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Onsen for beginners

By on November 15, 2016

jalan

A visit to an onsen is one unique experience that everyone should try while in Japan. If it is your very first visit, here are a few things to remember:

hot-springsClothes are removed in a changing room outside the bathing area. The only thing you should take to the bath is a small, thin towel that you will be given by the attendant. (There’ll be a supply of towels in your room if you’re staying at an onsen hotel.) The towels are NOT to dry yourself on. They’re to wash with and to proceed a modicum of modesty when you enter the bathing area.

1 Wash, scrub and rinse off thoroughly at the taps alongside the bath. Soap, shampoo and conditioner are provided.

2 Then it’s time to hit the bath. Don’t jump in right away – ease in slowly so your body can get used to the temperature. The small towel should be left on the side.

3 Kids are welcome at an onsen. It is perfectly OK for little boys and girls to go in with Mom or Dad up to about the age of 7 or so.

4 Swimsuits and other clothes shouldn’t be worn in the onsen. It is also fine for babies and toddlers to go in without a diaper.

5 The toughest part for some foreigners is the idea of getting naked with complete strangers. Relax and don’t worry – everyone is in the same boat! Enjoy the experience.

HOW TO FIND THE BEST ONSEN RESORTS

1. Google up information. Hakone National Park covers a vast area and there is much to do. Plan your activities to determine how you will spend your time and get from place to place.

2. Never leave home without it…a good book, that is! The region of Hakone, which includes the towns on Lake Ashi of Hakone-machi, Moto-Hakone, Togendai and much, much more, can be confusing. The mountain roads are tight and twisting, and it can be difficult to get your bearings. A detailed guidebook not only provides maps and directions, but also lists all of the nearby attractions. We found Frommer’s Japan very useful.

3. Transportation: Getting around Hakone can involve a variety of transport trains, buses, cable car, ropeway, and boat. Odakyu offers a “Hakone Free Pass,” which includes transport from Shinjuku Station plus all transport at Hakone. (www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/)

If renting a car, it would be worthwhile to rent one with a navigational system to program in phone numbers for travel directions.

4. Consider a tour. If you or overseas visitors are tight for time and wish to experience the highlights of Hakone in one day, there are many tours departing from Tokyo which pick-up and drop-off at major hotels. A tour will give you a streamlined round trip (Lake Ashi, cable car and ropeway, Owakudani), and all details are taken care of.

5. Accommodation. Hakone has a large selection of accommodation for every budget in either western or Japanese style lodgings. An overnight stay is highly recommended. Search the Internet, guide books, and ask travel agents

Here are two places that we recommend:

Western style hotel: Hotel de Yama overlooking Lake Ashi, has a Japanese onsen and a walking path along the lakeshore to Moto-Hakone.

It also offers a direct bus to and from Shinjuku station.
www.hakone-hoteldeyama.jp/en/

Japanese style: Ryokan Kinokuniya offers private family baths for rent, also kids meals upon request.
http://japaneseguesthouses.com/db/hakone/kinokuniya.html

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