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15.02.2012

Japanese Hot Springs

onsen

“Hot springing water”: that’s the literal meaning of the word onsen, indicating the Japanese hot-spring, …

“Hot springing water”: that’s the literal meaning of the word onsen, indicating the Japanese hot-spring, a pleasant experience nourishing the mind and the soul. As Japan is a volcanic region, hot water spills naturally out of the ground at 43°C.

 

According to an ancient tradition, you should dip into the water fully bare – men and women have separate access – and chill out in the outside steaming pool (rotenburo) gazing at the landscape all around you. A purifying experience in full contact with nature: wood, stones, trees and steam.

 

An onsen is a space devoted to beauty where every single detail is thoroughly taken care of, especially as far as service is concerned: courtesy and thoughtfulness are particularly valued in the Japanese culture, especially in places like these.

 

Yakushi onsen, just a 3-hour’s drive toward North-West from Tokyo, is one of the most ancient hot springs in Japan.

The complex includes different buildings – a couple of museums, three restaurants, various pools and the hotel.

 

Those who wish to spend the night at Yakushi can sleep in the traditional Japanese-style bedrooms, with woven tatami mats on the floor and a wooden bathtub on the balcony.

 

Everything starts with a nice cup of tea whose quality is chosen according to the season – just to make you feel comfortable and help you adjust your schedule for the next hours, pick your own time for dinner and breakfast and decide when to have a shiatsu massage in your room or book the common pool for private use.

 

Japanese haute cuisine completes the stay. You can opt for a 10-course dinner menu or try the incredible taste of soba (local buckwheat spaghetti). A sensory journey to the heart of Oriental traditions.

 

(Sara Francesca, infocre.wordpress.com)

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