JAPAN UNWRAPPED Vol.5 Onsen -hot spring-

[Yuki Murai]

Simply, Japan lays over hot water. From the top to the bottom of the country, there is onsen everywhere. Onsen is a Japanese word for hot springs, and there are more than 3000 of them. So if your relaxation is spending hours inside hot bath, you've come to the right place!

Onsen comes out in great varieties of size, shape and color. They could be found in the downtown of Tokyo which is only few minutes from the nightlife district Roppongi. There are also Onsen in the high alps of Japan where you will need a whole day walk to go. There is a perfect onsen for each of us.
Most of them will be located in areas of stunning natural beauty, where we could enjoy the views of while soaking. Most tubs will be rotemburo(outside tubs) where we will be surrounded by mountains, listen to the sound of the river flowing while soaking in the tub made by Japanese cypress, marble or granite.

Now the best thing about Onsen is that they are believe to have healing power derived from its mineral content. Some helps moist the skin and heal skin damage, some will help take the aches all over the body. And for most it helps you relax and　removes the stress. The Onsen we will be going is Hakone Onsen. The mineral in Hakone helps neuralgic, joint pain, cold fingers and toes and body cuts.
Now who's excited about onsen!!??

[Yuki Murai]

Thank you Sue for the question!

From Tokyo to Hakone it will be about a hour half train ride. We would be able to see the lives of people and the enjoy the view from the train windows. Once we arrive at Hakone, we will be heading to Yaji-kita Onsen. The onsen where it's mineral is good for skin care and removing aches away.

First, almost all of the Onsen in Japan are enjoyed naked, and the onsen we are going to will be divided by gender. Everyone will be able to recieve a towel to hide their private parts. But the towel needs to be removed when entering to keep the water clean. Before entering everyone will wash their body first too.
Both, towels and Japanese style robe called Yukata, will be provided, so there would be no need of bringing any, but if you prefer to use a towel which you are used to(the towels in Japan tends to be small) bringing in one might be a good idea.

I understand that being naked sounds unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Everyone feels this way before entering but once trying soaking in these waters, they would have experience comfortable that they never have and have a great smile on their faces, excited to soaking in again.

These are some articles written by travelers :
Bathing in Hot springs-Jillian Michelle Williams
http://east-asian-customs-holidays.suite101.com/article.cfm/jap...

Surviving a Japanese Onsen-Andrew Beattie
http://japan-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/surviving_a_japane...

Taking a Japanese Bath
http://www.onsenjapan.net/onsenbasics.php

[Sue Walden]

Hello Yuki... thank you for the information. Yes, I am excited! Have you been to Hakone? How long is the trip from Tokyo to Hakone?

What else might we be doing other than soaking in these wonderous waters? And, do people wear bathing suits while soaking? I am guessing that they do, and thought I'd ask. Do we need robes? or are towels and/or robes provided?

I am starting to gather my clothes and supplies for the trip.
~ Sue