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Outdoor Japanese hot-spring bath overlooking Matsushima Bay

Onsen

Onsen are Japanese hot springs and the bathing facilities built around qualifying geothermal water, linking geology, law, inns, regional travel, and communal etiquette.

Historic black-and-white view of bathers seated beside a Japanese public bath

Japanese Bathing Culture

Japanese bathing culture separates washing from soaking and connects the home bath, sento, onsen travel, public health, relaxation, and social custom.