An Evening at the Onsen

Most people who come to Japan already know about their famous natural hot springs, or Onsens as they are known locally. These are traditionally geothermal springs that either naturally flow or have been pumped up from underground, the water is then captured in a pool for people to bath in.

A few days ago, Lucia and I went to an Onsen in the west of Tokyo called ‘Toshimaen Niwa No Yu’. It is a wonderful spa and public bathhouse, offering a variety of pools, both inside and out, and some beautiful scenery as it is surrounded by a traditional Japanese garden.

This was both of our first experience with public bathhouses, but it DEFINITELY won’t be our last. Once you get past the gender separated baths, and into what they called the “Bade Pool” – shown in the photo – you are immediately struck by how comfortably warm the water is, and the scenery outside. But this Jacuzzi jet filled pool was only the beginning!

Outside, they had two separated hot water pools, one filled with natural spring water, the other with regular treated soft water.

Oh.
My.
Goodness.

The natural spring water hot pool was divine. The intense heat, the comforting bubbles, the invigorating earthy aroma, and the water so packed full of minerals that it is ORANGE, all led to an experience that puts you in a trance of calm serenity.

Needless to say, we quite enjoyed that pool!

What is also worth mentioning, was the Finnish Sauna. Now this lovely looking wooden hut houses a monster of a sauna that I was not ready for.

We took two steps into this room, and it felt like every breath was as thick as treacle, and as warm as breathing the air right after you open the oven door after cooking a roast. I panicked immediately and left, but Lucia, the champion that she is, powered through and sat in there for a whole 5 minutes.

Maybe i’ll try for 30 seconds next time…

All in all, this was such a fun experience, that Lucia and I were already planning the next time we’ll be going back on the train home!

10/10, would thoroughly recommend. If anyone comes to visit us here in Japan, this is definitely on our “Must Visit” list.