Soaking up the Benefits: Japan’s Hot Springs Tradition

The Ryūgūnoyū pool at Chōrakuen, one of the hot spring inns representing present-day Tamatsukuri Onsen（Photograph courtesy of Chōrakuen）

Kichinoyū (waters of good fortune) bath within the main building of Nishimuraya, one of the onsen inns representing present-day Kinosaki Onsen. (Photograph courtesy of Nishimuraya)

In addition to the restorative powers of hot springs, those providing esthetic benefits are also very popular among young women. (Photograph courtesy of Shimofujiya)

Fresh water spouting up from the hot spring source flows into a bathing pool. (Photograph courtesy of Shimofujiya)

Tsurunoyu Onsen representing Nyūto Onsen-kyō in Akita Prefecture. A secret pool where one can experience the atmosphere of a wonderful ancient healing place. (Photograph courtesy of Tsurunoyu Onsen)