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Anyone here been to an onsen? Does it really match the marketing or is this more of people falling over themselves with Japan fascination?
What blows my mind is that some are crazy hot. I recall one where I could barley keep my feet in only to have some local Japanese kids jump in as if it was a play bath.
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.
Some onsen will find a polite-sounding excuse to deny foreigners, and most onsen will not let anyone in with visible tattoos.
The tattoo bias was originally intended to discriminate against criminals/yakuza and is now used to discriminate against foreigners.
Source: My wife was kicked out of one onsen after undressing, and I saw several signs against tattoos.
Anyone here been to an onsen? Does it really match the marketing or is this more of people falling over themselves with Japan fascination?
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.…
These are smaller, private onsen designed for families or couples (or, I suppose, the shy foreigner). They're fairly common.
The loud white noise of the river, the terrible insulation and sleeping on the floor made the night not the most comfortable. But when I woke up early and went to the balcony I tested the water with my feet. It was still 40 degrees and it felt amazing in contrast to the chilly mountain air. I couldn't help but to throw my robe off and enjoy the bath fully submerged.
I only had an hour until checkout, but that sense of the moment slipping out of your hands made it all the more precious.
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.…
I visited an Onsen recently in Bangkok (artificial of course) and the locals were very vocal about any perceived lack of decorum.
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 found the ritualistic traditions around it to be calming. I spent a few hours at the one I was in and it was silent and almost meditative. I remember leaving afterwards thinking that I had a pretty much blank mind while there and was entirely present in the moment.