Are there onsens in Niseko?
The mountains in the Niseko area are volcanically active, meaning there are plenty of natural hot spring water sources. Onsens are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and are a must for anyone traveling to Japan.
Is onsen mixed gender?
The Japanese have perfected the art of onsen, or hot spring baths, for centuries. Traditionally, men and women would bathe together in the same facility, but these days the baths are segregated by gender. Today, konyoku (mixed-gender onsen) are hard to find, with places like Tokyo having bans on such establishments.
Can you wear a bathing suit in onsen?
Most public onsen are single sex not mixed. Definitely, no bathers, clothes or towel permitted. You can hold a small onsen towel strategically, until you enter the bath – it then sits on your head or otherwise out of the bath.
Are there mixed onsen in Japan?
Mixed-gender bathing, or konyoku, has a rich history in Japan. They amount to more than 50 mixed-gender onsen and other places where men and women can bathe together in Japan. If you have questions about konyoku onsen, or mixed-gender hot spring, bathing etiquette, please read our Guide to Mixed Gender Onsen in Japan.
Where to get the best onsen in Hirafu?
Located in one of the most popular hotels in Hirafu, the onsen at Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafu-tei is perfectly situated with Mt. Yotei and Mt. Annupuri views. Sauna is also available. Note: Bath towel rental ¥200, face towel purchase ¥200. Indoor/outdoor onsen baths and sauna, men and women separate.
Are there any onsens in the Niseko area?
Niseko Grand Hotel has beautiful, natural surroundings with indoor and outdoor baths. This is one of the few Niseko onsens where one can experience mixed bathing within the Niseko area. With a casual atmosphere, you can relax, unwind and soothe your muscles.
What kind of water is used in onsens?
Naturally occurring volcanic hot springs are a source of welcome relief from tired muscles and joints after a long day on the mountain. But what you perhaps didn’t know is that not every onsen is the same; the water used in an onsen can have a wide variety of mineral compositions based on its location and path of the water.
