An onsen is a natural hot spring, geothermally-heated water that fills a natural or artificial pool in which you bathe. Many onsens across Japan use water from natural hot springs; however quality can vary depending on where you are. I made my way to the hotel onsen for women and trepidatiously crept inside, which, to my delight, was empty. In a culture where respect is paramount, at no point in a bustling onsen did I feel uncomfortable or stared at. Apparently, it’s a Japanese tradition to drink cold milk after an onsen bath, as a way to refresh the body with a nutrient-dense treat that both rehydrates and nourishes.

Source: Irish Examiner March 07, 2026 01:26 UTC