Journeys in Japan

Hachimantai, Akita: Akita's hidden hot springs: traditional onsen therapy (1x31)

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Because of Japan's volcanic terrain, natural hot springs are found throughout country. Known as onsen, they are one of the highlights of any visit to Japan. There are more than 3,000 onsen in Japan. And many of them are rather different to typical hot spring spa resorts. There are lots of different ways of enjoying these onsen. Some have become popular among visiting tourists. Others are peaceful places out in the wild where you can sit and soak in seclusion. On this edition of "journeys in japan," Judit is visiting Hachimantai, in the northern part of Honshu, Japan's main island. It's a wild region, about 1,500 meters above sea level, and it's famous as one of the country's major onsen regions. The hot springs in the Hachimantai area have been popular with the local people for centuries. People come to Tamagawa Onsen just to breathe in all the steam that gushes out of the holes in the rock. It's known as 'steam bathing' and it's very therapeutic. Another way to benefit from the heat is just to feel it soaking up into your body. The temperature of the ground varies from 50 to 60 degrees Celsius. Just lying down on it is enough to heat up your body. People put down their straw mats wherever they choose. The practice of toji is deeply rooted in Japanese life. There are still many hot spring inns catering to toji in northern Japan. They are especially popular in rural communities, and are used by farming families once the crops have been harvested. At inns like this, people meet and get to know each other. Staying as a toji is therapeutic - not just for the body but also the mind and spirit.