A Delightful Onsen Awaits

Posted on September 20, 2010 within News

Japan is blessed with an abundance of natural hot springs or “onsen” located in wonderfully scenic areas throughout the Japanese archipelago. Onsen are be found at the base of mountains, along riverbanks and next to the sea. During the coming months we will introduce you to some of our favorite onsen in Japan but first I want to describe to you the pleasure of an onsen experience.

Many of Japan’s fine ryokan or inns are built in areas with naturally occurring hot springs. Such inns often have both indoor onsen baths and outdoor outdoor onsen baths called “rotenburo “ After checking into your inn and getting settled in your room, change into a light cotton robe or “yukata” and proceed to the onsen where you will first shower before entering the delightfully warm bath. In general, one would start with the indoor bath before heading to the rotenburo. As you soak in the soothing water and beads of sweat appear on your forehead, move to the rotenburo where the blast of fresh outdoor air will leave you with a wonderfully refreshing feeling before you enter the rotenburo and soak in the natural surroundings about you. When you are done, simply dry off (no need to take a shower again as the onsen waters contain minerals good for your skin) and head to your room where a sumptuous dinner awaits you. Enjoy the onsen again prior to retiring for the evening or upon awakening in the morning. An onsen experience is truly wonderful and we look forward to guiding you to the finest onsen that Japan has to offer.

Mitsuna Satooka