Types and Locations of Onsen
– Onsen establishments use naturally hot water from geothermally heated springs.
– Onsen may be outdoor baths (roten-buro / noten-buro) or indoor baths (uchiyu).
– Traditionally, onsen were located outdoors, but many inns now have indoor bathing facilities.
– The number of traditional public baths has decreased, but the popularity of sightseeing hot spring towns has increased.
– Onsen is defined as hot water, mineral water, and water vapor gushing from underground.
– Arima Onsen and Fukuoka Prefecture’s onsen had reported cases of Legionella bacteria.
– Onsen hot spring areas in Japan are rising in popularity among foreign tourists.
Onsen Etiquette
– Guests are expected to wash and rinse themselves thoroughly before entering the hot water.
– Bathing stations are equipped with stools, faucets, wooden buckets, and toiletries.
– Entering the onsen while still dirty or with traces of soap on the body is socially unacceptable.
– Some onsen require guests to wear swimsuits in mixed baths.
– Guests generally bring a small towel to use as a washcloth and for modesty.
Tattoo Policies in Onsen
– Around half of onsen operators had banned bathers with tattoos.
– Some onsen now allow guests with small tattoos to enter if they cover them up.
– Tattoo-friendly onsen do exist, and some towns have many tattoo-friendly onsen.
– Some onsen hot springs in Japan have relaxed their tattoo bans to accommodate foreign visitors.
– Foreigners with tattoos may be allowed entry into certain onsen as long as they cover their tattoos with patches or bandages.
– The change in tattoo policies is aimed at attracting more international tourists.
– Onsen operators have reconsidered their stance on tattoos due to the growing popularity of onsen among foreigners.
– The relaxation of tattoo bans is seen as a way to promote cultural understanding and diversity.
Risks and Safety Measures of Onsen Usage
– Potential side effects of onsen usage include aggravating high blood pressure or heart disease.
– Legionella bacteria have been found in some onsen with poor sanitation.
– Poor sanitary practices at some onsen have led to improved regulation.
– Infectious diseases have been found in hot bodies of water worldwide, but not conclusively linked to onsen exposure.
– Precautions and proper onsen usage greatly reduce overall risk to bathers.
– Legionella bacteria can be found in hot spring baths and may cause pneumonia if inhaled.
– Naegleria species, including Naegleria fowleri, have been detected in thermal waters in Japan and can cause serious infections.
– Proper maintenance and disinfection of hot spring facilities are essential to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
– The Ministry of the Environment in Japan has guidelines and regulations in place to ensure the safety of hot spring baths.
– Visitors should be aware of the potential health risks associated with hot springs and take necessary precautions.
Privacy and Security Concerns in Onsen
– Incidents of voyeurism and unauthorized filming have been reported in onsen facilities.
– Visitors should be cautious and aware of the risks of privacy invasion in communal bathing areas.
– Some onsen facilities have taken measures to prevent voyeurism, such as installing privacy screens or surveillance cameras.
– It is important to report any suspicious behavior or incidents of privacy violation to the onsen staff or authorities.
– Visitors can take steps to protect their privacy, such as using private bathing areas or choosing onsen with stricter security measures. Source URL:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onsen
