The Comprehensive Guide To Japanese Onsen

 Japan has plenty to offer to international tourists. Apart from skiing in powder snow, some destinations attract tourists all year long due to the onsen. An Onsen is a hot spring that promises relaxation and the perfect refuge from the hustle of contemporary lifestyle.

Bathing in a hot spring is a part of the Japanese culture from the ancient period. It may sound uncomfortable to some international tourists, but your trip to Japan is definitely incomplete within bathing in an onsen. If you have already checked the Nozawa onsen snow report and planning a trip to the scenic location, here is what you need to know about the Japanese onsen.

What is an onsen?

The literal meaning of Onsen is hot spring. Earlier onsen was used as a primary method of bathing in Japanese culture, now they are used for recreational purposes. If you are planning your stay around Nozawa Grand Hotel, you would find that there are 13 public bathhouses.

The onsen opens at 6 in the morning and closesat 11at night. These bathhouses are perfect to enjoy a hot bath after a day full of adventure on the snowy ski slopes.

What are the etiquettes for taking an onsen?

Nozawa Onsen is a picturesque mountain village, which is known for the 700 years old hot springs. Due to the favourable Nozawa onsen weather, the scenic town has now become a popular ski resort, but it is originally popular for the 13 hot springs.

If you are an international tourist then taking an onsen might be a unique experience for you. Those who are planning a trip to Nozawa can find the below listed etiquettes useful. By following the simple etiquettes you can keep everyone around you happy and make the most out of your time in an onsen.

Greet: Public bathhouses are open to everyone, be ready to find a lot of people who don’t know English. That doesn’t mean you need to avoid eye contact with them. In fact, greeting is the best way to enter an onsen. Show respect towards everyone before you start the bathing ritual.
Take your shoes off: Shoes are strictly not allowed in the onsen bathing area, put all your belongings along with shoes in the designated area.
No swimwear: You need to take off all your clothes before taking an onsen. Male and female bathhouses are different, there is no need to feel shy while bathing.
Wash first: It is expected that you clean your body before dipping in the water. Besides, towels, soap, shampoo and buckets are expected to be left on the tiled deck only. You should not take them with you in the water. For the sake of modesty, you can take a hand towel with you, but put it on top of your head and make sure it doesn’t touch the bath water.
Avoid going: Alcohol is banned in onsen, moreover, if you have tattoos you might want to avoid taking an onsen. Some places still have a ‘no tattoos’ policy.

Bottom line

Onsen is a great way to experience a bit of Japanese Culture. Keep the few etiquettes in mind and you would surely enjoy a hot bath. For more detail on the nearest onsen to your hotel, connect with Stay Nozawa. They can be your one-stop solution to learn about everything including Nozawa Snow Report, thebest ski resorts, the best Family Restaurants in Japanand the best onsen.