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A rotenburo
with a view of a beautiful Japanese garden |
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Picture this:
You’re outside, in a bathtub made out of fragrant
wood and filled with almost unbearably hot, crystal-clear
water that turns your overworked, holiday-starved muscles
into putty. Just a few meters away, against a backdrop
of maple trees beautifully reddened by the onset of
autumn, runs a small brook. Pure relaxation!
In Japan, bathing in volcanic springs, or onsen, has
been an integral part of the culture for millennia,
both as a form of relaxation and as a cure for ailments—the
mineral-rich, often sulfur-smelling water is widely
believed to benefit health.
Many of today’s bathhouses date back hundreds
of years, featuring traditional architecture and staff
trained in the ultra-precise etiquette of old. Very
often, they are located at scenic natural spots, and
a dip in the rotenburo, the outdoor bath, can offer
spectacular views of mountains, rivers or forests. Yet,
you will also find onsen in the midst of the neon-lit
big cities, where they offer a respite from the daily
rat race. Of the latter, some pump the volcanic water
from more than a kilometer below ground.
For the foreign traveler, visiting an onsen is a must—but
be sure to follow the strict bathing etiquette! Unlike
in the West, bathing in Japan is primarily done for
relaxation; washing is done before getting into the
water. Also, soap and shampoo should be rinsed off thoroughly,
as polluting the bathwater with these is a major no-no.
Finally, mixed-sex bathing is still alive and well in
some rural parts of Japan, so if you feel shy about
this, it is best to check if there are single-sex onsen
as well before booking.
Rules aside, visiting an onsen is an unforgettable experience,
particularly if followed by a nice meal, and should
be a key point on any foreigner’s itinerary. |
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