Dipping in onsens is a great way to unwind after a hectic day of sight-seeing, but how much do you really know about onsens in Japan? Pick up these 7 interesting facts so that you can choose to visit onsens that appeal to you on your next trip!
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Onsens give impetus to pop culture. The oldest onsen in Japan, Dogo Onsen inspired the setting for Hayao Miyazaki's film, "Spirited Away".
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Not just humans, but animals love onsens. Have fun watching monkeys soak in the waters of Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano until their faces turn as red as a beetroot. Or see capybaras frolic in mandarin orange waters at Izu Shabuten Park, Shizuoka.
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Some onsens combine your favourite drinks with onsen water. You can't go wrong by visiting Hakone Kowakien Yunessun as you can hop from bath to bath and dip yourself in sake, coffee, wine and more!
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Japan has 9 kinds of onsen water, including sulfur spring, salt spring and aluminium spring. If you wish to try out all of them, Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido boasts all 9 kinds so you can determine the onsen water that you like best!
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Some onsens provide sunamushi (sand bath). At Ibusuki Onsen in Kagoshima, you can be buried in naturally heated sand and feel completely refreshed after 10-20 minutes. It's a detoxification program at its best!
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Some onsens are open-air baths (rotenburo) that immerse you in nature and let you get up close with stunning scenery. Katsuura Onsen in Wakayama proudly presents you an idyllic view of the Pacific Ocean - while you lie nestled under a large cave!
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Other onsens offer solitude in quiet spaces. Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto has an underground cave bath, where you can be truly alone with your own thoughts.