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How to Enjoy a Japanese Hot Spa

How to use Onsen or Japanese Hot Springs

An onsen, or hot spring, is defined as a hot water spring of above a certain temperature possessing a high mineral content.
A visit to an onsen is beneficial for certain diseases, and is very refreshing. Onsen are public places so, there are certain procedures you should follow when you visit.
Changing Room

Take off your clothes and put them in a specified place. After bathing, dry yourself, get dressed, comb your hair etc.

Other
Do not wear swim suits. Some onsen establishments will lend you a towel, for which they may charge a small fee.

Kakeyu

 Before soaking your body in an onsen, get your body used to the hot temperature by pouring hot water over your body. The usual order to do this is from the lower parts of your body to the upper parts; Start with your toes and legs, to your stomach, then from your finger tips to your arms and chest, and finally your head.

Bathing

For sanitary reasons, please do not soak your towel in the bath, especially after washing with it.



Tattoos

Depending upon the onsen, people with tattoos may not be allowed to bathe. This is because tattoos are commonly associated with gangster organizations in Japan. If you have tattoos, check in advance with the establishment to see if this is a problem.

Type of Onsen and their Effectiveness



















Medically speaking, there are 9 types of onsen that are regarded as having healing effects. In such establishments, these claims are usually clearly displayed. Bathing in the right onsen can be an effective cure for some illnesses.
1. Hot springs containing carbon dioxide are good for keeping your body warm.
2. The hydrogen carbonate springs are good for smooth skin.
3. Hot springs containing chloride are good for elderly people who have painful joints.
4. Sulfate springs are good for preventing the hardening of the arteries.
5. Iron-rich springs are good for painful joints, menopausal discomforts and chronic skin diseases.
6. Sulfur springs are effective for lowering high blood pressure and preventing the hardening of the arteries.
7. Although acid springs can irritate the skin, they are good for chronic skin diseases, women's diseases and diabetes.
8. Springs containing radium or radon ions are effective for lowering high blood pressure and preventing the hardening of the arteries.
9. The normal type of spring is a mild spring with a low mineral content, but this is also widely used as a treatment.

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