Onsens

Legend has it that the first onsen was found by a hunter trailing a wounded bear; he found the bear soothing its paw in a pool of natural hot water… and the rest is history. Not only did the onsen sources around the village provide heat, comfort, and hygiene to the villagers, but a source of stability, too. Snow country villages across Japan would lose their menfolk during the winter as they went to seek employment elsewhere. Not in Nozawa Onsen; the abundant hot water facilitated winter industries such as basketweaving, that kept the community together year-round. More than 200 years’ ago, the delights of onsen bathing turned Nozawa Onsen into an indulgent pleasure-haven for city dwellers (remember that gender-segregated bathing was a 20th century innovation!), and the tourism industry was born.

Today, the onsen are not only the main draw for domestic guests, but also continue to be the backbone of the community. Most villagers still prefer to bathe in their local onsen, to see their neighbours, catch up on gossip, and socialise at the end of their day. They are proud that guests from around the world want to share that experience. Just don’t leave the cold tap running…