Hot Spring Index

Soak up Japan 's favourite health-giving pastime

Getting into the perfect tub of hot water is one of the most popular ways of relaxing in Japan . It is also seen as a good way to improve one's health. In 1990, there were 2,300 onsen ( hot springs ) that were recognised by the government as containing the perfect temperature and mineral content. After a short introduction on the art of soaking it up and becoming "fair of face and figure" according to the ancient regional chronicles (or fudoki) , this site's index lists hot springs by prefecture. Hokkaido wins, with 21 in all.

There is also a key that illustrates whether onsen are free, single-sex, open-air or mixed. Also included are good directions and a map on how to find individual springs. Adventurous travellers can look for springs that they have to hike to, or, even those which they have to dig themselves - an inventive ruse to guarantee that 25°C water feels that bit more soothing.

Pictures of the author bathing are used to entice. Finally, and perhaps most entertaining, are the personal tales of the good, the bad and the sulphurous. Dip into this site to find a variety of inventive ways to become a prune in style. A great homepage and the kind-of-thing that the web was really made for.

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