Japanese and Bath
In the bath, it is common not only to take a shower but also to soak in the hot water of the bathtub.
It is common to take a bath before going to bed at night, and it functions as a place to relieve the fatigue of the day.
It is also widely recognized as a place to wash away mentally unclean things.
In Japan, where volcanic activity is active, hot springs spring all over the country, and there are more than 3,000 hot spring areas.
Of the hot springs, those that can be used for therapeutic purposes, or the special ingredients contained in them, or the hot springs that spring at 25 ° C or higher, are called "recuperation springs" and are classified into 10 spring qualities by the Ministry of the Environment.
There is no doubt that you can enjoy the hot springs even more if you know the quality and efficacy of the hot springs.
Reference URL: Ministry of the Environment "Definition of hot springs"
How to Take an Onsen
1. Pour hot water near the entrance to remove dirt from the surface of your body.
2. Wash your hair first, then your body.
3. After cleaning your body, enter the bathtub.
4. When your body is warm enough, pour hot water over it.
5. After cleaning your body, enter the bathtub.
6. If you have multiple bathtubs, go around them one by one and soak in hot water so that your body is not overloaded.
Manners at Hot Springs
Do not put towels in the bathtub. It cannot be washed. It is a violation of etiquette to put towels and clothes in the bathtub. This is because the soap and detergent components that remain on the towel may get into the hot water.
Do not wash your face with hot water from the bathtub. Wash your face in the washroom.
Wipe your body when you get out of the bath to keep the dressing room clean.
There are many hot springs where tattoos are prohibited. If you have a tattoo, check before visiting.
If you have a cold, do not take a bath after drinking alcohol and during your period.
Do not wear a bathing suit and take a bath naked. If you wish to wear a bathing suit, please check in advance.
In the case of accommodation, yukata will be rented as room wear. There is no problem with wearing a yukata when moving inside the building.
Reference URL: "How to wear a beautiful hot spring yukata," Lutron, YouTube
Popular Hot Spring Resorts
Hokkaido:
Noboribetsu Onsen, Lake Toya Onsen, Sadayamakei Onsen, Akanko Onsen, Yunokawa Onsen, Sounkyo Onsen, Niseko Onsenkyo
Tohoku:
Nyuto Onsenkyo (Akita), Zao Onsen (Yamagata), Okuirase Keiryu Onsen / Towada Lakeside Onsen (Aomori), Hakkoda Onsen / Sukayu Onsen (Aomori), Akiho Onsen (Miyagi)
Kanto / Koshinetsu:
Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma), Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa), Kinugawa Onsen (Tochigi), Ikaho Onsen (Gunma), Manza Onsen (Gunma)
Tokai:
Atami Onsen (Shizuoka), Gero Onsen (Gifu), Oku-Hida Onsenkyo (Gifu), Hida Takayama Onsen (Gifu), Shuzenji Onsen (Shizuoka)
Kinki / Hokuriku:
Arima Onsen (Hyogo), Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo), Wakura Onsen (Ishikawa), Kaga Onsenkyo (Ishikawa), Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama)
Chugoku / Shikoku:
Dogo Onsen (Ehime), Tamatsukuri Onsen (Shimane), Misasa Onsen (Tottori), Kaike Onsen (Tottori), Konpira Onsenkyo (Kagawa)
Kyushu:
Beppu Onsenkyo (Oita), Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto), Yufuin Onsen (Oita), Ibusuki Onsen (Kagoshima), Ureshino Onsen (Saga)
Reference URL: "Top 10 Popular Hot Spring Resorts," Jalan (Japanese)
https://www.jalan.net/jalan/doc/etc/onsenranking/onsenranking_index.html