The best rotenburo in winter 冬の露天風呂
The outdoor baths in a snowy landscape
What's better than soaking in a hot bath after a day of sightseeing and exploring? Onsens are hot springs water from thermal springs of volcanic origin. When it's outdoors, they are called "rotenburo". Japan Experience offers a selection of the best rotenburo to experience in winter to appreciate the ancestral tradition in the heart of nature!
One of the great pleasures of winter for the Japanese is to immerse themselves in a rotenburo, an outdoor bath in naturally warm water, with a view of an open landscape surrounded by nature, to feel the fresh air, even ice cream. The Japanese attach great importance to feeling in harmony with nature, just as the Shinto religion imposes it. Relaxing in a real spring from the bowels of the earth is part of Japanese culture, with the bonus of a beneficial effect on health thanks to the action of certain waters depending on the region.
Be careful, however, not to "throw yourself" into the water all of a sudden, first of all, because it is not done, and then above all because the very significant temperature difference between the air and the water can cause you discomfort. There can be 60° between the outside air in winter in Hokkaido (-20°) and water at 40°. It is therefore already necessary to think about drinking a large glass of water before going to the bath. Then shower well to be clean and have the skin at the right temperature, spray yourself completely with water by doing " kake-yu " using a small basin available at the entrance to the bath. Start with an indoor bath that will best prepare you by getting used to the high temperature. The small towel always stays outside the bath, on the edge, or folded over your head if you are skilled like the Japanese. You are ready to do " 'yukimi-buro ", that is to say, immerse yourself in the hot water of the outdoor bath while watching the snow, the ultimate pleasure!
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Shikaribetsu-ko
Located in Hokkaido, 800 meters above sea level in the Daisetsuzan National Park, on Lake Shikaribetsu. During the winter, the cold is such that the waters of the lake freeze. An ephemeral village is then created on the thick layer of ice, more than a meter thick.
A snow festival has been held since 1980, welcoming 40,000 visitors each year.
Igloos, a chapel, an ice bar, and what interests us, a rotenburo, as well as an ashiyu, just to soak your feet. Immersed in warm water, all around you icy snow on the lake. Even the locker room is built of ice. The difference between air and water is 60°.
Accessible from the end of January to the end of March, open from 6:30 am to 10 pm, mixed bath (6 pm to 8 pm for men, 8 pm to 10 pm. for women
Nyuto Onsen
Located in Hachimantai National Park, Akita Prefecture, you are not far from Lake Tazawa. At the foot of Mount Nyuto, the village of Nyuto Onsen is above all magnificent, a secret and enchanting place made up of seven onsens, seven ryokans, the traditional Japanese inns, coming from seven different sources. These sources all have waters with beneficial properties for the body.
The source of Tsuruno-yu is particularly remarkable and above all historical, known since the Edo period (1603-1868). It will be for you a great moment of relaxation in the great silence of the mountain covered with a thick layer of snow every winter.
Manza Onsen
Located in Joshinestu Kogen National Park in Gumma Prefecture, the place is known for winter sports with consistently good quality snow skiing.
Manza Onsen peaks at 1800 meters above sea level, which makes connoisseurs say that it is the closest onsen to the stars! The sulfurous white waters are said to be the strongest in Japan, so they can cure all your ailments, eyes in the snowy mountains by day, or lost in the vastness of the sky at night. You will not leave in the same state as when you arrived from Manza Onsen.
- Read also: Where to go in the snow near Tokyo?
Nishiyugawa Onsen
Located in Nikko National Park, in Tochigi, it is the closest to Tokyo. On the banks of the Nishiyugawa River, this onsen is historic because the warlord of the Taira clan would have come to treat his wounds after the battle of Dan-no-ura, in the Seto Inland Sea.
Several ryokans have rotenburos directly on the banks of the river, which is very snow-covered throughout the winter. From the end of January to mid-March, the Kamakura festival offers charming igloos to hide in or curl up within the nightly illuminations.
Takaragawa Onsen
Located in Gumma, on the banks of the Takara River, four baths with a total surface area of 700m2 are available to you, with three mixed baths and one exclusively for women. Special clothes are lent to you for the occasion, such as the bathing dress for women and to remain discreet in the eyes of others.
Here, nature is grandiose, the river, the frozen waterfalls, the abundant snow that covers the entire forest in every corner until the beginning of April, gives you a feeling of perfect happiness. The baths are accessible 24 hours a day to enjoy the night and day, alone or with others.
- Read also:Takaragawa Onsen
Shirahone Onsen
Located in Chubu sangaku national park, in Nagano prefecture, you have to go to Awano-yu, in the heart of the snow-capped mountains, to taste the naturally white and sparkling waters. Delicate sensations are the symbol of Shirahone Onsen and have made it famous for a long time.
The bath is mixed but the entrances are different for each sex and bathing dresses are available for these ladies.
These cloudy white waters have a temperature of 38°, therefore rather lukewarm "nurui", ideal for those who do not tolerate the usual high heat well. You can stay in it for half an hour without risk, so much so that sleep is watching you. Luckily the winter cold keeps you awake.
There is a saying that if you spend three days at Shirahone Onsen, you won't be sick for three years!
All the onsen offer the "higaeri" system, that is to say, that you have access to the baths only for the day, but if you stay sleeping on site it will be even more profitable.