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Onsen FAQ
Frequently Asked Onsen
Questions
Q: What
exactly IS an Onsen?
To describe an Onsen as a hot spring doesn't begin to describe the real
thing. North American hot springs tend to be either over-developed
resorts with everyone in bathing suits, or remote natural springs
frequented by naturists, the sole purpose being just to sit in some hot
water. Onsen are intended as a total cleansing experience for both the
mind and body. The best onsen resorts feature quiet, traditional
"Ryokan" inns with tatami-mat rooms and both indoor (O-Furo)
and outdoor (Roten-Buro) baths. You should plan on staying at
least one night and hitting the baths at least 5 times.
Q: Do men
and women bath together?
TV shows and movies such as Shogun have given many the impression that
mixed bathing is a regular feature of Japanese Onsen. Even
Japanese Onsen shows and advertisements tend to feature very attractive
young women. However the influx of Western culture and ideas has
resulted in a separation of male and female baths in almost all cases
with the possible exceptions being in the remote countryside. Even
so, you are more likely to find yourself sharing the bath with a group
of grannies then a flock of winsome nymphs.
Q: Which
Onsen are close to Tokyo?
There are actually several Onsen right inside Tokyo one with coal black
water! However these tend to be situated inside modern
buildings. The closest "real" Onsen are located in
places like Hakone and Atami both a short train ride from Tokyo with the
latter being a bit more commercial.
Q: What
is the difference between an Onsen and a Sento?
An Onsen is a real hot spring resort as described in the first
question. Sento are the neighbourhood bath houses that flourished
in the days before it was common for a Japanese house to have a
bath. Although they are dying out, there are still some
beautifully decorated Sento to be found. A good resource is Yashoroyu's
page.
Q: How much
does it cost to visit an Onsen?
Prices range from ¥1000 (US$10) for a quick dip to over ¥20,000
(US$200)
for an overnight stay. Per person! Naturally, you will find
everything in the range between.
Q:
Do I have to stay overnight at a Ryokan (Inn) or Onsen Hotel to go in the bath?
A: Not
necessarily. Many Onsen resorts offer non-resident use of their
facilities. This is referred to as "Nyu-yoku only".
Onsen
near Tokyo like Hakone have many places where the "Hi-Gaeri"
(return-in-one-day) visitor can enjoy a soak.
Q: How do I
get to an Onsen?
Since Onsen are very popular with Japanese there tend to be several
forms of access. Well-known Onsen will be located near railways or
will at least be a short bus ride from a railway station. Without
a doubt, the trains are the best way for a visitor to get around
Japan. A train-lover's paradise, Japanese trains are clean, run on
time and the rail system is extensive. The best deal is to buy a JapanRail
Pass before you leave for Japan. They can be ordered through your
travel agent or from JTB.
It is also possible to rent a car but the price is extremely high along
with the price of gas which tends to be at least twice hat of North
America. Road signs off the major expressways and away from major
cities will have no English or even romanized Japanese. Japan
drives on the left like England.
Q:
Is there a best time of year to go?
Onsen can be enjoyed anytime of the year, however you should definitely
avoid the Japanese holiday times of O-bon (1st to 2nd week of August)
and O-Shogatsu (roughly Christmas and New Year's). Since you are
putting yourself in hot water, colder times such as winter, and early
spring / late fall are best. Personally, my ultimate Onsen
experience is to be sitting in a mountain-side Roten-Buro under the
stars surrounded by deep snow and listening to the temple bells softly
ringing in the New Year.
Have a question you
don't see here? email us!
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