Onsen Explained

In Japan, are hot springs and the bathing facilities and traditional inns around them. There are approximately 25,000 hot spring sources throughout Japan, and approximately 3,000 onsen establishments use naturally hot water from these geothermally heated springs.[1]

Onsen may be either or . Traditionally, onsen were located outdoors, although many inns have now built indoor bathing facilities as well. Nowadays, as most households have their baths, the number of traditional public baths has decreased,[2] but the number and popularity of hot spring resort towns (温泉街, onsen-gai) have increased since the end of Second World War.[3] Baths may be either publicly run by a municipality or privately, often connecting to a lodging establishment such as a hotel, ryokan, or minshuku.

The presence of an onsen is often indicated on signs and maps by the symbol ♨, the kanji (yu, meaning "hot water"), or the simpler phonetic hiragana character ゆ (yu).

Definition

According to the Japanese, onsen is defined as "hot water, mineral water, and water vapor or other gas (excluding natural gas of which the principal component is hydrocarbon) gushing from underground".[4] The law states that mineralized hot spring water that feeds an onsen must be at least originating at a depth of at least, and contain specified amounts of minerals such as sulphur, sodium, iron, or magnesium.

When onsen water contains distinctive minerals or chemicals, establishments often display what type of water it is,[5] in part because the specific minerals found in the water have been thought to provide health benefits.[6] Types include,,, and .

History

Exactly when humans first began bathing in onsen in Japan is unknown, but historical records show it has a history of at least about 1,300 years.[7] [8] Many of the earliest records of onsen bathing document Japanese Emperors or members of the imperial family staying at onsen for long periods of time. At the time, onsen were thought to be sacred and to have healing properties.[9] It is now believed those who traveled to onsen in these early records were seeking cures to disease or other ailments by bathing in the onsen water. This ancient practice of bathing in onsen to cure illnesses, often for long periods such as a week, is referred to as tōji (湯治).[10] Some of the oldest onsen in Japan are considered to be Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture, Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture, and Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture.

Until around the Edo period, onsen had close religious ties to Buddhism with temples often being built near onsen sources. During the Edo period, however, onsen began to gain popularity among the general population thanks in part to depictions of the hot springs in ukiyo-e. It is also during this period that the use of onsen shifted from being primarily for religious and healing reasons to being used for bathing for cleanliness and socializing.[11] [12]

In modern times, traveling to hot spring resort towns (温泉街, onsen-gai) is a popular form of domestic tourism in Japan. During the bubble economy of the 1980s, there was a "onsen boom." Although the number of overnight guests at hot spring resorts has decreased slightly since the boom, travel to such onsen towns as a relaxing getaway is still popular among Japanese people.

Mixed bathing

Traditionally, men and women bathed together at both onsen and sentō communal bathhouses, but gender separation has been enforced at most institutions since the opening of Japan to the West during the Meiji Restoration.

is currently banned in Japanese public baths.[13] [14] [15] Depending on the prefecture and local ordinances, children seven years old and younger may be exempt from this ban.

Private onsen called "family baths" (家族風呂, kazokuburo) can be found in many locations throughout Japan. These can be reserved and used for mixed bathing.[16]

Etiquette

Ensuring cleanliness

As at a sentō at an onsen, all guests are expected to wash and rinse themselves thoroughly before entering the hot water. Bathing stations are equipped with stools, faucets, wooden buckets, and toiletries such as soap and shampoo; nearly all onsen also provide removable shower heads for bathing convenience. Entering the onsen while still dirty or with traces of soap on the body is socially unacceptable.

