Bath Time

One of the true charms of Japan are its natural hot springs - the 'onsen'. These thermal baths offer more than a way to clean oneself, they are in fact treats of relaxation. A great escape from the pressures of daily life, the Japanese onsen are a treasure for local residents as well as tourists. They can even be quite the social experience, and as always, yet another insight in to the way of life and people here.

Depending on what part of the world a foreign visitor is from, as well as their individual character, initial enthusiasm over a visit to a Japanese onsen can vary. The thought of bathing naked with strangers, or perhaps even more daunting, friends or acquaintances can be in a sense scary to some. Having had some initial reservations myself years ago, as well as being responsible for twisting many an unsure arm ever since, I know firsthand that the thought is not many peoples' idea of a relaxing or even fun experience... at first anyway.

My first visit to an onsen came on a weekend away with my Japanese friend and her father, as well as three other friends from my home country. I heard a few days before departure that the trip would involve some onsen bathing. I didn't really know what to expect, so apart from preparing myself with a small onsen towel (think bigger than a face cloth, but smaller than a hand towel) I didn't think much of it. That was until I was in the changing room finding myself having to remove all my clothes, not only standing next to my friends, but also in front of many curious Japanese eyes. As the onsen towel I had purchased suddenly seemed more like a security blanket, we ventured in to the onsen area.

It was initially remarkable to me to see the usually shy Japanese women when clothed, very confidently chatting away to each other in the bath and enjoying the time as if they were just as easily down at a local coffee shop. What was even more remarkable to me was the fact that young girls, usually at what we would consider an 'awkward age' back home, were just as happily strutting around the various onsen pools with seemingly no issues that their changing bodies were on show. While many are resorted 'onsen fans' within their first visit, I have to admit, my first experience was almost too much to take in to really be considered enjoyable.

Funnily enough, the next night saw my second onsen experience where along with the clothes that came off, so did the inhibitions. Without the discomfort of my first experience, I really came to understand the intense relaxation benefited from a visit to one of these hot springs. The end of the trip actually had seen us visit four different onsen, four nights in a row-in stark contrast to just a few days before we felt rather 'seasoned' onsen-goers. I personally felt enlightened by the experience of an initially daunting exercise becoming so enjoyable. While emails home about my experience had resulted in rumors I was visiting 'naked night clubs', I was on the lookout for local onsens that could offer the ultimate relaxation and refreshment I had come to enjoy so much.

While many a foreign visitor, or even foreign residents shy away from the experience, I would highly urge anyone to try it. There are many a guidebook that detail the correct protocol, so one can be quite prepared before venturing in. Not only can the thought of bathing with others be intimidating, but the heat of the actual baths can be considered too hot by many not used to the experience. Baths come in many shapes and sizes, in many settings, with various minerals, and also in many temperatures, so I'm confident most would be able to find something to their liking.

Turns out that Japan is full of these hot springs, and they are a real treat particularly in the winter months and in my opinion, ultimately after a day skiing. To me there is nothing better at the end of a day on the mountain than time spent in a bath at the end of a day, containing minerals your body craves, with a view of snow-capped mountains, a beer keeping cool in the snow by the bath, and some great conversation with either good friends, or what become new ones. Despite so many fearing this different way to bathe, my personal experience as well as that of many a visiting tourist, or foreign friend, is that after usually one visit you more often than not become a convert.