Try to disturb the water as little as possible so not to disturb other guests. For those who aren’t accustomed to high temperatures or coming in from a cold climate outside, it is recommended to slowly work your way into the bath by putting your feet in first, then your hips and so on. The average temperature of an onsen is between 39-42 degrees Celsius. This is so the water in the baths remain as clean as possible and not doing so is a sign of disrespect. Once inside the onsen facilities, it is a requirement for guests to thoroughly clean themselves before entering the baths. Ensure all jewellery and accessories are removed as the high mineral composition of the water can damage them. The small hand is for removing excess water when exiting the baths, but they can also be used as ‘modesty towels’ for those who wish to cover themselves.
Almost every onsen throughout Japan requires its guests to be completely naked. Place everything in the basket except the small hand towel and any personal toiletries. Once in the changing rooms, find an empty basket to place your clothing and belongings. For females, head through the red door/curtain, and for men, blue. There are separate baths for men and women at most onsen, although there are some mixed onsen like the Grand Hotel Onsen in Niseko. The first is a small towel which is taken into the onsen to help clean the body before entering the baths, with a regular towel remaining in the changing room, only to be used to dry once exiting the onsen. There are two kinds of towels utilised when visiting an onsen. It is also required to bring a towel, or in most cases, rent one from the establishment itself. Most onsen are privately managed and require an entry fee ranging from ¥500 – ¥1,500. Onsen can be found all over Japan, including at many of Japan’s best ski resorts including Niseko, Hakuba, Rusutsu and many more. In the long history of onsen, Japan’s own hot spring culture has never changed, and in that culture, there are manners and etiquette that visitors need to abide by to ensure a homage is paid to those traditions. Moreover, the physical effects of bathing, along with the onsen’s natural minerals, stimulate the body and are said to improve its natural ability for self-healing. Visiting an onsen offers the opportunity to encounter the beauty of the Japanese landscape and culture, allowing those who enter to relax and rid themselves of stress. Natural occurring hot springs, known in Japan as onsen, are in abundance throughout the country and are a part of the rich culture.
How To Use An Onsen By SkiJapan Travel | Articles, Travel | Get your Après-ski on because you’re about to have the ultimate season of all time! So, although being in a completely new culture can appear overwhelming, in hindsight it is also one of the most exciting places to be on the planet. You will always be able to make new friends and for life, after all, we are all there for the same reason – love for skiing, snowboarding and oh, that perfect powder! There’s nothing like getting cosy ramen with your friends after shredding a day on the slopes, it’s one of the most heart-warming feelings out there.īut as a whole, every moment of every day in Japan is filled with new discoveries and cultural difference and utter surprises. Working at a ski resort can seem like a large commitment away from the comfort of your home, but the best part is the incredibly social landscape. In saying that, learning a few essential phrases are always appreciated! But of course, you are probably asking yourself about the language barrier, but luckily most ski resorts throughout Japan it is very unlikely to find a Japanese person who doesn’t speak at least a little bit of English.