Swimsuits

Guests are not allowed to wear swimsuits in the baths and must be completely nude. However, there are some onsen that allow both men and women to enter together but require swimsuits. Many of these mixed onsen resemble more of a pool or waterpark than the traditional idea of an onsen.[17] [18] [19] In 2016, The Japan Times reported that guests were not normally allowed to wear swimsuits in the baths. However, some modern onsen required their guests to wear a swimming suit in their mixed baths.[20]

Towel

Onsen guests generally bring a small towel with them to use as a wash cloth. The towel can also provide a modicum of modesty when walking between the washing area and the baths. Some onsen allow one to wear the towel into the baths, while others have posted signs prohibiting this, saying that it makes it harder to clean the bath. It is against the rules to immerse or dip towels in the onsen bath water, since this can be considered unclean. People normally set their towels off to the side of the water when enjoying the baths, or place their folded towels on top of their heads.

Tattoos

By 2015, around half (56%) of onsen operators had banned bathers with tattoos from using their facilities.[21] [22] [23] The original reason for the tattoo ban was to keep out yakuza and members of other crime gangs who traditionally have elaborate full-body decoration.

However, tattoo-friendly onsen do exist.[24] A 2015 study by the Japan National Tourism Organisation found that more than 30% of onsen operators at hotels and inns across the country will not turn someone with a tattoo away; another 13% said they would grant access to a tattooed guest under certain conditions, such as having the tattoo covered up.[21] Some towns have many tattoo-friendly onsen that do not require guests to cover them up. Two such towns are Kinosaki Onsen in Hyōgo and Beppu Onsen in Ōita.[25]

With the increase in foreign customers due to growing tourism, some onsen that previously banned tattoos are loosening their rules to allow guests with small tattoos to enter, provided they cover their tattoos with a patch or sticking plaster.[21] [26]

Benefits

There are various health benefits attributed to bathing in onsen.[27] [28] [29] Onsen are particularly renowned for their relaxing and therapeutic effects. These effects are due to properties such as the temperature, pressure, and mineral composition of the water.[30]

A 2014 study conducted in Beppu, a city famous for its onsen, found that regular bathing in onsen has various health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, improving circulation and cardiovascular health, reducing chronic pain and fatigue, and lowering the rate of depression. A survey conducted in Atami, another city famous for its onsen, found that individuals with onsen in their homes were less likely to take blood pressure medication than those without onsen.

There are various types of onsen including carbonated springs, iron-containing springs, acidic springs, strong-smelling sulfur springs, among others. Each type of onsen is believed to have unique benefits. Carbonated springs, for example, are believed to lead to smooth skin. Onsen facilities often advertise various health and beauty benefits they claim their water to provide.[31] [32]

Water at some onsen facilities is drinkable.[33] [34] [35] Onsen water should only be consumed if it is confirmed to be safe to drink by the prefecture. The water should be obtained from a designated drinking source that is separate from the water which is bathed in. The often mineral-rich onsen water is believed to have benefits such as treating iron-deficiency anemia or constipation.

Risks

Article 18, paragraph 1 of the Japanese Hot Springs Act publishes guidance on contraindications and cautions for bathing in hot springs, and drinking their respective waters.[36] Although millions of Japanese bathe in onsen every year with few noticeable side effects, there are still potential side effects to onsen usage, such as aggravating high blood pressure or heart disease.[37]

Legionella bacteria have been found in some onsen with poor sanitation.[38] [39] For example, 295 people were infected with Legionella and seven died at an onsen in Miyazaki Prefecture in 2002.[39] [40] Revelations of poor sanitary practices at some onsen have led to improved regulation by hot-spring communities to maintain their reputation.[41]

There have been reports of infectious disease found in hot bodies of water worldwide, such as various Naegleria species.[42] While studies have found the presence of Naegleria in hot spring waters, Naegleria fowleri, responsible for numerous fatal cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis around the world, has not been found to be present in the water at onsen.[42] Nevertheless, fewer than five cases have been seen historically in Japan, although not conclusively linked to onsen exposure.[43]

Many onsen display notices reminding anyone with open cuts, sores, or lesions not to bathe. Additionally, in recent years onsen are increasingly adding chlorine to their waters to prevent infection, although many onsen purists seek natural, unchlorinated onsen that do not recycle their water but instead clean the baths daily.[41] These precautions as well as proper onsen usage (i.e. not placing the head underwater, washing thoroughly before entering the bath) greatly reduce any overall risk to bathers.

