What are Onsen?
Onsen, or hot springs, first became popular in Japan over a thousand years ago. Originally limited to the aristocracy, their usage soon spread to include the military, whose battle wounds could benefit from the healing properties of the water. Today, everyone in Japan can enjoy onsen, as they are located by the hundreds in every region across the nation. Their water comes from underground springs, usually as a byproduct of Volcanism, and contains many minerals which are said to soothe, relax, and heal the body. If you are taking a trip to Japan, you should definitely plan to include a visit to an onsen in your stay. Types of Onsen There are many different types of onsen available for your enjoyment once you choose to visit Japan. Some are mixed gender, though most are gender specific. Some are located indoors, while others are found outside. Some belong to a ryokan, or Japanese inn, and some are a part of public bath houses. Onsen can also be classified according to the type of mineral
