All water isn’t the same. Every natural spring passes through layers upon layers of rock that can give the water a unique chemical makeup said to have a variety of health effects depending on the mineral content of the water.
Japan has as many locations famous for their autumn foliage as it has onsen—in other words, a lot!
There are plenty of sites and pamphlets explaining how to visit an onsen like a pro. But how about a quick checklist of what not to do?
Sure, hot springs can be found all over the world—but onsen are unique to Japan. Or are they?
There’s a bathload of sites out there on onsen, but we found our information pools best filled by the following sources.
When Hokkaido's highest lake is covered in ice during winter, it features an igloo-style onsen.
Remember the red bridge and layered, rising walls of Yubaba’s hot spring hotel in Spirited Away?
Texan in Tokyo superblogger Grace Buchele Mineta finally lays down the primary onsen caveat that nobody ever talks about.
