Ofuro and Onsen in Japan 日本の温泉とお風呂文化

Hello everyone! My name is Kelly, a third year student studying in Seikei University.

Have you been to any ofuros or onsens? It might seem terrifying at the beginning but in fact once you get used to it, there is so much more for you to explore especially in Japan.

Here in this blog, I would like to tell you more about Onsens and Ofuros in Japan so hopefully when you were in Japan, you would be able to make the most of the experience!

みなさん、初めまして！ 3年生のケリーです。現在は成蹊大学で留学しています。お風呂と温泉の文化はご存知でしょうか。最初は怖いとか不安の気持ちもあるかもしれないですが、温泉文化に慣れてきたら、すごく楽しい体験になるので、このブログで日本の温泉文化について、紹介していきたいと思います。

Ryokans　旅館

Onsen ryokans all over Japan are probably what you first think of when you are thinking of going to an onsen. Onsen ryokans are normally in slightly remoted area, and provides a wide range of services apart from their natural hot springs.

温泉といえば、温泉旅館のイメージは頭の中で浮かぶでしょう。温泉旅館は普通にちょっと都市から離れているところにあって、温泉はもちろん、温泉以外のサービス、食事などもある場合が多いです。

For example, Hakone is one popular destination for those staying in the Kanto region and it is pretty close to Tokyo. Prices varies from around 10000 yen (as for 2023) per night and some even provide breakfast and dinner!

Unfortunately I still haven’t been to Hakone myself, but my suggestion is to check on various websites/ apps such as Rakuten travel which at times have great deals!

東京都には温泉郷がないですが、近くの神奈川県には箱根温泉という有名な温泉地があります。

温泉旅館のお値段は普通のホテルより高いですが、一般的には一泊一万円ぐらいです。温泉だけじゃなく、食事や浴衣のレンタルもできる旅館なども少なくないですよ。

私はまだ箱根に行ってなかったんですけど、友達によると、とても素晴らしい場所なのでおすすめです！！

Local ofuros 　銭湯、スパー施設など

If Onsen Ryokans are a bit too far to reach and too expensive, local ofuros are definitely the way to go! Local ofuros also have a great variety, from local public baths to more luxurious baths and entertainment facilities.

もし温泉旅館はちょっと高いと思ったら、地元の銭湯やスパー施設はいかがでしょうか。

The example you see here is Kosugi-yu in Koenji. It is a historical public bath which costs only 500 yen for entry, with towels available for rental. It also has a milk bath and mangas to read when you are out of the Ofuro. The building itself looks very pretty and it is a great way to support local business! The atmosphere is very artistic and overall it is very local so it is a great way to integrate into the ofuro culture.

ここの写真は高円寺である小杉湯という地元の銭湯の写真です。銭湯というのは、誰でも入れるお風呂屋です。ただ入る時には、お金が払うことが必要です。小杉湯にはタオルのレンタルもできるし、お風呂はミルクの匂いがしていて、特別なお風呂です。漫画などもありますので、お風呂の後でもゆっくりリラックスできます。小杉湯は歴史的な銭湯ですから、地元の文化や歴史に興味がある人に特におすすめです！

I have also been to another type of bath facility which is in a shopping mall in Asakusa. They have a huge variety of ofuros available, some of them even has a massage function! There are also saunas to enjoy and judging from my experience, it is full of local people instead of tourists despite being in Asakusa!

小杉湯の他に、東京にはたくさんのスパー施設がありますよ。私は友達と浅草のスパーセンターに行ってみました！お風呂の種類も多いし、サウナまでもあったし、それよりも、食べ物が美味しかったです。感覚的にも日本人が多いですから、浅草の雰囲気とちょっと違いますね。

Apart from various ofuros, they also have many sauna rooms, which was quite luxurious. They also have a restaurant in the spa facility and there are Japanese food and even alcohol on the menu! There are paid massages which are fairly expensive, but definitely would be a great experience if you were able to afford those. Like the local ofuro they have a corner full of cushions and seats with shelves of mangas for you to read! My friend and I particularly enjoyed the experience overall and also the location so it was perfect for a visit to the Asakusa temple in the New Year.

友達と一緒に漫画を読みながらのんびりして、最高の体験でした！

その後で、一緒に浅草寺で初詣（はつもうで）をして、ゆっくりと１日を過ごしました〜

Thoughts on Ofuros and Onsens　感想

Overall, it was a great experience that is quite unique to Japan. I fall in love with these local baths and also the social aspect of visiting different ofuros in Tokyo with my friends. There is also a ofuro in my Seikei dormitory but however, with the extra facilities available and space, I would prefer the ofuros outside of my dormitory!

It might not be a thing for everyone but it is definitely worth it to at least give it a try!

I would argue that there are probably more natural springs around the Kansai region and prices might be even lower but overall local baths and bath centres are very readily available all across Japan!

まとめに、地元の銭湯もスパーセンターも特別な体験で、お風呂が好きな人に絶対おすすめしたいです！ドーミーでもお風呂がありますが、やっぱり外で行って、いつもと違うお風呂で色々体験できて、それも留学でしかできないことではないかと思います。

Hope you will enjoy ofuro-ing in Japan!

ぜひ、銭湯やお風呂に行ってみてくださいね！

-Kelly　ケリー

(The Asian girl on the left-hand side of the picture)