Welcome to

ONSEN!!

A g u i d e f o r e nj oy i n g J a p a n e s e h o t s p r i ng s

湯 I n J a p a n , t h e r e a r e t h o u s a n d s o f h o t s p r i n g s t h at a r e u s e d t o m a ke p u b l i c b at h s k n ow n as O nsen . T he r e i s a J a p a n e s e p h ra s e Hadaka-No-Tu k ia i o r “ N a ke d C o m m u n i c at i o n ” w h i c h r e f e r s n o t o n l y t o b at h i n g i t s e l f , b u t a l s o t o t h e way i n w h i c h p e o p l e s p e a k w i t h o n e anot her at the o nsen . A l l b a r r i e r s a r e b r o ke n : a ge , n at i o n a l i t y , c u l t u ra l b a c k g r o u nd ; O n e can co m m u n i c ate f r e e l y i n t h e at m o s p h e r e o f t h e o nsen .

O nsen i s t r u l y o n e o f J a p a n ' s u n i q u e c u l t u ra l e x p e r i e n c e s .

Welcome to On sen The Japanese Love Onsens

What is Onsen ?

History of the Onsen

studies began and by the Sho ＾wa era (mid

For Japanese, bathing is not only for

There are laws in place that regulate the

Japan is a volcanically active country,

20th century) the medical benefits of Onsen

cleaning, but to refresh the body and spirit.

definition, protection, etc. of an Onsen .

and as such, Onsen have been used since

were proven.

Baths come in several types, including

According to these laws, an Onsen is

olden times and are mentioned in Japanese

Through the years, more and more people

house baths, Sento ＾ (simple public baths),

defined as hot water and water vapor that

legends and mythologies. Descriptions are

come to use onsens for different reasons.

and onsen . The popularity of the Onsen

springs from the Earth either naturally or

found in reknowned Japanese texts such as;

Today people enjoy them not only for

means they play a central role in Japanese

from artificially-bored holes. The water

Kojiki, Nihonshoki , and Manyo ＾syu ＾.

medical treatment but also for sightseeing,

domestic tourism. On weekends or vacation,

temperature needs to be higher than 25℃.

During the Kamakura and Sengoku era

socializing, and leisure. Onsens are a

Japanese people often go on an onsen -

However, meeting other conditions, the

(12th-17th century), records indicate that

multipurpose place to have a great time.

trip not only to relieve their fatigue but

water can be cooler and still be authorized

the samurai healed their wounds there. In

to enhance their mutual relationship with

as an Onsen .

the Edo era (17th-19th century), the culture

family, friends and co-workers.

of onsens spread to common people. In the Meiji era (early 20th century), scientific

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Onsen guide

Onsen guide

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効 O ne of t h e r e a s o n s th at O nsens a r e p o p u l a r i s b e c a u s e o f t h e var io us h e a l th be n e f i ts p e o p l e e n j oy w h e n u s i n g t h e m . Soot h i ng yo u r s k i n , e a s i n g st i f f s h o u l d e r s , and re l ax i n g yo u r m u s c l e s a r e j u st s o m e o f t h e s e e f f e c t s .

E ff e c t s o f O n sen

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Photo by (c)Tomo.Yun http://www.yunphoto.net

Why are Onsens Effective?

of “rests” that can be appreciated at the

cardiopulmonary functions.

By visiting the Onsen routinely, you can

The minerals contained in Onsen water

onsen . They are as follows:

The buoyancy makes it easy for the

appreciate better health and improve your

have various effects. People call this effect

Rest for recreation: recovering from fatigue

physically handicapped to bathe as well.

condition.

To ＾ji (hot spring healing, or balneotheraphy).

and becoming refreshed.

②Chemical Effects

A person can feel the effects of mineral

Rest for health: keeping a healthy condition

The minerals are absorbed through your

Ailments Treated by the Onsen

water by bathing or by drinking.

and preventing against ailments

skin into your body and provide various

Onsen is recommended for people who have

Only some Onsen are equipped to handle

Rest for medical treatment: recuperation

benefits.

the following ailments and/or conditions:

drinking water however, so please

from ailments

③Change-of-Air Effects

Neuralgia, sore muscles, arthritis, stiff

check the general guidelines or drinking

Additional benefits include:

A feeling of freedom from daily life as well

shoulders and joints, motor paralysis,

permission statement before drinking the

①Physical Effects

as a comfortable atmosphere and natural

bruises, sprains, poor digestive tract, poor

Onsen Mineral Water. Please do not drink

The thermal energy stimulates your

view can refresh the spirit.

circulation, fatigue, and general poor health.

from the bath water itself.

nervous system and your circulatory

Generally, there are three different types

system. The water pressure activates your

Onsen guide

④Change-of-Condition Effects Onsen guide

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宿 O nsen Ryo kans a r e J a p a n e s e st y l e a c c o m m o d at i o n s

Beware of Splash

w h i ch are e q u i p p e d wi th a n o nsen . There are va r i o u s ryo kans ra n g i n g f r o m t h e h o m ey at m o s p h e r e o f a B e d a n d B r e a k f a st , t o t he l ux u r y o f a r e s o rt h o t e l . ※The following is a general introduction, local conditions may differ.

