Onsen

On Greg's day off last weekend, we decided to visit a local onsen for some rejuvenation! An onsen is a natural hot spring, which are abundant in this area of Japan. I've been before when travelling here with my sister years ago, but this was Greg's first experience. He was leery of going into a public one -- which is how most onsen are set-up (one for men, one for women). So we were able to find a "family" or private one.

Onsen etiquette involves a lot of bathing, followed by soaking. As you can see in the picture, one is expected to first clean with soap and water while sitting on a stool, then soaking in the natural spring water. This process is to be repeated multiple times, likely to allow the body to cool down as the springs are HOT. Being pregnant, I was especially cautious of the time I spent submerged in water, as it was probably 120 degrees F or so... Even soaking my feet felt wonderful, though!

Despite looking out in the open, the onsen was hidden indeed amongst the hillside and we did not feel like our privacy was compromised.

Greg mentioned that after a long, hard week on the ship, this was the perfect was to relax for an afternoon! I think we have a convert... there are several towns in our prefecture that specialize in onsens and offer different scenery and different mineral springs. Not sure we'll be able to make a trip with lil M -- perhaps when Grandma and Grandpa are visiting!