Travel Research: A Collection of Japanese Onsens (Traditional Bathhouses)
A quintessential spa experience in Japan, though not for the modest.
Curated Map
If you like a little pampering and relaxation as part of your travels while also being adventurous – try visiting an “onsen” or traditional bathhouse in Japan. There are entire towns built around hot springs throughout the country, where clusters of hotels and inns (small and large) capitalize upon the health benefits of the mineral-rich water – creating beautiful pools in which visitors submerge. They can be indoor, outdoor, private, and separated by gender. Mind you, many of these are really meant for locals and national travelers: Japanese is often the only language spoken, visitors are subject to specific rules (such as required nudity), and the spaces are often functional and dated in lieu of being aesthetic. Yet, finding oneself in these spaces as the single foreigner can be an oasis of calm and one of intrigue.
Our map includes 15 onsens across Honshu: some we have visited and others we are eye-ing, ranging from basic urban spots to charming inns and boutique hotels with full amenities.
Photo Source: Syllogi and cntraveller.com
Syllogi’s ‘Travel Research’ publication is an exclusive offering for our members, giving you selected access to our collection of travel projects and guides from our library. As Travel Researchers, this represents highlights from our signature offering to private clients who commission us to provide personalized research for their upcoming travels, and also projects that we have created from our own personal travel. Given the custom nature of each piece, they may skew more family-oriented, or towards a single traveller, or perhaps towards someone who is a foodie, or someone who loves nature. Either way, this intel serves a great guide and overview for anyone travelling to the featured destination.