Voyeurism is reported at some onsen. In 2016, The Japan Times reported that this was mitigated in some prefectures of Japan where nude mixed bathing is not permitted, and that visitors must wear swimsuits.[44] [45] [46] In 2021, several people were arrested in connection with an organized group accused of taking photos of women in open-air baths.[47] [48]

Bathing methods

In addition to typical large public baths (大浴場, daiyokujō) and outdoor baths (露天風呂, roten-buro), there are various other methods of experiencing onsen that can be found at various facilities throughout Japan. Examples include:

Saunas are also sometimes located at onsen bathing facilities. A relatively cold bath called mizu-buro or sui-furo (水風呂) is often located directly outside a facility's sauna to allow users to quickly cool down. The cycle of entering hot baths, saunas, and cold baths at an onsen facility is sometimes referred to as totonou (ととのう) and is believed to be refreshing and to have health benefits.[52] [53]

Selected onsen

See also

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Erikson . August . Masui . Anette . Sacred Waters: A Guide to Japanese Hot Springs . 2014 . Votum Forlag AB . Karlstad, Sweden . 978-91-87283-33-8 . 88 .
  2. Web site: Public Baths in Japan . www.japan-guide.com . 17 October 2018 . en.
  3. Web site: 温泉の歴史（現代）※第二次世界大戦後 日本温泉協会 . 2024-07-25 . 一般社団法人 日本温泉協会　～温泉名人～ . ja.
  4. Web site: Hot Spring Act. 2020-10-18. Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan.
  5. Serbulea. Mihaela. Payyappallimana. Unnikrishnan. Onsen (hot springs) in Japan—Transforming terrain into healing landscapes. Health & Place. 18. 6. 1366–73. 10.1016/j.healthplace.2012.06.020. 22878276. 2012.
  6. Web site: Tadanori . Matsuda . Soaking up the Benefits: Japan's Hot Springs Tradition . 30 March 2015 . Nippon: Your doorway to Japan . 27 August 2020.
  7. Web site: 温泉の歴史（古代）※奈良時代～平安時代 日本温泉協会 . 2024-07-30 . 一般社団法人 日本温泉協会　～温泉名人～ . ja.
  8. Web site: 第1章 湯治場としての温泉 . 2024-07-30 . 「本の万華鏡」第23回「本から広がる温泉の世界」 . ja.
  9. Web site: 古代から現代へ：日本の温泉文化の歴史 . 2024-07-30 . 温泉不動産 . ja.
  10. Web site: 2015-03-04 . 温泉は日本の文化である . 2024-07-30 . nippon.com . ja.
  11. Web site: にっぽんの温泉観光事典 . 2014-04-19 . 日本の温泉の歴史‐宗教的意味、戦国時代と江戸時代 . 2024-07-30 . にっぽんの温泉観光事典 . ja.
  12. Web site: Learn about Japanese hot spring culture . 2024-07-30 . アクセス日本留学 . en.
  13. 厚生労働省「公衆浴場における衛生管理理要領等の改正について〔公衆浴場法〕」(生食発1210第1号)(Retrieved June 3 2024)　https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=00tc5492&dataType=1&pageNo=1
  14. https://www.shuken.jp/column/onyoku/onyoku-law/4807/#:~:text=%E5%AE%9F%E3%81%AF%E3%80%81%E5%85%AC%E8%A1%86%E6%B5%B4%E5%A0%B4%E6%B3%95%E3%81%AB,%E3%81%A8%E6%98%8E%E8%A8%98%E3%81%97%E3%81%A6%E3%81%84%E3%81%BE%E3%81%99%E3%80%82 "サウナの男女混浴は法律でどうなってる？公衆浴場法・条例を調べてみた"
  15. ｢混浴ダメ！｣何歳から？　10歳→7歳、国が通知　西日本新聞　Retrieved June 3 2024
