Onsen Mania

Hey y'all this is Steph. For our Anniversary we stayed at a Japanese Inn (Ryokan) called Semi Onsen about 2 hours away. This Inn had several different hot springs (Onsens) in it. We thought about going skiing but this past week was like a blizzard in the mountains. There are many hot springs or onsens all over Japan and it is a wonderful way to relax. Basically you just lounge around in a Yukata (traditional Japanese casual wear), soak in onsens and eat. Here you can see Gabe relaxing after dinner. An onsen is a Japanese public bath with natural hot spring water. Ideally, they should be outdoors (though many are indoors), and use naturally hot water directly extracted from a natural volcanic spring. Onsen water is often thought to have healing powers according to its mineral properties. (This information came from Wikipedia) When you go to an onsen men and women go to their seperate dressing rooms and fully undress. Next you go into the bathing area, also seperate. After entering you wash yourself completely and then you can enter the hot spring. It sounds a little scary, and in fact the first time that we went I felt really strange. I really didn't know what I was supossed to do, so I was trying to watch the other women around me without looking like I was staring at them. Also, of course, being exposed around a bunch of people you don't know and being the only one that looks different can be a little intimidating. After going several times now though, it feels quite natural and very relaxing. In fact we have been to three different onsens over this two week vacation.

Another important part of staying at a Japanese Inn (Ryokan) is the food. Dinner and breakfast are usually included in the price of your stay. Dinner is sometimes served in your room and breakfast is usually served in a public hall. We have really enjoyed the meals we have had at the two Ryokan we've stayed at. They were really large and full of many different and wonderful dishes.

All in all, we had a wonderful Anniversary and really enjoyed relaxing together. If anyone comes out to visit, an Onsen is one thing you just might enjoy trying!