Onsen (Hot Spring) Beckons You to Japan in Wintertime

Most of you friends of Japan might find Japan in springtime the best of all seasons full of cherry blossoms and you are quite right. That's the season our tourist agents pinpoint as the prime traveling time.

Agreed. But then, not a few seasoned connoisseurs of Japan say slightly otherwise. They often say Japan in wintertime is a super season to visit. Why?

"Onsen, of course", they will say. Onsen? "On" for hot, "sen" for spring - meaning hot spring. As you know, of course, Japan sits on a huge maze of volcanic belts ready to burst open. In fact, Eastern Japan is expecting a sizeable eruption anytime. Let's put those scary elements off for the moment and discuss the benefits of Japan being on top of masses of heat.

Ask any Japanese you come across during your stay in Japan what about a week in an Onsen. He or she will grin and say not bad, not bad at all.

The central government of Japan, too, believes it makes sense to promote Onsen for the well-being of the general populace. The Environment Agency broadened the effects of Onsen now to include light cases of asthma, pulmonary emphysema, gastrointestinal functions, hypertension, autonomic instability, diabetes, and mild cases of cholesterolemia.

Assistant Professor Toyoki Maeda of Kyushu University Hospital in Beppu, published a report in March this year on the preventive effects of Onsen on five symptoms including hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and depressive state, based on a survey done on 10,000 longtime Onsen-goers. The report handpicked hydrogencarbonate-containing Onsen significantly effective on controlling males' excessive fat in blood.

Experts warn, however, certain contraindications due to excessive bathing in Onsen - typically malignant cancer and serious heart troubles.

All that said, Japan in wintertime is still high recommended for those of you who have had plenty of Japan tasted so far and wish to level up your appreciation of what Japan has to offer. Do consider taking your time in winter to visit Japan to soak yourselves in one of those Onsen rock bathtubs to drain your fatigues and sicknesses away.