Japanese Onsen Bath Introduction
Onsen bath is very popular with domestic tourists in Japan. In fact, if Japanese people travel within Japan it is usually to go to an onsen. The word onsen can only be used when the source of the water is natural. If the hot water comes from a tap it is not really onsen.
Until the mid nineteenth century it was very common for men, women and children to use the same public bath. But after contact with the West there were many public morality laws introduced which discouraged this. Still today many districts require separate facilities for men and women.
However, mixed sex bathing (koyoku こんよく）is still popular in Japan but usually with elderly people.
As far as I can tell every Japanese person likes onsen. I have yet to meet someone who says something bad about it. Families, couples, friends and companies take onsen trips together. Japanese feel that being naked together in hot relaxing waters breaks down social barriers. This is referred to as "naked communion" (裸の付き合い).
Onsen water comes from volcanic hot springs and sometimes has a high mineral content. The major types of onsen water are iron onsen (鉄泉), sulphur onsen (硫黄泉), sodium chloride onsen (ナトリウム泉). Different health benefits are ascribed to the different types of water. Some onsen baths are supposed to be good for the skin or for fertility etc..
Many hotels in Japan have an onsen bath. Especially traditional hotels such as ryokan. Onsen bath are traditionally outside rotenburo (露天風呂) but often onsen resorts and hotels have both indoor and outdoor baths. It is often possible to have a private onsen bath in your room or access to a private rotenburo.
Rotenburo often have a beautiful view of nature whether it be a forest, mountain or sea. Rotenburo are best in winter when there is snow.
If you are travelling to the Japanese countryside onsen is the thing to do. Trust me.
For more information check out the Japanese Onsen Bath Guide.
