Onsen

The Japanese Onsen

Onsen, or Japanese Hot Spring, is a very popular tourist attraction in Japan. The Japanese Onsen experience is the ultimate in relaxation and is traditionally experienced in a rustic, open-air natural surrounding. The hot spring resorts in Hakone are not only rich in history, but are also known for the healthy mineral content of their natural hot springs water.

Technically, an Onsen, in Japan, is defined by the temperature of the water, usually with a temperature over 25 C and should contain 19 essential minerals designated by the Japanese Environmental Agency.

The hot springs in Hakone are filled with minerals that are good for a variety of ailments, from neuralgia, rheumatic ailments, fatigue to muscle pain. The hot springs are also great for your skin.


How to take a Japanese style bath
You only can go inside the bath tub after you washed your body thoroughly. First, you are to rinse your body with hot water, washing beforehand helps to keep the water in bath tub clean.
The rinsing and washing of your body with hot water also acclimatizes you to the actual temperature of the bath tub. The temperature might be hotter than you expect, please test the water first before. It is not advisable to jump into the water like diving in to a swimming pool. Please use discretion.
Bring with you the small towel that will be provided for you and please do not put the hand towel into the bath tub water. Most people place the towel on their head. And remember do not use any soap or shampoo or other skin cleansers in bath tub.