What are the health benefits of Japan's traditional hot springs?
12th Apr 2024 Places To Visit
3 min read
From the water minerals and heat to the surrounding environment, this is why the health benefits of Japan's traditional hot springs make them so popular to visitors and locals alike
1. The physical effects of the water, heat, and flotation
Onsen offers numerous benefits from being in the water, as it can
allow you to feel lighter, as though you are able to float, which can help to
release stress, tension, and relax your entire body.
The heat from Onsen is known to help relieve muscle or joint
pains, as the heat of the water works to expand the blood vessels, decreasing
inflammation and pain from aching and swollen muscles.
"The heat of the water expands blood vessels, decreasing inflammation and pain from aching and swollen muscles"
The thermal heat it produces makes these hot springs an energy
consumption activity, which can speed up your metabolism. A 20-minute session
in an onsen with 42-degree Celsius water, has been known to burn over 200
calories.
2. The minerals within the water hold numerous medicinal qualities
People enjoying the health benefits of Shiriyaki Onsen. Credit: Yusuke Kawasaki from Tokyo, Japan
Onsen can contain various different minerals such as calcium,
sodium bicarbonate, sulphur, and iron. This not only improves general blood
circulation and oxygen flow, but also provides a range of health benefits.
There are various types of Onsen with differing minerals and thereby, health
benefits.
Specifically, those containing sulphur and calcium are
particularly beneficial for people suffering with dry skin conditions such as
chronic dermatitis (eczema), or psoriasis. Sulphur has also been recognised for
helping to reduce Hypertension (high blood pressure) as well as
Arteriosclerosis, a type of vascular disease.
Onsen that is high in copper, magnesium, and iron, can help to
improve anaemia and even the menstrual cycle. Therefore, they are sometimes
even referred to as “Kodakara no Yu (childbirth ONSEN)” because of their
effectiveness in helping to treat menstrual disorders.
3. Location matters: the effects of the surrounding natural environment
Depending on the geographical location of the Onsen, effects and
benefits can differ. For example, hot springs located in mountain areas are
recommended for different reasons to those located on lower ground in ocean
regions.
"Depending on the geographical location of the Onsen, effects and benefits can differ"
An Onsen that is located at high altitudes (over 1,000 metres
above sea level), is recommended for energetic people as it can stimulate
bodily functions, whereas an Onsen that is situated at middle altitudes (up to
300 metres) is known to be effective for those suffering with insomnia or high
blood pressure, and those who need rest.
However, an Onsen that resides in ocean areas can be beneficial
for those with chronic fatigue, the elderly, and those who may be recovering
from illnesses, as this environment has a warmer, more gentle climate.
The most popular Onsen (hot spring) destinations to visit
1. Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hakone’s hot springs are situated in Kanagawa Prefecture, and
offer visitors a combination of tranquillity, culture, and a beautiful
landscape. Its proximity to Tokyo is a bonus, alongside its amazing views of
Mount Fuji. Hakone offers a variety of hot spring resorts, each offering unique
bathing experiences.
2. Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto
Kurokawa Onsen lit up with Mari lanterns. Credit: MaedaAkihiko
Located in the middle of Kyushu, Kurokawa Onsen is
known for being one of the most scenic hot spring destinations in the country.
Visitors can purchase a special "wooden tegata pass” that allows them to
try out several of the different hot spring baths in town.
The town itself has made an effort to maintain a pleasant,
traditional atmosphere in the spirit of its bygone days. You'll find a
townscape celebrated with natural colours and materials, wooden buildings,
earthen walls, and stone steps. There's a river flowing through to complete the
scenic picture, lit up with glowing lanterns.
3. Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma
Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in
Japan, and is known for its warm, acidic water, which is sourced from
underground streams heated by geothermal activity.
"Its warm, acidic water is sourced from underground streams heated by geothermal activity"
It is so hot that a special
stirring procedure is used to cool it, rather than adding cold water, which
would dilute the potency of the minerals. This stirring method is called yumomi and
is even exhibited as a performance at certain times.
4. Beppu Onsen, Oita
Beppu is known as the hot spring capital of Japan, boasting the
largest volume of hot spring water in Japan. A wide variety of baths are
offered in Beppu, Oita, such as mud and sand baths.
Hyotan Onsen is a public bathhouse offering a wide variety of
natural spa-like experiences, all driven by a local hot spring. It offers both
indoor and outdoor baths, plus a waterfall feature, where you can get your
shoulders massaged by the cascading waters. Visitors can enjoy both steam baths
and sand baths here, where the sands are heated by natural thermodynamics.
Haroun Khan at Japan Rail Pass provides expert
commentary on the popularity of Onsen, as well as tips on etiquette:
“Hosting over 27,000 Onsen across the country, Japan is famous for
the best hot springs in the world. Onsen can be traced back thousands of years
within Japan’s history, and has recently become a popular travel and wellness
trend, as people look to experience the various healing qualities of these hot
spring destinations.
“If you plan to visit an onsen, it is a good idea to research the
etiquette required and check the rules and regulations for the onsen you are
visiting. Some onsens have rules about displaying tattoos for example, so it is
always best to check ahead of time.”
Banner: Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma, Japan
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