Japan's Hot Springs

Japan's Hot Springsmay not sound appealing. But do not worry. Eels
WHAT comes to your mind when you think ofare not really found in these springs. The name
Japan? Majestic Mount Fuji? The speeding bulletwas chosen because when people emerge from
train? The megalopolis Tokyo? There is more tothese springs, their skin feels as slimy as that of
the land of the rising sun than those famousan eel-a result of the alkalinity of the waters.
tourist attractions. Whether for medicinal purposesAmid Beautiful Settings
or for relaxation, millions annually visit onsens-theSoaking in thermal waters amid such beautiful
hot springs of Japan. During one recent year, ansettings as mountains, valleys, rivers, the
estimated 140Â million people checked in atseashore, and the plains makes for a uniquely
a hot-spring inn or hotel in Japan. But what makespleasant experience and leaves an impression that
these spas so popular?will not be easily forgotten. Because many of
Onsen HistoryJapan's hot springs are located outdoors, bathers
The Japanese have enjoyed bathing in geothermalhave a clear view of great natural beauty. The
waters for many centuries. Writings dating backceiling above is the deep-blue sky, while the
to the eighth century C.E. mention thesurrounding mountains serve as walls. The sounds
use of hot springs. Evidently, the 16th-centurycoming from this "outdoor room" can be a choir
feudal lord Takeda Shingen championed theof birds singing in the morning or the melody of a
medicinal value of mineral springs. After battles, hegently flowing brook. Really, there seems to be
and his samurai warriors bathed in hot springs tono end to the appealing features of the hot
help heal sword wounds, broken bones, cuts, andsprings.
bruises. The waters were also useful for relievingDoes bathing under a waterfall interest you? This
stress and for preparing the men for the nextexperience can be yours. Cascading waters give
battle.you a massage and add another dimension to
Of course, bathing would place the samurai in abathing Japanese-style. It is also possible to bathe
vulnerable position-that of being unarmed in thein a cave, where hot mineral waters bubble forth
event of a surprise attack. To overcome thisfrom the deep recesses of rock formations.
problem, Takeda Shingen made use of a group ofSome springs are located on the beach, with a
remote and secluded springs, which later came toperfect view of the sunset, whereas others are
be known as Shingen's hidden baths. Interestingly,nestled alongside rivers.
these same springs are now used by professionalNo matter what the location or type of hot spring
athletes, including sumo wrestlers and baseballchosen, one thing is certain: If you bathe in
players, in the belief that the waters canvolcanically heated springs, you will experience, if
reinvigorate their bodies for future sportingfor but a moment, relief from the stress of daily
endeavors.living. You will emerge truly refreshed and perhaps
Unique Geographic Featuresa little closer to the Japanese life-style. So if you
Japan's geographic features are particularly suitedhave an opportunity to visit this part of the world,
for thermal springs. Studding the surface of theby all means enjoy the onsens-the hot springs of
archipelago are some 245 volcanoes, 86 of whichJapan!
are active. These volcanoes stand as a soberingHOT SPRINGS AND SHOGUNS
reminder of events taking place deep beneath theMineral water was highly esteemed during the Edo
surface of the earth. What do we find there?period (1603-1867). Military dictators, called
The Japanese islands are situated on top ofshoguns, actually had the waters transported in
converging lithospheric plates, or slabs of crust.wooden barrels supported by poles from Atami
Magma, molten rock, is believed to be generatedto Edo (Tokyo)-a distance of 70Â miles
along the point of convergence of these gigantic[110Â km]-on the shoulders of human
plates. Located directly above-and functioning ascarriers. At several points along the route, the
visible outlets-are the volcanoes. This geothermalprized waters were handed over to a different
zone also serves as the fountainhead of heat toteam of carriers, and they, in turn, bore the load
the underground springs. Interacting with magmaover their leg of the journey. In this way the
or hot rocks, the groundwater is warmed andmineral waters were transported at a brisk pace.
absorbs minerals, resulting in ideal conditions forThe thermal waters collected at the source were
onsens to be born. It is for good reason that thenearly at the boiling point. On this arduous trip of
book The Hot Springs of Japan notes: "Nosome 15 hours, the water from the springs would
country in the world is so blessed with natural hotcool down to just the right temperature for the
springs as Japan." Indeed, a 1998 study lists 2,839shogun to enjoy a rejuvenating bath in his castle
hot springs in the land.at Edo!
Japan's hot springs come in a variety of styles,Onsen Etiquette
sizes, shapes, and colors. In an effort to classifyAccording to custom, soaping and washing is done
the therapeutic value of the springs, the Japaneseoutside the hot springs, after which the body is
Environment Agency has organized them into ninerinsed thoroughly. Then it is time to submerge in
chemical categories. The names given to hotthe clear mineral waters. It is best to ease in, for
springs often refer to their characteristics. Forthe temperature of some springs can be quite
instance, springs rich in iron may make your towelhigh. When finished, do not rinse off the minerally
turn reddish-orange. Hence, the word "red" isrich water. Just wipe yourself dry with a towel. It
incorporated into their names. Springs with a highis thought that minerals that soak in may help
saline content are named salt baths. And howsoften your skin.
about taking a dip in an eel bath? Granted, this