Akita

Back in early December a small group of us went to Goshogake onsen on Mount Hachimantai in Akita Prefecture. Just a few hours drive from where I'm at, but inland toward the mountains. There was loads of snow at the time, very few people, and really peaceful surroundings.

An onsen is a Japanese hot spring. Usually they are pretty isolated, and there's a few things expected of you when you visit. Many have some sort of accommodation set up next to the springs where you can stay overnight. This particular onsen was minimal, in that we brought all our own supplies and slept on heated floors. It felt sort of like camping. All the water came from natural sulphur pools that well up from the ground, heated from volcanic activity. This made for some smelly surroundings, but it was a small price to pay to relax in the water.

When you enter an onsen, there are usually separate areas for males and females. Before you can enter the hot springs you are expected to bathe in a shower area that is provided nearby. There's no clothing or bathing suites allowed here, which takes some getting used to at first....especially when you're sharing the facilities with others of every possible shape, size, and age. Once you've cleaned yourself off, you can enter the pools. Many people bring small towels with them that they place on their heads. Apparently this helps to prevent fainting. Once you're in the water, it's expected that you won't submerge yourself above the neck. You're also supposed to remain fairly quiet.

From here you can soak for as long as you like, in all sorts of different pools. Some were hot, some cold, some had bubbles... one even had mud! You can choose from indoor or outdoor areas. There's also typically a sauna or steam area.

The best part is that these places generally allow entry for around five dollars a pop. It was a really nice way to relax and spend the weekend and definitely one of the best aspects of Japan!