As Japanese as the cherry blossoms of spring, 'onsen' (natural hot springs) play an essential role in the lives of many people, offering escape, relaxation and healing of the mind, body and soul.
In Japanese, the word ‘onsen’ refers to naturally hot springs that meet a number of requirements to qualify as such. Though the numbers vary, Japan boasts more than 25,000 hot springs with over 3000 designated ‘onsen’ areas dotted throughout the country – some of which have histories stretching back more than one thousand years as places of refuge, healing and relaxation. On this page you will find everything you need to know regarding onsen in Japan including how to identify one, step-by-step instructions to use them correctly, where to find some good ones and how to book an onsen guesthouse while in Nagano and Central Japan.
This page has you covered for everything you need to know about 'onsen' including how to identify and use them.
What to do, what not to do, the story with tattoos, tips on how to enjoy and why you really should onsen in Japan.
Nagano and Central Japan is home to some of the country's most historic, famous and enjoyable hot spring towns.
We can recommend and arrange your stay at an onsen hotel along with transport and tours, travel and ski packages.
