Chubu is a massive region in the middle of Japan that comprises nine prefectures. It is also home to Japan’s beloved active volcano, Mt Fuji. With so many prefectures packed into one region, you can find yourself lost in a sea of exciting things to do. But fear not, for one must-do activity on your long list of sights and experiences to take part in a visit to a konyoku onsen, or mixed-gender hot spring.
For many centuries, the Japanese have bathed in mixed-gender facilities but it wasn’t until the end of World War II when these establishments began to disappear. Due to strict regulations and the “taboo” nature of bathing with the opposite sex brought in with the occupation forces and mores, less and less konyoku onsen were able to keep their doors open for business.
Unlike most Western countries, Japan’s bathing traditions have that has strengthened paternal and fraternal bonds for centuries. In fact, the culture of “skinship” will see parents bathing with children for several years or groups of friends going on an “onsen trip.” Bathing and relaxing together in an onsen is and has always been an important part of the Japanese way of life. Support this time-warn rituals of Japanese society while enjoying some mineral-rich hot spring time with your partner, family or friends and see if it helps warm your connections!
1. Amagiso
This location is perfect for shy onsen goers and families who want to bathe together while wearing bathing suits. Not only is there a mixed onsen, but this location also offers a swimming pool, too! The most iconic part of Amagiso is definitely the surrounding landscape. A roaring 30-meter tall waterfall cascades from between the rough terrain surrounding the bath.
- Admission: ¥2,000 day pass
- Access: 15 minutes by car from Kawazu station
- Address: 359 Nashimoto, Kawazu, Kamo, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Map
Click here to read more.
- External Link
- https://gaijinpot.com/
3 Comments
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thepersoniamnow
Well the fact of the matter is the vast majority of Japanese have no problem with nudity.
lostrune2
Not nude in the picture
koiwaicoffee
Article doesn't talk about the number of perverts and weirdos that would go to a mixed onsen. Plenty of them in Japan.