hotspring
Japanese Name:
温泉
Romaji Name:
onsen
Description
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An onsen is a Japanese hot spring where people go to relax and enjoy the warm, mineral-rich water. The water comes from natural underground sources and is believed to have health benefits. Onsens are often located in scenic areas, and many have indoor and outdoor baths. People usually wash carefully before entering the bath and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
History
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Onsen, or hot springs, have been an important part of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years. Japan, being a volcanically active country, has thousands of natural hot springs. These springs are rich in minerals such as sulfur, iron, and carbon dioxide, which are believed to have healing and health benefits.
The earliest written record of onsen use dates back to the 8th century, in the ancient chronicle Nihon Shoki. Some famous onsen towns, such as Dōgo Onsen and Arima Onsen, are among the oldest in Japan, with histories stretching back more than a millennium.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), onsen culture spread throughout Japan, and people began to visit hot springs not only for health but also for relaxation and tourism. Public bathhouses and ryokan (traditional inns) developed around popular hot spring areas.
Today, onsen are a major part of Japanese lifes.