If you have never been to a natural hot spring (onsen) in Japan, you should certainly try it. Many regions of Japan have hot springs. Begin looking for options and you will discover there are a large selection of hot springs to choose from. Hot springs can be distinguished by the type of water and mineral composition.Various types of minerals each have their own unique health benefits, not to mention offer a calming effect on mind and body.
Which hot spring baths appeal to you? There are indoor and outdoor facilities, gender separated and mixed gender baths, traditional and modern. Often hot spring baths belong to a small spa or resort hotel, called a ryokan. We recommend an overnight stay at a hot spring ryokan for an experience you’ll long remember. Be sure to order a meal after your bath--dinner at a ryokan is superb!!
Common now both in Japan and the United States are day spas, which are different from hot springs but are still great for recharging your body and spirit. Spas like this offer services including massage therapy, body scrubs, and wonderful wet saunas, dry saunas, and gender separated baths.
We have been doing our research for years, and have lots of information, resources and advice to share!