  16. https://yuasobi.com/blog/12 "日帰り家族風呂を満喫するなら！知っておくべき混浴に関する条例"
  17. https://onsen.nifty.com/onsen-matome/220304902694/ "温水プールが楽しい！西日本の温泉・お風呂テーマパーク15選"
  18. https://jw-webmagazine.com/5-swimwear-allowed-onsen-spots-near-tokyo-b1507ba4cd67/ "5 Swimwear-allowed Onsen Spots near Tokyo"
  19. https://www.yunessun.com/yunessun/ "Yunessun"
  20. News: Hadfield . James . Last splash: Immodest Japanese tradition of mixed bathing may be on the verge of extinction . . 10 December 2016 . 6 December 2018.
  21. News: Japanese owners of famous 'onsen' hot springs soften their stance on tattoo ban to appease foreign visitors. Julian. Ryall. 6 November 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20160117035103/http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/1876200/japanese-owners-famous-onsen-hot-springs-soften-their-stance. 17 January 2016.
  22. News: If you need to bring drugs to Japan, sort out the paperwork — or else. The Japan Times. 6 November 2012. Ashley. Thompson. https://web.archive.org/web/20150719081838/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2012/11/06/how-tos/if-you-need-to-bring-drugs-to-japan-sort-out-the-paperwork-or-else#.Vqv5A63ouUl. 19 July 2015.
  23. Web site: Xeni Jardin. Tattoo in Japan . Boing Boing . 22 December 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091224074209/http://www.boingboing.net/2009/12/22/tattoo-in-japan.html. 24 December 2009.
  24. News: Ink doesn't always cause a stink at the onsen. Ashley. Thompson. The Japan Times. 27 November 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20150719082949/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2012/11/27/how-tos/ink-doesnt-always-cause-a-stink-at-the-onsen#.Vqv4hq3ouUl. 19 July 2015.
  25. Web site: 30 Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Japan.
  26. News: Onsen in Nagano will now welcome foreigners with tattoos, as long as they patch 'em up. 17 April 2015. Evie. Lund. https://web.archive.org/web/20151214210842/http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/04/17/onsen-in-nagano-will-now-welcome-foreigners-with-tattoos-as-long-as-they-patch-em-up/. 14 December 2015.
  27. Web site: 特集「ヘルシートーク」 ソニー生命保険株式会社 . 2024-07-25 . cs.sonylife.co.jp . ja.
  28. Web site: 温泉利用が健康づくりにもたらす総合的効果についてのエビデンスに関する研究 厚生労働科学研究成果データベース . 2024-07-25 . mhlw-grants.niph.go.jp.
  29. Web site: だから温泉はカラダにいい 温泉医科学研究所 . 2024-07-25 . www.onsen-msrc.com.
  30. Web site: 体のこわばり緩和、むくみ改善 ～温泉による科学的な効果（国際医療福祉大学大学院 前田眞治教授）～ . 2024-07-25 . 時事メディカル . ja.
  31. Web site: 温泉浴場のご案内｜源泉100%かけ流しの「ひょうたん温泉」 . 2024-07-25 . www.hyotan-onsen.com.
  32. Web site: 蔵王温泉大露天風呂 . 2024-07-25 . www.jupeer-zao.com.
  33. Web site: 飲泉について 日本温泉協会 . 2024-07-25 . 一般社団法人 日本温泉協会　～温泉名人～ . ja.
  34. Web site: 温泉水は飲める？温泉の定義と、温泉水の上手な飲み方 水と健康の情報メディア｜トリム・ミズラボ - 日本トリム . 2024-07-25 . www.nihon-trim.co.jp.
  35. Web site: 飲泉｜源泉100%かけ流しの「ひょうたん温泉」 . 2024-07-25 . www.hyotan-onsen.com.
