Hot Spring Culture

I had a traditional Japanese experience that was unlike anything I had ever done in my life. I knew I had some bucket list experiences I wanted to try before coming to Japan, and one of them being going a natural hot-spring, or Onsen (温泉). Now this is no ordinary bathing experience, this is a natural hot-spring from mother earth, not some man-made hot tub generated heat. This means that the water can be extremely hot, and mineral rich, making for some of the most intimate bathing experiences of your life. Oh, and did I mention, its required that those go to traditional Japanese Onsens are asked to go naked. Yes, completely butt-naked. In Vancouver, where I was born this sort of thing just doesn’t exist, and would seem pretty dang uncomfortable with a bunch of strangers. Before I explain what this experience was like, let’s clarify some things.

Firstly, the genders are separated, this means that there are separate bathing areas for men, and women. Secondly, there are small towels that you can optionally place around your gentiles if you so choose to. Lastly, there are usually more than one hot-spring bath which have several sizes. This means there isn’t just one communal hot-tub where many naked men or women are crammed into, there are usual a few pools with varying size so you have can have some privacy.

Now that we’ve cleared that off the table, here is what my Onsen experience was like. I told my employer last week that I wanted to try a traditional Onsen, so he recommended an place in the mountains above Kobe called, Arima Onsen.

Here, you can find many resorts, hotels, shops, and bath-houses that offer natural hot-springs. The price varies depending on the level of privacy, and luxury you desire (like any spa), however my friends and I decided to choose a medium-ranged budget of around $35 Canadian Dollars. The specific place we went to was a resort called Arima Kirari 太閤の湯. I couldn’t recommend this place more, only around a 10 minute walk from the main station (which most are) is where the hot-springs are located, as you enter you greeted with the smell of natural hot-springs and spa-like aroma. Included in your ticket is the rental of a traditional Japanese Kimono which you can choose up to 4 colors. Here is a photo of my new friends in our Kimonos. 

After getting undressed, we headed to the many baths available and had one of the most relaxing hot-spring experiences ever. I can’t lie, its a weird feeling being completely nude at the start but you get used to it. This place had both an inside hot spring area with about 6 different pools, and a partially uncovered upstairs area with about 6 more pools. The day we went was slightly drizzling which made the hot water that much more refreshing. After a few hours we headed to their cafeteria area which was conveniently located in the spa complex meaning you could grab a bite, and head back to the baths if you so choose. By around 6 o’clock, we headed back home on the train for one of the most scenic routes home nestled in the Kobe mountains. An experience I am truly grateful for.