The old image of the "Onsen" as a place where the elderly
gathered to gossip and relax is being overtaken with the new
image of the bath-house as an attractive social spot for people
of all ages and from all walks of life.
While the Seto Inland Sea area can't boast a plethora of Onsens,
it does house one of the oldest in Japan - Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama,
the setting for 'Bocchan' , a famous novel by Soseki Natsume,
and Kinoe Onsen on Osakikamijima where you can enjoy a wonderful
view of Seto Inland Sea. The old onsens where a lot of locals
go give you an opportunity to experience some local atmosphere. |
The
rules and culture regarding onsens are fairly strict: everybody
is supposed to be naked in onsens and most onsens have separate
rooms for men and women. Having said that, some hotels and ryokans
have private baths/onsen in the rooms and some have "family
baths" that can be reserved for private use. DO NOT wear a bathing
costume!
If you simply want to enjoy only onsen itself, you either bring
your own towels or buy / rent one. You can put your valuables
in your locker or you can also deposit your baggage at the front
desk.
The protocol when you enter the onsen is very important - wash
yourself in the shower before you go into the communal bath,
don't put your towel in the bath water, and enjoy!!! |