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
1
Onsen guide
Onsen guide
2
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
3
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
4
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
6
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.
7
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
8
Let's Go to the Onsen!
No Swimsuit
9
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
10
Wash Your Body Thoroughly
11
Onsen guide
Place of Social Relationship
Basket and Locker
"Ashi-yu"(Foot-Bath)
Onsen guide
12
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
14
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