Beppu, on the Island of Kyushu.
Beppu is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. The city has eight different springs, each featuring public baths and ryokan with bathing facilities, which put together they produce more hot spring water than any other resort in the Country. There are many different types of baths that can be experienced here, sand baths, where a lady will cover you with sand, that is naturally heated, steam baths that are heated by the steam of a hot spring and mud baths.
So for my first "onsen experience" I decided Beppu was the place to do it.... although I wasn't in a public bath, still not ready for that. Shota and I instead opted for a private bath, on the top of a Hotel, over looking the Beach... Pretty amazing view, boiling water but a wonderful experience....
Sorry about the blurry photo... just thought I'd include it because of the city lights...
With the baths, you will first enter into a changing room where you take off all your clothes. Then you enter the wash room, where there will generally be a shower, you wash yourself here then you are allowed to enter the bath.
The Japanese have been relaxing in Onsen for many years, hence why bath tubs in the house are so popular (just like Shotas family). Majority of the time there are single sex baths, traditionally they are. However there are also now a few mixed baths around too... and if you're nervous like me, private baths as well. Like I said to Shota, what is the fun of having a bath with a whole heap of people I don't know... I want to have someone with me that I know, to share the experience with me :) It may be an excuse, but I am sticking to it!
xx
Wow. It looks proper traditional and rustic, just the way I like it.
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