AN ONSEN

Onsens were, at one time, a key part of the Japanese lifestyle. These public baths were more than a place to clean yourself. Before the 19th century, when people didn’t have baths in their homes, onsens were a social hotspot. People would go and meet for conversation, as well as to use the leisure facilities provided along with the baths.

Onsens grew in popularity after the arrival of Buddhism in Japan, as the religion taught that bathing prevented disease, so as Buddhism expanded across the country, so did public bathing. Prior to the