Yukata and Haori In your room, you will find a yukata (informal kimono ), an obi (kimono belt),

①

and a haori (a short coat to wear over the

kimono ). Please feel free to use these items.

E njoyi n g a n

Onsen Ryokan

Several sizes are provided with your room, and additional sizes may be available at the front desk.

Towels Though some ryokans have towels at

②

the Daiyokuzyo ＾ (the public bath place), generally you will take the ones provided with your room. There are several sizes of

Okami-san

surface, however slippers are provided

towels;the small ones are used for washing

Okami-san is the name given to a female

for use elsewhere in the Ryokan including

and are taken with you into the shower and

who owns and operates a Ryokan . At some

lobbies and hallways.

bathing area. The lage ones are for drying

Ryokan , the Okami-san will personally welcome you, as well as serve you your

Other Slippers

meals. It is their goal to provide you with

Guests are requested to use specially

How to Wear Yukata

the spirit of hospitality.

designated slippers when entering the

① Fold the left side of the yukata over the

restrooms.These slippers are located at

right side. Adjust the length.

Wa-situ

the entrance of the restroom and require

② Put the obi (the belt) on and fasten it

Wa-situ are traditional Japanese-style

changing from one pair to another. Please

in on the front side of your waist. Its also

rooms. They are commonly furnished with

do not use these restroom slippers for any

fashionable for men to fasten it in the back.

tatami mat flooring. Shoes and slippers

place other than the restroom.

③ If you feel cold, you can put the haori on

should not be worn on any tatami mat 5

and are left in the dressing area.

Onsen guide

③

over it like a jacket. Onsen guide

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習 Guideline for bathing

Man ners to e n joy the o nsen .

First, wash your body

Do not put your towels in the water

You are generally required to set your towel off to the

All guests are expected to wash themselves before

side of the water, or place it on top of your head while

entering the bath at individual washing points. They

bathing. In the latter case, this also helps to prevent a

have faucets, movable shower heads, and stools. Feel

rush of blood to the head.

free to use shampoos, hair rinses, and soaps which are provided.

Types of baths

Onsens come in many types and shapes including

Rinse yourself thoroughly

“Uti-buro ” and “Roten-buro .” Uti-buro is an indoor

Please rinse all soaps and conditioners off before en-

bath, and roten-buro is an outdoor. Jacuzzi, sauna,

tering the bath.

and others are parts of uchi-buro . Some onsens have “Denki-yu ,” (an electric bath), that provide the effect of

Entering the bath

a good massage.

Please be careful before entering a bath. The water temperature is about from 37℃ to 42℃. Your body may need time to adjust to this temperature. Even though it seems to be too hot, you may not add cold water.

Manners at the Onsen With Yukata and Towels

certain times. For this reason, please pay

Keep the Bath Clean!

bathing area, but it should not touch the

Before leaving your room, place valuables

attention when entering.

No swimsuits are to be worn in the baths;

bath water. Additionally, hair should be

however glasses and wrist-keys are allowed.

tied up and kept out of the bath to avoid

You may also bring a small towel into the

loose strands from falling in.

in the safe and take the key with you. Wearing yukata and obi take your towels to

Lockers and Baskets

the Daiyokuzyo ＾ (a great public bath place).

A dressing room is behind the curtain. Please take your slippers off before entering.

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The Onsen for Men and Women

Lockers and baskets are provided for your

A daiyokuzyo ＾ is generally separated for

clothes. Some locker keys have a strap that

men and women. Chinese characters are

goes on your wrist. This may be worm when

written on the entrance curtains:“男”

entering the baths. You may also bring

(man) and“女”(woman) will indicate the

toilitries with you, but they should be left in

appropriate side to enter. Some onsens

the shower area. It is recommended they be

switch the men and women's bath sides at

kept in a small waterproof bag.

Onsen guide

Electric Bath

Onsen guide

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Let's Go to the Onsen! No Swimsuit

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Onsen guide

Towel on Your Head

A t f i r st , yo u m ay have t ro ubles un derst an d i n g pro per et iq uet t e when v i s it i n g t he O nsen . H oweve r , t h e m ost i m po rt an t po i n t i s t o en j oy yo urs e lf wit ho ut bot her i n g ot hers . C o ns i d e rat i o n f o r ot hers i s part of t he j oys of O nsen!

Spirit of Consideration

It is Hot Enough ?

Onsen guide

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Wash Your Body Thoroughly

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Onsen guide

Place of Social Relationship

Basket and Locker

"Ashi-yu"(Foot-Bath)

Onsen guide

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語 Onsen Terms The fo l l owi n g i s a n i n t ro d u c t i o n t o t h e va r i o u s wo r d s a n d ph rases o f te n u s e d at th e O nsen .

