Local Onsens Near Madarao for First Time Visitors
There is nothing quite like a hot soak after a massive day on the slopes. Your legs feel heavy. Your toes are probably a bit frozen. A traditional Japanese onsen is the perfect way to warm up and recover.
If you have never been to an onsen before, the experience can feel a bit uncomfortable because you’re stripping down in front of strangers, and there are some very specific cultural rules to follow. But once you get the hang of it, you'll never want to finish a ski day any other way.
We put together this guide to help international travellers feel confident enough to try the local baths. Here’s how it works and where you should go near the lodge.
The Essential Onsen Rules
It's important to understand the basics before you walk through the doors. The locals are generally very forgiving of travellers, but following these steps shows respect for their culture.
Take of all Your Clothes
You can't wear swimsuits in a traditional onsen. You'll need to leave all your clothing in the changing room lockers. You only take a small modesty towel into the actual bathing area. It feels strange at first, but you get used to it very quickly.
Wash Thoroughly First
This is the most important rule. The bath is for soaking, not for cleaning yourself. You'll see a row of small stools and showerheads along the wall. Sit down and give yourself a proper scrub with soap and shampoo before you even think about stepping into the hot water.
Keep Your Towel Out of the Water
That small towel you brought in? It cannot touch the bathwater. Most people fold it up and balance it on top of their heads while they soak. If it falls in accidentally, just wring it out outside the bath.
Tattoos Can be an Issue
Many public baths in Japan still prohibit tattoos. If you have small ones, you can often cover them with waterproof bandages. If you have large pieces, you'll need to seek out a tattoo-friendly spot or book a private bath. You can check our frequently asked questions for more advice on navigating the area.
Best Local Spots To Try
We’re lucky to have some fantastic options right in our backyard. Here are three great places to try out.
Madarao Kogen Hotel Onsen
This is the easiest option if you're staying close to the main resort area. The water here is highly alkaline, which is fantastic for soothing sore muscles. It's a very welcoming spot for international visitors. They have both indoor and outdoor baths, so you can sit in the hot water while the snow falls around you.
Akakura Onsen
If you take a short drive over to the Myoko area, you'll find a completely different style of water. You can learn more about Myoko on our website, but the main drawcard here is the mineral-rich volcanic water. The water often has a slightly cloudy colour and a distinct sulphur smell. It's exactly what your body needs after tackling the deep powder all day.
Landmark Myoko Kogen
This is a larger complex that caters almost exclusively to skiers. It's less traditional than a small village bathhouse, but it's very accessible and easy to navigate for first-timers. They have multiple pools with different temperatures, a sauna, and plenty of space to relax.
The Post Onsen Routine
The Onsen experience doesn't end when you get out of the water. Towel yourself off as best you can before stepping back into the changing room. Once you're dressed, head out to the lobby area.
You'll almost always find a vending machine selling cold milk. Drinking a bottle of cold milk after a hot bath is a deep rooted Japanese tradition. It sounds simple, but it's incredibly refreshing.
We hope this makes your first onsen visit a bit less frightening. Taking n Onsen bath is a “must do” part of any Japanese ski holiday. If you're planning your trip and still need a cosy place to stay, you can always browse our ski lodge accommodation to find the perfect basecamp for your winter adventure.