Best Onsens Near Me in София

An onsen is a naturally hot Japanese spring bath. The water is geothermally heated beneath the ground by volcanic activity, and rises to the surface bubbling hot. Officially, onsen water should be at least 25°C when it comes out of the ground, and should contain one or more of 19 specific chemical elements that naturally occur in hot spring water. Onsens are open to the public, and you’re expected to soak up the soothing mineral-rich water by bathing in it naked. For a full run-down of what to expect, see our other onsen FAQs.

Onsens are supposed to be relaxing, social hot spring baths. The naturally warm and mineral rich waters boost blood circulation, relieve pain, stress, and sore muscles, and promote better sleep. Depending on the types of minerals in the water, some onsens can help treat skin complaints including eczema and psoriasis.

Yes. The water can be so hot it can scald and burn the skin, so check the temperature before you get in, and take care not to bathe for too long as you could end up with heat exhaustion and/or dehydration. There are other health risks, too: including slipping on the rocks as you walk between pools; contracting a bacterial infection (including legionnaires) because the water is natural and therefore unchlorinated; and increasing your blood pressure. Ask your doctor if they think it’s a good idea for you to use an onsen before you do.

Expect rocks and incredible scenery, and to get naked, because to enjoy a traditional Japanese onsen, you’ll need to strip off completely before entering the springs, and follow specific cultural customs (see next FAQ).

Plenty! Onsen have been enjoyed by the Japanese for centuries, so show respect by taking heed of their customs before and during your hot spring experience. Alcohol is prohibited in onsen, and – up until recently – so, too, were tattoos; if you have a tattoo, it’s advisable to check beforehand if you’ll be allowed in – some onsend may simply require you to cover your tattoo(s) up. When you first arrive at the onsen, you’ll need to remove your shoes and all your clothes (swimwear is not allowed), and be respectful of other people’s personal space. Onsen are open to everyone, so all visitors will be naked. You’re allowed one small and one large towel – which you can either bring with you or hire at the entrance. You’ll need to tie up long hair if you have it, leave your clothes and mobile phone in the changing room, and shower before entering the hot springs. Once in, don’t put your head under water, and don’t splash, jump or dive: simply relax. You’ll probably want to move from one hot spring to another; every time you do so, rinse yourself off. There’s likely to be a tub filled with hot water specifically for this purpose: so use the bucket(s) provided to scoop out some water and wash yourself down before dipping into the next spring. The last few rules are simple: don’t stare at other people, don’t start grooming yourself, keep chatter low, and have another shower before you leave to get dressed.

Entrance to an onsen tends to cost around BGN 60; but choose carefully. There may well be hot spas in the country you live in, but for an authentic onsen, you need to head to Japan. To find a good one, look at recommendations and then check their online reviews for added insight. And don’t confuse an onsen with a sento – they look similar but sentos are public bathhouses that use normal heated water, not natural hot springs.