1. The Number of Onsen in Japan
The number of hot spring places with inns in Japan is said to be about 3,300.
2. Effects of Onsen
- Warming your body and enlarging your blood vessels to improve blood flow
- Massaging your body with water pressure to relax
- Floating your body to relieve tension physically and mentally
- Some onsen waters are good for your skin condition
3. Classification of Onsen Water
There are several types of onsen water: “simple,” “chloride,” “bicarbonate,” “sulfate,” “elemental,” “carbon dioxide,” “iron,” “sulfur,” “acidic,” and “radioactive.”
4. How to use Onsen
―The location of the public onsen is shown by hotel clerks or on the hotel indoor map. The men’s bathroom and the ladies’ bathroom are in different places. Normally, the noren (door curtain) shows which is which. The Chinese character “男” written on the noren means “man” and “女” means “woman.” They change places every day, so you always need to check the sign.
When you go through the door, you enter the dressing room. At the entrance, you have to take off your shoes or geta clogs provided in your room. There may be shoe boxes available.
―Drunkards and people with certain diseases are not advised to take an onsen bath. In many cases, people with tattoos are not allowed to take an onsen bath.
―Bathing suits are also not permitted.
―Lockers for your clothing are available in the dressing room. Whether they are free or require a fee depends on the hotel. In some cases, the inserted coin is returned when you place the key back.
―Before entering the bathtub, you must wash your body. When you wash your body, you must not splash water on the people next to you. When you use the bottles of soap and shampoo, and the stool, you must return them neatly to their original place.
―While in the bathtub, you must not dip your towel or hair in the water. You should place the towel outside the tub or on your head. If your hair is long, you must tie it up.
―Before returning to the dressing room, you must dry your body with your towel. You should also dry your feet on the mat at the door.
―In the dressing room, you can freely use the hair dryer provided. You can also dispose of your towel in the basket for used ones.
5. Several types of Onsen
There are several types of onsen baths. One popular type is the outdoor open-air bath. It is comfortable because it warms your body while keeping your head cool. Another popular type is the family bath. In some inns, you can rent a private bath for your family.
Other types include saunas, jacuzzis, waterfall showers, sand baths, and mud baths.