Japan, an island country in East Asia, as a tourist destination is a unique blend of traditional and modern, with many temples and buildings from the past co-existing with modern achievements in architecture and technology. In this view point Tokyo and Kyoto are the most visited cities in the country and for winter sports visitors choose the northern island of Hokkaido more often. But here, with a distinct tourist attraction a little known Japanese village – Nozawa Onsen is also gaining visitors’ foot fall for its 14 exotic natural hot springs.
‘Onsen’, in Japan means hot spring and as the name goes Nozawa Onsen is a destination known for the same. If you happen to love hot springs, this particular destination deserves to be added to your itinerary for sure. From Tokyo the village can be accessed through bullet train within two-and-a-half hours.
Other than being just a bathing spot, these hot springs have got many queer reasons to be enthralled upon. As mentioned above the tiny village is being dotted with 14 hot springs and most of them located in wooden bath houses that give a historical feeling of the Edo period. However, before you plunge into one, specific Japanese bathing rules should be kept in your mind or else things may get embarrassing for you.
The hot springs do not allow swimsuits inside ; everyone bathes in the nude only and these have got segregations by sex, for amateurs. The spots are meant for sheer relaxation with some bathing rules along. Locals are to bring their own shower caddies, and tourists will be expected to bring their own towel and soap. After being striped down give your body a full scrub and then hop into the spring. Before that don’t forget to grab and fill with water one of the provided buckets. This is taken to be unhygienic to hop in the tub without giving a prior wash to your body.
Before getting yourself dip into any of the hot springs, you should be aware of the temperatures inside. The natural spring water is hot, some bath houses even have the temperature as high as 194 degrees, according to an online onsen guide.
Out of these 14 hot springs the most coveted and quaint one is the Oyu Onsen located right in the center of town on the main pedestrian street. It’s the perfect one for the beginners, as it’s frequented by tourists and you can observe your fellow bathers while being familiar with the rules as well.
