Hot Spring

Hot Spring

"Hot spring" can be indicated as a phenomenon as well as the areas where water (hot water) gushes out from deep within the earth. In Japan, it is customary to enjoy "dipping yourself in a hot spring."

The land of Japan sits right on a volcanic belt and this geographic characteristic allows many volcanic hot springs to emerge out from its earth. It is said that there are over 3,000 hot spring locations nationwide.

Since the old times, the Japanese people used hot springs for medical reasons such as to nurse their wounds or cure various diseases. This soon was given the name "Toji," or therapeutic bathing. In therapeutic bathing, people stay at a certain hot spring resort over a long period of time for regular bathing and taking plenty of time to conduct hot spring therapy. Therefore, it is considered to be very different from enjoying hot springs for tourism purposes.

There is also a law called the Hot Spring Law in Japan that sets certain standards. Only those that can meet these standards can be called hot springs. Additionally, the water temperature, elements contained, and effects vary depending on each hot spring resort. Therefore, it is advised that you choose the right hot spring resort that suits your needs. The typical way to bathe in a hot spring is to soak your entire body in it. However, there are other ways such as "Ashiyu" (dipping the feet only) and "Insen" (drinking the hot spring water).

Nowadays, hot springs are mainly used for relieving everyday stress or for purposes that has to do with tourism. Additionally, hot-spring hotels are considered as a space offering extraordinary experiences where people can leisurely enjoy bathing and dining. Japanese people indeed see it as a luxurious way to spend their time.