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Onsen: A Peek into Japan’s Hot Springs

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Re: Onsen: A Peek into Japan’s Hot Springs

#11

Post by ginko »

canvascritic wrote: post #6
snowman56789 wrote: post #4

Anyone here been to an onsen? Does it really match the marketing or is this more of people falling over themselves with Japan fascination?

I've been to an onsen during a trip to Japan. The entire process, from the washing ritual to immersing oneself in the hot spring, is an experience that's hard to articulate Whether it aligns with the marketing or is part of the "Japan fascination", I think, is really hard to say especially as an outsider myself There's a tranquility to the surroundings, but it's often disrupted by throngs of tourists. we weren't prep…

>In any case it was an experience, certainly not a cheap one, and it was punctuated with moments of discomfort but also deep relaxation.

Fancy onsen ryokan can be quite pricy, but I wouldn't say it's expensive in general. I'm currently in Matsuyama and entry to the Dogo onsen bathouse (one of the oldest hot springs in Japan) is like 460 yen per person.

Many hotels also have hot spring baths in onsen towns without it being too expensive. Dormy Inn is a good example. That's a chain of business hotels which always comes with a bath in the top floor. Price is a bit more expensive than regular business hotels, but nothing over the top.

Re: Onsen: A Peek into Japan’s Hot Springs

#12

Post by buzer »

bschwindHN wrote: post #7
canvascritic wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've been to an onsen during a trip to Japan. The entire process, from the washing ritual to immersing oneself in the hot spring, is an experience that's hard to articulate Whether it aligns with the marketing or is part of the "Japan fascination", I think, is really hard to say especially as an outsider myself There's a tranquility to the surroundings, but it's often disrupted by throngs of tourists. we weren't prep…

> In any case it was an experience, certainly not a cheap one Do you mean the onsen, or travel to Japan in general? Onsen are typically less than 1000 yen to enter - quite cheap for the relaxation they give you.

I would imagine most of tourists experience onsen during ryokan visit instead of going to separate bathhouse and those tend to be somewhat expensive.

Re: Onsen: A Peek into Japan’s Hot Springs

#14

Post by kizunajp »

bibanez wrote: post #10
kizunajp wrote: post #3

Hello HN! Author here. This was an absolutely _fascinating_ topic to research and write about. So many different perspectives and so much depth to each of them. I am not sure I got all the parts about the geology right and would love any chance to learn from those who know better!

Have you seen Thermae Romae Novae? It's a manga with a Netflix anime adaptation about onsen. Very well-made and it was what got me first interested in onsen!

I haven't seen the manga version, but loved the movie adaptation with Abe Hiroshi in it.

@strobe999 linked to the Wiki article for the manga. The story follows Lucius, an architect in ancient Rome, who timeslips into modern day Japan. He carries ideas from modern Japan's bathing culture back and builds the public baths of Rome. It's a comedy, but a very informative one at that.

Re: Onsen: A Peek into Japan’s Hot Springs

#15

Post by achoice »

snowman56789 wrote: post #4

Anyone here been to an onsen? Does it really match the marketing or is this more of people falling over themselves with Japan fascination?

Yasuragi in Stockholm Sweden is a popular Japanese style spa retreat. Highly recommended if you have time to spare and relax. I love going especially in the winter to relax and leave the digital stressful everyday life.

https://www.yasuragi.se/en/

Re: Onsen: A Peek into Japan’s Hot Springs

#16

Post by LatteLazy »

snowman56789 wrote: post #4

Anyone here been to an onsen? Does it really match the marketing or is this more of people falling over themselves with Japan fascination?

I went to several on my pre-covid Japan trip.

1 was in a city and big and quiet plastic. 1 small suburban on that was very traditional and one near Fuji was about 50% outdoors. All were really nice.

I really wish we had something like this here in London.

Re: Onsen: A Peek into Japan’s Hot Springs

#17

Post by ljlolel »

jaipilot747 wrote: post #2

I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. Going to an onsen can at first be a bit daunting with all the rules and etiquette, but it was definitely worth it. Sitting in a hot onsen while it's snowing, peacefully in the middle of nature.. it was an incredible experience.

I love onsens so much, but this is also true in a hot tub at a ski area. Fond memories of Tahoe and Colorado.

Re: Onsen: A Peek into Japan’s Hot Springs

#18

Post by yardstick »

My two complaints about Onsen are:

1. They are gender separated. So when travelling as a straight couple or in groups you likely can’t share the experience together. Some see this as a plus. I see it as a minus. Put it down to personal preference.

2. Must be nude. Ok well I guess I’m just a prude, but I don’t enjoy the concept of being nude in front of others. Rules out German style spas too.

3. Bonus issue. Tattoos. Because of the criminal association with Tats in Japan you can possibly find it hard to use an Onsen (Ie banned).

Re: Onsen: A Peek into Japan’s Hot Springs

#19

Post by canpan »

snowman56789 wrote: post #4

Anyone here been to an onsen? Does it really match the marketing or is this more of people falling over themselves with Japan fascination?

Onsen are geat! I love them. I especially recommend outdoor onsen (Called rotenburo) in winter when it is snowing. You have to get over the first hurdle to be totally naked with strangers. But I often go at a time when it is mostly empty. Disclaimer: I live in Japan.
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