The term 温泉 aka onsen means hot springs. As Japan is a volcanically active country, you can find thousands of onsens scattered along its length and breadth. The onsen were traditionally used for public bathing and now days play a central role in Japanese tourism. Onsen water is believed to have healing powers derived from its mineral content. The water is steaming but very cleansing and leaves you with a healthy, rosy glow.
We chose to stay in a traditional Ryokan whilst visiting the lovely area of Hakone. Our tatami room boasted excellent views of Lake Ashi and the Torii gate. There were both indoor and outdoor onsen on the top floor with spectacular views to match.
Our onsen was gender segregated. The noren or entry curtain, blue for otokos (boys) and red for onnas (girls) ensured you did not stray into wrong area. We were given kimonos, bath towels and little red shoes to use for our visit to the onsen. After entering through to correct door, you must remove your shoes before stepping into the change room. There you must remove all your clothing and modesty and place in the basket provided. You can only take your small wash cloth through with you into the bathing area. In the bathing area, you are required to soap up and shower off before entering the water. Your bath towel must never enter the onsen water, the idea is to balance it on your head whilst bathing. When you are finished bathing, you are expected to dry off with the bath towel before walking back through to the change room. Oh, yeah and no water angels or muff diving permitted. etiquette states that you must sit quietly and relax.
We chose to stay in a traditional Ryokan whilst visiting the lovely area of Hakone. Our tatami room boasted excellent views of Lake Ashi and the Torii gate. There were both indoor and outdoor onsen on the top floor with spectacular views to match.
Our onsen was gender segregated. The noren or entry curtain, blue for otokos (boys) and red for onnas (girls) ensured you did not stray into wrong area. We were given kimonos, bath towels and little red shoes to use for our visit to the onsen. After entering through to correct door, you must remove your shoes before stepping into the change room. There you must remove all your clothing and modesty and place in the basket provided. You can only take your small wash cloth through with you into the bathing area. In the bathing area, you are required to soap up and shower off before entering the water. Your bath towel must never enter the onsen water, the idea is to balance it on your head whilst bathing. When you are finished bathing, you are expected to dry off with the bath towel before walking back through to the change room. Oh, yeah and no water angels or muff diving permitted. etiquette states that you must sit quietly and relax.
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