Japanese Hot Springs are known as Onsen . A natural phenomenon caused by the intense volcanic activity in the region, there are a number of Hot Springs in Japan. Almost every area boasts of its local hot spring or at least of a public spa. Enriched with minerals, the Japanese Onsen are popularly believed to relieve aches and pains and also helps cure various ailments such as rheumatism. Natural hot springs in Japan have different mineral compositions that vary from place to place.
Bathing at the hot springs in Japan is generally a public affair. Bathing is usually done in the nude. Most Japanese Onsen are bifurcated into male and female bathing areas. The male bathing area is the Otokoyu while the female bathing area is the Onnayu. Oyu is Japanese for water. Some Japanese hot springs have no divisions and can be used by all sexes, these are known as Konyoku. There are private hot springs located inside traditional Ryokans. Open air hot springs are known as the Roten Buro. Considering the enormous popularity of the Onsen, artificial hot tubs or Sentou are also a rage in Japan.
Some famous Japanese Hot Springs-
- The Kusatsu Onsen , in the Gunma Prefecture is among the best hot springs in Japan. The area is a popular health resort and the water of the hot spring can be enjoyed at the Yubatake or Hot Spring Field.
- The Onsen at Hakone is situated at the foothills of the Fuji. Located in the Kanagawa Prefecture, the area is one of the most popular Japanese onsen resorts and spa.
- The Nikko Onsen in the Tochigi Prefecture is another famous Japanese Hot Spring.
- The Beppu Onsen in the Oita Prefecture is the most famous hot spring area among the Japanese, so much so that it is known as the Onsen Capital.
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