourists to take a bath (general Japanese hot spring etiquette)

1. Enter the locker room → Remove clothing (only towels allowed).
2. Wash your body first → Be sure to wash thoroughly in the shower area to avoid contaminating the bath water.
3. Entering the bathtub → Bring a small towel with you, but do not put the towel in the water.
4. Quiet bathing → Do not make loud noises, swim or splash water.
5. Rinse after landing → Some people choose not to rinse, retaining the minerals.
6. Rest → It is recommended to replenish water after bathing and avoid strenuous exercise immediately.

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5. Notes (Frequently Asked Questions for Foreign Travelers)

• No swimsuits allowed : Most traditional hot springs do not allow swimsuits and you can only bathe naked.
• Tattoo issue : Some hot springs in Japan prohibit tattoos due to their association with gangster culture. However, this policy is gradually being relaxed in some areas (such as Hokkaido and tourist destinations for foreigners).
• Health precautions : People with high blood pressure, heart disease and pregnant women should avoid soaking in hot springs for a long time.
• The water temperature is relatively high : Most Japanese hot springs are between 40 and 43°C, so you need to slowly adapt to it the first time you take a bath.
• Public etiquette : Keep quiet and do not take photos in the bathhouse.

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6. Cultural Experience at Japanese Hot Springs

• Hotel accommodation (hot spring hotel) : includes tatami room, kaiseki cuisine, and yukata experience.
• Rotenburo (open-air bath) : You can enjoy the beauty of nature while soaking in the hot spring (the scenery changes with each season).
• Mixed bathing culture : Some remote areas still retain the tradition of mixed bathing for men and women, but most of them are now separated.
• Foot baths (あしゆ) : Free or low-cost, making it convenient for travelers to experience them at any time.

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✨ Conclusion

Japanese onsen culture blends nature, wellness, etiquette, and history . It's more than just a soak; it's an experience of "body and soul cleansing." By observing basic etiquette (washing your body, not wearing a swimsuit, and keeping quiet), visitors can truly experience "Japanese healing."

♨️ A quick guide to Japanese hot spring culture