Why Do Japanese People Love Onsen?
Understanding the craze in Japan for bathing in hot springs
No one knows exactly when Japanese people began enjoying bathing in onsen (温泉) hot springs. But today, hot springs are an integral part of Japanese culture. Even foreigners have heard about onsen through Japanese movies, TV shows, and manga.
But have you ever wondered why onsen are so popular? Well, I have, and I’ve got a few theories to share.
Cultural Tradition
As a volcanic archipelago, Japan has the largest number of hot springs of any country in the world: more than 27,000. And abundant rainfall and snowfall help secure plentiful water resources. Onsen have been enjoyed by Japanese people for thousands of years.
Today, onsen are a critical component of the Japanese tourism industry. The presence of an onsen is a popular draw to many communities, creating hot spring towns (onsen gai, 温泉街).
These towns usually feature Japanese traditional inns (ryokan, 旅館), which offer natural hot spring baths at their resorts. Coming to these ryokans, in addition to the bath, you’ll enjoy local cuisine and regional specialties.
Health Benefits
Whenever I ask my Japanese friends why they love onsen so much, the most common response is their numerous health benefits. They often cite fatigue or a desire for clearer skin as reason for going to hot springs. So, are these benefits real?
An ancient report compiled in the 8th century, “Izumo no Kuni Fudoki (Chronicle of the Land of Izumo)” speaks of onsen’s healing properties: “If you enter the hot spring once, your skin will become beautiful, and if you wash again, the water will cure all your diseases.” During the Edo period, doctors even prescribed a visit to the onsen for medical treatment.
It turns out the high temperature of the bath, typically 40-42°C, promotes blood circulation and the immune system. Additionally, the osmotic pressure in hot springs allows your skin to soak up all the beneficial minerals, leading to improving skin condition.
Depending on the region, each hot spring has different mineral compositions, each with its own health benefits. The onsen towns and ryokans usually list which ailments and illnesses their hot springs are effective against.
For example, alkaline-rich springs can reduce atopic dermatitis. These onsen will have a signature greenish color with a slippery feel. Hot springs containing iron, magnesium, and sulfur can enhance your skin and immune system, along with reducing aches and pains. When visiting these special onsens, don’t rinse after soaking so your skin can absorb the beneficial minerals.
Misogi Form
Beyond the purported health benefits, onsen hold significance in Japanese culture as a form of water purification (misogi, 禊). Water is a symbol of purification to cleanse one’s body and mind. Misogi traditionally uses cold water, like rivers, waterfalls, or ocean water.
However, hot water in onsen serves a similar purpose due to its effect on mental health. Soaking in hot water helps reduce stress and refresh your mood. Moreover, many onsen towns are in scenic locations, amplifying the relaxation.
Social Hub
My first onsen visit was an eye-opening experience, especially when I had to strip off all my clothes. At that time, I couldn’t understand how the onsen could be considered a place to socialize. I couldn’t even look at anyone, even my tag-along friends, so how could I socialize?
However, with time, I started to see the social side of this place. While I wouldn’t talk loud, soaking in hot water makes it easy to open up and talk about everything. Remember the benefits onsen brings to your mind? When your mind is relaxed, you are friendlier and more sociable.
Moreover, being naked means you can toss away any sense of embarrassment. What else is more embarrassing than being nude in front of strangers? Moreover, the act of removing clothes can be considered taking away the masks, facades, and everything else we hide behind to reveal our true selves. Once your naked self is revealed, you won’t be afraid to share anything. There is even an expression in Japanese for these naked relationships: hadaka no tsukiai (裸の付き合い), referring to spending time together naked.
Frankly, while I am still skeptical about the actual health benefits of onsen, I can’t ignore its cultural importance. And soaking in hot water really relaxes my mind. So, I absolutely would never refuse any chance to visit a hot spring. How about your experience in onsen? Please tell me in the comments.
