Introduction to Onsen
Japan is a chain of volcanic islands, it is therefore not surprising hot springs are found all over the country. There are roughly 150 hot spring sites, with 14,000 individual springs. There natural treasures have been used by many, not only for therapeutic use, but also as a place to socialize and relax.
Bathing in hot springs first became popular in Japan more than 1,000 years ago. It was originally limited to aristocrats, but spread to the warlords when it was discovered how effective the springs were in healing battle wounds. Following the establishment of peace and stability during the Edo Period, the custom of bathing in hot springs was adopted by the hard working farmers. It was the most pleasant and economical way they could relax and recover from the rigors of their lives.
Some of the best hot spring resorts are in areas of great natural beauty, thus making them a great travel destination. Hot springs, or 'Onsen', come in all shapes and sizes. Some are like health spas, and provide a variety of wellness activities in addition to their healing waters. Others are simple, no-frills public baths that cater to locals who stop by after work for a scrub and a soak.
Hot springs, or hydrothermal springs, may be volcanic in origin or simply ground water that has seeped deep into the earth's crust and become warmed by the rocks near the mantle. Some contain "fossil water", water that has been trapped in an aquifer for over 1000 years, and is often highly saline. According to Japan's "Hot Spring Bill," passed in 1948, a hot spring must have at least one of the following properties:
- The water temperature exceeds 25 degrees centigrade at the source.
- The water contains at least one of 19 compounds or minerals as listed, in requisite amounts per 1 kilogram of hot spring water.
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