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I've been to an onsen during a trip to Japan. The entire process, from the washing ritual to immersing oneself in the hot spring, is an experience that's hard t

I've been to an onsen during a trip to Japan. The entire process, from the washing ritual to immersing oneself in the hot spring, is an experience that's hard to articulate Whether it aligns with the marketing or is part of the "Japan fascination", I think, is really hard to say especially as an outsider myself There's a tranquility to the surroundings, but it's often disrupted by throngs of tourists. we weren't prepared for the intensity of the sun, even on an overcast day. got chafed and sunburned after a day out, a reminder that nature has its way. that being said, immersing in the onsen was surreal in its relaxation, a balm for the burns. In any case it was an experience, certainly not a cheap one, and it was punctuated with moments of discomfort but also deep relaxation.

bschwindHN 3y ago
> In any case it was an experience, certainly not a cheap one Do you mean the onsen, or travel to Japan in general? Onsen are typically less than 1000 yen to enter - quite cheap for the relaxation they give you.
- buzer 3y ago
  I would imagine most of tourists experience onsen during ryokan visit instead of going to separate bathhouse and those tend to be somewhat expensive.
- canpan 3y ago
  Second this. Even some cheap (~$30 per night) guesthouses have onsen. Also you can often get into the fancy hotel onsen by paying a small fee, even when you are not staying.
ginko 3y ago
>In any case it was an experience, certainly not a cheap one, and it was punctuated with moments of discomfort but also deep relaxation. Fancy onsen ryokan can be quite pricy, but I wouldn't say it's expensive in general. I'm currently in Matsuyama and entry to the Dogo onsen bathouse (one of the oldest hot springs in Japan) is like 460 yen per person. Many hotels also have hot spring baths in onsen towns without it being too expensive. Dormy Inn is a good example. That's a chain of business hotels which always comes with a bath in the top floor. Price is a bit more expensive than regular business hotels, but nothing over the top.
- deleted 3y ago
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bschwindHN 3y ago

> In any case it was an experience, certainly not a cheap one Do you mean the onsen, or travel to Japan in general? Onsen are typically less than 1000 yen to enter - quite cheap for the relaxation they give you.

buzer 3y ago
I would imagine most of tourists experience onsen during ryokan visit instead of going to separate bathhouse and those tend to be somewhat expensive.
canpan 3y ago
Second this. Even some cheap (~$30 per night) guesthouses have onsen. Also you can often get into the fancy hotel onsen by paying a small fee, even when you are not staying.

ginko 3y ago

>In any case it was an experience, certainly not a cheap one, and it was punctuated with moments of discomfort but also deep relaxation. Fancy onsen ryokan can be quite pricy, but I wouldn't say it's expensive in general. I'm currently in Matsuyama and entry to the Dogo onsen bathouse (one of the oldest hot springs in Japan) is like 460 yen per person. Many hotels also have hot spring baths in onsen towns without it being too expensive. Dormy Inn is a good example. That's a chain of business hotels which always comes with a bath in the top floor. Price is a bit more expensive than regular business hotels, but nothing over the top.

deleted 3y ago
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