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| An Onsen is a term for hot springs in the Japanese language, though the term is often used to describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of Onsen scattered along its length and breadth. Onsen were traditionally used as public bathing places and today play a central role in directing Japanese domestic tourism. Onsen come in many types and shapes, including outdoor called Roten-buro and indoor baths. Baths may be either public run by a municipality or privatecalled Uchiyu often run as part of a hotel or Ryokan(Traditional Japanese Inn). Bathers are not normally allowed to wear swimsuits in the baths, however Onsen guests generally bring a small towel with them to use as a wash cloth and a tool for walking between the washing area and the baths. |
