Bathers in the waters of Shirahone Onsen in the Northern Japanese Alps @visitjapanau

 

Mist-ical Springs

A Japan sojourn is, in all likelihood, incomplete without a trip to one or more of its legendary onsens, or hot water springs, situated in the midst of absolutely stunning scenery.

The nation is home to more than 27,000 such springs, many of which are revered for their mystical, beneficial properties. And for centuries, it has been believed that bathing in the water of these onsens cures the body as well as the soul. As most of them are of volcanic origin, the water is rich in minerals that have many curative effects: Not only are they effective in treating aches and pains of all kinds, they have also been widely regarded as an important part of the skincare and beauty regime of the Japanese, especially Japanese women.