The locals often bathe in a hot spring rather than their own bath at home. Tourists travel to hot springs in Japan to experience the natural onsen in all its glory.
As a Westerner you are probably more likely to have a shower. But did you know that there are many health benefits to an onsen?
Not only is it a time to reflect and relax. It is also said to be great for the body too. However, don’t worry. While you do share this water with others, you do rinse and clean yourself before stepping in.
So, read on to find out the 5 surprising health benefits of an onsen.
What Is An Onsen?
An onsen is what is also known as a hot spring (see also ‘10 Amazing Onsen Towns To Visit In Japan‘). In Japan, these are places people go to relax and bathe. They have inns too which are traditional. Tourists and locals alike enjoy visiting onsens.
Japan is naturally a volcanic island, so the water is heated up through geothermal ways. It is said that onsens are also great for the body and mind.
This is because they can help a person to relax. The water also includes beneficial minerals.
1. The Water Includes Minerals
One of the main reasons people enjoy an onsen is due to the minerals present within the water.
The hot spring naturally contains the likes of sulfur, calcium, iron, copper, radium, silica and sodium bicarbonate. There are 19 minerals altogether.
It is said that these are absorbed within the skin. In doing so, you can reap the benefits of each of these minerals.
However, due to the water being geothermal, sulfur is highly present. While not bad for you, it will smell. To understand the smell, it is close to rotten eggs.
Fortunately it is not overbearing. In fact, you are likely to become used to it quickly. Despite this, what benefits do the minerals have?
The sulfur is said to be beneficial for people who have dry skin. It can also reduce both arteriosclerosis, and hypertension.
Silica is said to soften skin. It can also alleviate any issues connected to having dry skin too.
Copper and iron can help with anemia. While radium may help to alleviate problems with nerve, muscle and joint pain.
There is also carbon dioxide present which might help to reduce blood pressure.
2. The Hot Water Can Improve Both Metabolism And Circulation
Hot springs reach a maximum temperature of up to 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees celsius). At first it will feel very hot. Perhaps even too hot for some people.
After a while this will not bother you anymore – just give it time. In fact, you can take your time getting in if you need to.
It is traditional to visit an onsen before bed (see also ‘Atami Onsen Travel Guide: Best Tips And Advice‘). This is due to it warming up your core ready to sleep. This is just like having hot tea before sleeping.
The onsen itself can help to improve both metabolism and blood circulation. This will help you to recover from an illness. It will even get you to sleep better.
You might find that by morning you feel a lot better too.
3. Can Help The Muscles To Heal
If you have muscle problems, an onsen may help. This is because once you get into the hot spring, you float. This allows you to feel a release of the muscles.
Instead of standing on the ground or sitting on a chair, the water supports you. It is said that floating within water may help with muscle pain.
It might even help reduce anxiety, stress and general muscle tension. This is because floating in hot water is relaxing.
You will soon find that your stressful day is washed away. As you float and relax, you will feel light as air.
4. Pressure Of The Water Helps You Recover
When water pressure reaches both the arms and legs, it can help blood to flow towards your core. This in turn helps your oxygen levels and blood circulation.
You will feel nice and warm as a result too.
It also means that if you have pain or swelling, the compression of the water can help. So can the hot water in general too.
The pressure from the water can help to dull the nerve pain you might be feeling. It may also reduce any swelling. This can help you to recover faster.
In fact, just being relaxed might be beneficial too! This brings us onto the next point…
5. Onsen Helps You To Relax
Lastly, and oddly it might be the most important, an onsen can help you to relax. This is especially good for those with high blood pressure.
Spending time in an onsen can help you to relax and unwind. If you have had a busy week, an onsen can help you to reflect. You will find the hot water and sounds soothing.
You could just spend your time in a bath doing the same thing. However, the onsen has other benefits (see above). You can also enjoy the experience with friends.
If you are worried about being mixed (men and women), then there are women-/men-only onsens.
You can also enjoy an onsen with tattoos too, you will just need to find one that allows it. Fortunately there are many. Some examples include the Fukiage Onsen Health Center in Hokkaido, and Yamato no Yu in Chiba.
Final Thoughts
If you are heading to Japan, then an onsen should be on your list of things to do. You might feel nervous about stripping down. Don’t let this put you off – everyone is in the same boat.
It isn’t about judgment. Spending time in an onsen is a great way to enjoy the natural water of the hot spring. It is very relaxing and perfect to take some time out.
It can help destress you. It can also help with blood circulation and relaxing the muscles. Not just that, the water includes beneficial minerals.
So, don’t be put off. Check out a Japanese onsen to really experience the true Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Japanese Onsen?
An onsen is also known as a hot spring. It is geothermally warmed up water where people go to relax in Japan.
The water is hot. You can visit the onsen with friends or alone. And while you are supposed to bathe in an onsen, you clean yourself before getting into the hot spring. This is for hygiene reasons.
What Are The Benefits Of Visiting An Onsen?
There are said to be many benefits to visiting an onsen. Some of these include treating conditions of the skin and reducing stress. Both of these things will help you to sleep better.
It can increase blood circulation, and you may even absorb some beneficial minerals too. The water pressure will help to relieve muscle pain and reduce swelling.
It is also a way to experience Japan away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
How Does An Onsen Help The Skin?
Because there are 19 minerals within the water in an onsen, they can be beneficial for the skin.
If you have dry skin or irritations, then you could benefit from some of these minerals. Sulfur and silica are two minerals that can soften the skin.
The former may also be beneficial to acne sufferers.
Because the water is hot, it opens your pores too. This will be good for any treatments you wish to do after. For example a face mask or cleanse.
Is An Onsen Unhygienic?
No, an onsen is not unhygienic. While you bathe in an onsen, you have to clean and rinse before getting into one.
This ensures that nobody is grimy or sweaty. Instead, everyone who steps into an onsen is clean.
Can You Visit An Onsen With Tattoos?
There are many onsens that cannot be visited if you have tattoos. Even so, there are now plenty of onsens that can be visited with tattoos.
Tattoos are often related to the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia. This means that tattoos do not have the same trendy appeal in Japan as Western countries.
However, many Japanese people have begun having tattoos for fashion purposes. Also, onsens have opened up to tattooed people too. A lot of tourists have them.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
