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The Tohoku region is known for its beautiful mountains, delicious rice, snowfall and hot springs. What better way to enjoy all of the above than at a ryokan (Japanese inn) that can provide access to these Tohoku treasures?
Within the onsen, or hot spring, realm is a rare and dying breed of bath — konyoku. Konyoku onsen are mixed gender baths that have been around for hundreds of years. As time went on and cultures mixed in Japan, new laws have made it harder for these ancient establishments to continue their traditions. What was considered normal in Japan was considered lewd and inappropriate. Therefore, Japan changed her ways to better fit the conservative palate of the international society. Whether you are bathing with your significant other or a group of friends, keep a part of Japan’s old culture alive by visiting one of the Tohoku region’s many konyoku onsen.
1. Aoni Onsen
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- External Link
- https://gaijinpot.com/
10 Comments
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oldman_13
I don't know, I'm not too comfortable with such an arrangement.
The "metoo" movement makes me afraid to do anything risky these days.
kurisupisu
Towels in the bath?
Splashing water?
No doubt they never take a shower before entering?
Isnt that against Onsen etiquette?
Vince Black
Yeah sure, but as soon as I'm accused of staring "creepily" at one of them I'll be arrested.
Alfie Noakes
Why? What did you do that was risky before "metoo"?
afanofjapan
Konyoku onsens are great. Not for creepily staring (dont worry, nobody will be accusing you unnecessarily, more than likely its them thats doing the creepy staring). But it means i can go into an onsen with my wife, and i can stare at her all i want (better than being on your own and having nobody to talk to)
commanteer
I know it's posed.... but if it were real, you know that guy in the picture is going to have a great night.
PerformingMonkey
My wife and I always went kashikiri for our onsen excursions.
Why would anyone not want their own private bath?
UlsterBoy
So, erm... it's a hot swimming pool with togs under those Towels ?
I wonder what happens if the Towel accidentally slips off or becomes a bit more revealing ?
Antonio C. R. Murray
The bs Me Too movement (started by sista Tarana Burke yet co-opted by White women) doesn't exist in JPN and any other country with common sense.
Difference between Black and White movements are this. Black movements are always reciprocal. White movements are not.
Peter14
The Japanese need to embrace their cultural heritage for it to survive. Many who visit Japan want to experience the authentic culture rather than a watered down version sold to foreigners. Mixed bathing should be protected and promoted so it survives, and in its original form which is without coverings. Everyone is equal when naked in a bath.
If people enjoy it they will return and speak highly of it to friends. If it turns out to be not for them then they will have at least tried it and be able to speak of it from personal experience. This is what happens when you try new things. Some you like and others not so much but in the act of actually doing you are broadening your knowledge and thats a good thing. Life is as good as your experiences.