I am not qualified to speak to specifics of what makes a hot mineral bath officially an Onsen, but the Japanese have created something that just works.
I lived with a host family for a few weeks in Okinawa while studying Japanese. My host family asked if I wanted to go visit a certain place, but I didn't understand the word. Trying to be open to new experiences, I agreed without knowing what they'd asked. It ended up being an Onsen. I'll admit, I hadn't expected to get naked with everyone (and might have said no if I'd known). But I LOVED the experience. It had an incredible view of a forest in the mountains. I would soak in the hot water until I couldn't stand it, then get in the cold water, then back. I'd love to do it again.
Your friend should go for it but make sure the water is exceptionally clean. There is a spa in Santa Fe that does this and I've been there a few times - it's great! You book the outdoor tubs by the hour, they are completely private so it's a nice experience. Check it out - https://tenthousandwaves.com/spa "We use state-of-the-art purification systems for all baths, utilizing ultraviolet light, hydrogen peroxide, and ozone. The entire water content of each tub passes through the sanitation system every twenty minutes. We perform bacterial cultures weekly on all tubs to ensure that all systems work properly. Often the result is drinking water quality. The source of the highly mineralized water used in the baths is a 900-foot deep well"
I need, I need, I want, I want.
That’s incredible, I totally want an onsen
I lived with a host family for a few weeks in Okinawa while studying Japanese. My host family asked if I wanted to go visit a certain place, but I didn't understand the word. Trying to be open to new experiences, I agreed without knowing what they'd asked. It ended up being an Onsen. I'll admit, I hadn't expected to get naked with everyone (and might have said no if I'd known). But I LOVED the experience. It had an incredible view of a forest in the mountains. I would soak in the hot water until I couldn't stand it, then get in the cold water, then back. I'd love to do it again.
You should talk with the Whitakers about their epic hot spring. If you want an "above lukewarm spring", come visit us down the road.
I want an Onsen!
No! I have been in the hot springs by the golf course. Someone bought that land a few years ago. Before that, lots of people used to go and enjoy.
I want an Onsen!
I want an onsen
Your friend should go for it but make sure the water is exceptionally clean. There is a spa in Santa Fe that does this and I've been there a few times - it's great! You book the outdoor tubs by the hour, they are completely private so it's a nice experience. Check it out - https://tenthousandwaves.com/spa "We use state-of-the-art purification systems for all baths, utilizing ultraviolet light, hydrogen peroxide, and ozone. The entire water content of each tub passes through the sanitation system every twenty minutes. We perform bacterial cultures weekly on all tubs to ensure that all systems work properly. Often the result is drinking water quality. The source of the highly mineralized water used in the baths is a 900-foot deep well"
Okinawa, 1985.
I want an Onsen!
I want an onsen! Now.
Must. Have. ONSEN!!! Make it happen, good people :)
I want an onsen. 😌
GOLDEN
I want an Onsen!
I want an onsen
Onsen is life. I want Onsen