Dai-yoku-zyô (lit. the Great Public Bath Place)

kyakusitu-Roten-buro

bathing area. Generally separated for men and wom-

a hotel room. It is for the private use for the guests of

en.

that room only.

Utiburo indoor bath Rotenburo outdoor bath Datui- zyo the dressing area Arai-ba the shower area Kake-yu (or Kaburi-yu)

Let's speak Nihon-Go!!

The act of pouring Onsen bath water on yourself be-

words and phrases you can use at the onsen . Have

fore entering the bath. This is recommended so your

fun and try them out!

includes the dressing area, the shower area and the

This type of roten-buro is a private bath equipped to

We love onsens , too. F o r e i n g ne r s w h o l ive i n Japan h ave b e c o m e b i g f an s of o nsens .

A hot spring is like a pub

Don't miss out on the Japanese hot spring

Amanda Harlow

Martin Y. Triche

Going to a hot spring in Japan is like going

It's easy for any visitor to Japan to fall in

Nihon-go means the Japanese Language. The following is an introduction to other Japanese

body can acclimate to the heat of the Onsen water. It can also help prevent a temporary rise of blood pressure that often accompanies a sudden entry into a

“ Goku-raku, Goku-raku ” (It’s Heaven!)

Fundamentally, Goku-raku means heaven in Buddhist

hot bath. It is customary to begin with your feet and

terms. However, People can simply use the word to

continue upwards, little by little, until you reach your

express great comfort. It seems that, by enjoying Ons-

head. After this process, it should be easier to enter

ens, people feel as if they are in heaven.

the bath

“ Î Yu Dana ” (Hot springs are great!) “ Î Kimoti ” (It feels nice.) “ Atui ” (hot) “ Tumetai ” (cold) “ Subarasî ” (fantastic) “ Tanosî ” (fun) “ Onsen-wa, hazimete-desu ”

to a pub in England - it's the place where

love with the food, people, and culture, no

the locals go to relax and be themselves. So

matter the length of their stay. One thing

you can visit Japan and just see the tourist

tourists often miss out on, though, is the

sights - but to meet real Japan it's essential

simple delight that is the Japanese hot

to take off your clothes, slosh that water

spring. Some might be a bit timid when it

(This is my first time to an Onsen )

around and get naked!

comes to the idea of stripping down and

“ Onsen-ga, daisuki-desu ” (I really like Onsen!)

My big hope is that the G8 world leaders

hopping in a bath full of people you've

will take the plunge together and REALLY

never met, but it's amazing how quickly

communicate because that's what onsen are

that bashfulness disappears once you slip

all about.

into the water. A nice little soak can do

Naga-yu taking a bath for a long time

It is advised that you do not spend too much time in one bath to avoid Yu-atari

Yu-atari is the bad influences of Naga-yu. Naga-yu

can lead to a temporary rise in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, and dizziness. It is advised to take several breaks outside of the bath in order to prevent these conditions.

Utase-yu

An area of onsen where the water falls down from a high place. The water is meant to fall onto your shoulders, back, and waist to provide a massaging effect.

A BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ne-yu

OYUMONOGATARI The hot spring in Japan http://www.east.co.jp/oyu/ Trivium of Tadanori Matsuda http://www.matsudanet.com/ Nippon Onsen Research Institute http://www.onsen-r.co.jp/ Nippon Onsen Kyokai http://www.spa.or.jp/menu.htm Nippon Meito 〜 Yukai Navi http://www.nmmny1.com/onsen/ Toyakoonsen Tourist Association http://www.laketoya.com/top.html TOYA SPA CORP http://www.toyakospa.com/ HOKKAIDO GOVERNMENT http://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/ Jozankei Tourist Association http://www.jyozankei.com/ Onsen Kyoju Tadanori Matsuda No Shin Nippon Hyaku Meito, Nikkei Business Jinbunko

A long bath where one can lie down

Nuru-yu

A bath where the temperature is kept below 37° C (usually around 36° C). This bath is advised if normal bath temperatures are uncomfortable. Additionally, longer baths are possible at this temperature. 13

Onsen guide

wonders to erase the fatigue from a long day of work (or sightseeing), and will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. So what are you waiting for? Take the plunge! Onsen guide

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Publisher: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hokkaido District Transport Bureau Editor: PR Center Co.,Ltd. PR Center Building, Kita 1 Nishi 8, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo 060-0001, Japan Tel 011-222-5555 Fax 011-261-6428 URL: www.prc.ne.jp Cooperators: Convention Supporting Companies, Sapporo International Communication Plaza Foundation, Hokkaido Toyako Summit Preparation Council 2008 Copyright_2008 by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hokkaido District Transport Bureau All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher. For information address Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hokkaido District Transport Bureau, Odori Nishi 10, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, 060-0042