Japanese hot springs are not just bathing facilities. They have long been an integral part of daily life, serving as a place to harmonize mind and body. This onsen culture, through its coexistence with Japan’s rich nature, can be said to embody the wellness philosophy that values harmony between mind and body
Onsen Healing: Savoring Japan’s Nature with All Five Senses
Onsen works on your mind and body through all five senses, bringing deep healing.
Especially in open-air baths surrounded by rich nature, natural elements like the chirping of birds, the sound of the wind, and the scent of trees stimulate your five senses, offering a tranquil time away from the hustle of daily life.
Feeling Nature’s Warmth in an Onsen Town
Many hot spring towns are located in beautiful natural settings, such as mountains, valleys, or coastlines. There, you’ll be greeted by clear air, a sky full of stars, and beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons—experiences you can’t get in the city. Japan’s onsen are often formed by volcanic activity, and the places where they spring forth are full of natural energy. By putting yourself in this kind of environment, you’ll feel your mind calm, your daily stress ease, and your mind and body regain their vitality.
The Diverse Spring Qualities and Benefits of Japanese Onsen
Japanese onsen are also characterized by their diverse spring qualities. We’ll introduce some of the most common types and their benefits. By choosing an onsen based on your body’s condition and your personal goals, you can expect a more effective wellness experience.
Common Water Types and Their Benefits
- Simple Hot Spring (Tanjun-onsen):This type is gentle on your skin with minimal stimulation. It’s expected to boost your metabolism, relieve fatigue, and soothe neuralgia and joint pain. It’s the most common type of onsen in Japan, making it accessible to people of all ages.
- Chloride Spring (Enka-butsu-sen):This water type has a high heat-retaining effect because its salt content adheres to your skin, preventing sweat from evaporating. It keeps you warm for longer and is said to be good for poor circulation, atopic dermatitis, cuts, and burns.
- Sulfur Spring (Io-sen):This water has a distinctive sulfur smell and is said to be good for arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic skin diseases. It is also expected to have skin-beautifying effects by softening the outer layers of your skin.
- Bicarbonate Spring (Tansan-suiso-en-sen):Soaking in this type of water exfoliates the skin, leaving it with a slippery feel. It is also called “Bijin no Yu” (Hot Spring for Beauty) because it leads to smooth skin. It is also said to be good for burns, cuts, chronic skin diseases, and neuralgia.
These spring qualities are often mixed with multiple components, which can create even more diverse benefits. The ability to choose a spring quality that suits your health condition and goals is another charm of Japanese hot springs that will make your trip more fulfilling.
Onsen Towns Across Japan and Their Charms
Japan has numerous onsen towns, each with its own unique appeal. Here are a few recommended onsen towns for your trip.
Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa Prefecture)
This is a popular hot spring town easily accessible from central Tokyo and surrounded by beautiful nature. It has a variety of water types and a wide range of accommodations, from day-trip onsen to luxury ryokan (traditional inns). There are also plenty of attractions besides the onsen, such as Lake Ashi and the Hakone Open-Air Museum, so you can enjoy both mental and physical refreshment and cultural experiences at the same time.
Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
Known for being one of Japan’s most acidic springs, it has flourished as a therapeutic onsen town since ancient times. It has high antiseptic properties and is said to be effective for skin diseases and neuralgia. The onsen town centered around the yubatake (hot water field) is full of charm, and you can experience traditional culture through shows like yumomi, where people use large paddles to lower the water to a suitable temperature for bathing.
Beppu Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
Famous for its “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour), where you can visit various hot spring sources that spout steam and hot mud, Beppu boasts the largest number of spring sources and the largest amount of spring water in Japan. It has 7 of the 10 types of spring qualities, allowing you to experience diverse onsen effects. The powerful landscape of steam and colors created by the active volcanic activity is also a major attraction.
Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido)
Known as the “Department Store of Hot Springs” for its diverse spring qualities, it has 9 types of spring qualities, such as sulfur springs, acidic iron springs, and salt springs. The Hell Valley, created by active volcanic activity, is a powerful landscape where you can directly feel the earth’s energy.
Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture)
Known as one of Japan’s oldest onsen, this historic hot spring appeared in Natsume Soseki’s novel “Botchan”. The alkaline simple spring is gentle on the skin and suitable for therapeutic bathing. Strolling through the charming onsen town and experiencing the unique atmosphere of the Dogo Onsen Honkan (Main Building) provides a special experience where you can heal your mind and body while feeling the history and culture.
Staying at an Onsen
Staying at an onsen town is more than just sightseeing; you can have a deeper experience by viewing it as a wellness trip focused on your own wellness.
Effects of Long-Term Stays
Through a stay of several days, you can thoroughly experience the benefits of the onsen and completely liberate yourself from daily stress. Long-tem onsen therapy is also an important element of wellness tourism in Japan.
Mind-Body Reset
The quiet and calm environment of an onsen resort is ideal for resetting your mind and body and gaining new vitality. By practicing digital detox and making time to face yourself, you can gain mental peace.
Onsen offers a one-of-a-kind wellness experience by combining the diversity of their water types, rich nature, and local culture. We hope you’ll visit a Japanese onsen town and experience healing your body and mind and regaining your vitality.