  36. Web site: The Criteria for the Notification, etc. on Contraindications and Cautions for Bathing and Drinking as specified in Article 18, Paragraph 1 of the Hot Springs Act . Ministry of the Environment: Government of Japan . 28 October 2022.
  37. Web site: Hot Spring Treatment｜Hot Spring Encyclopedia｜ONSEN｜BEPPU CITY｜ . City.beppu.oita.jp . 7 December 2010.
  38. Molecular determination of infection source of a sporadic Legionella pneumonia case associated with a hot spring bath . H. Miyamoto . S. Jitsurong . R. Shiota . K. Maruta . S. Yoshida . E. Yabuuchi . Microbiol. Immunol. . 41 . 3 . 197–202 . 1997 . 9130230 . 10.1111/j.1348-0421.1997.tb01190.x. 25016946 . free .
  39. An outbreak of legionellosis in a new facility of hot spring Bath in Hiuga City . Eiko Yabuuchi . Kunio Agata . 0387-5911 . 78 . 2 . 90–98 . 2004 . Kansenshogaku Zasshi . 10.11150/kansenshogakuzasshi1970.78.90 . 15103899. free .
  40. Web site: 「怖い菌ではないと思っていた」と運営会社社長。過去には7名死亡した事例も . ja . . 4 March 2023.
  41. News: Onsen: know what you're getting into . The Japan Times .
  42. Occurrence and Distribution of Naegleria Species in Thermal Waters in Japan . Shinji Izumiyama . Kenji Yagita . Reiko Furushima-Shimogawara . Tokiko Asakura . Tatsuya Karasudani . Takuro Endō . The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology . 50 . s1 . July 2003 . 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2003.tb00614.x . 14736147 . 514–5. 45052636 .
  43. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri: An autopsy case in Japan . Yasuo Sugita . Teruhiko Fujii . Itsurou Hayashi . Takachika Aoki . Toshirō Yokoyama . Minoru Morimatsu . Toshihide Fukuma . Yoshiaki Takamiya . Pathology International . 49 . May 1999 . 10.1046/j.1440-1827.1999.00893.x . 10417693 . 5 . 468–70. 21576553 .
  44. News: Hadfield . James . Last splash: Immodest Japanese tradition of mixed bathing may be on the verge of extinction . . 10 December 2016 . 6 December 2018.
  45. News: 2021-11-21 . 盗撮の実態、知っていますか？ 10年で倍増／常習化しやすく 被害に遭わないためには…【NEXT特捜隊】 . ja . . 2022-10-28.
  46. News: 2018-12-28 . ＜盗撮の闇(3)＞奪われた日常 被害者、映像流出におびえ . ja . 佐賀新聞 . 2022-10-28.
  47. https://bunshun.jp/articles/-/54043 "盗撮のカリスマ”斎藤果林容疑者が逮捕 犯行グループの一員が明かす“卑劣な手口”「若い女性が集まる連休にはグループで“温泉盗撮旅”へ
  48. https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/20230201-OYT1T50285/ "「盗撮のカリスマ」率いるグループ１６人摘発…男「３０年前から１万人は盗撮」"
  49. Web site: Other types of bathing Onsen Medical Science Reserch Center . 2024-07-25 . www.onsen-msrc.com.
  50. Web site: 寝湯とは？最高のくつろぎ空間が堪能できる温泉10選！｜ニフティ温泉 . 2024-07-25 . ニフティ温泉 . ja.
  51. Web site: 岩盤浴での持ち物は？入り方や服装を解説 おすすめの岩盤浴施設も紹介｜ニフティ温泉 . 2024-07-25 . ニフティ温泉 . ja.
  52. Web site: 2021-03-04 . ととのうサウナの入り方 . 2024-07-25 . 野天湯元 湯快爽快 ちがさき . ja.
  53. Web site: サウナよりもととのう？ 本物の温泉好きがやみつきになる入浴法 （高橋一喜） - エキスパート . 2024-07-25 . Yahoo!ニュース . ja.

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