Have DIY Onsen At Home

Posted on 08/23/2022 Last updated on 08/23/2022

Like many places in the world, people in Japan love a little self-care. After a hard day or week at work, few things beat a soothing, relaxing bath. Japan boasts many onsen (hot springs), which can be enjoyed all year round.

But years of COVID-19 have done a number on the experience of going to the onsen. While some sense of normalcy has resumed, many newcomers to Japan are still hesitant to take the plunge at this stage.

With the help of a couple bath salts and bath bombs, you can almost sorta bring the onsen-like experience right inside your tub at home! It’s not quite the real thing, but it’s the next-best thing!

Recreating the Onsen Experience

Photo Credit: Hiro1960さん on PhotoAC

Indulging in a hot bath full or aromatic salts is especially great in winter, but it can also be enjoyed any time of year. This is one of the core principles of the onsen.

It has long been believed that they can help cure diseases, as well as serve to drive away bad luck. The hot water full of minerals has positive effects on the skin, is good for the innards (especially cardiac & gastrointestinal systems) and helps with fatigue.

All that is well and good, but what if you can’t make it out to the nearest onsen? Well, one can replicate the feeling of taking a dip in mineralized hot water by using bath salts. There’s an amazing variety of bath salts out there with excellent healthy, beautifying effects. Bath salts in Japan come in a variety of vivid colors, aromas and even shapes. They are are popular with locals and visitors alike, often making great gifts to bring home. Now, let’s take a look at some!

Bath Salts

Photo Credit: 姿煮さん on PhotoAC

As mentioned, bath salts in Japan come in various sizes, shapes, colors and smells. There are the basic kind everyone would expect (pictured above) but there’s also special varieties made for kids. Some of the most famous bath salts are shaped like popular foods and candies.

For example, a type modeled after the famous candy Milky has gained much popularity in recent years. These bath salts can be strawberry or pineapple-scented. They come in a package that looks just like a packet of real Milky candies. When you take one out and put it in the bath, it fizzles as it melts, giving off just the right scent and color.

Bath salts can be found on the shelves of drug stores such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Tomod’s, Don Quixote, AEON and other supermarkets, as well as 100 yen shops like Daiso and CanDo. Department store specialty shops like LOFT carry more sophisticated brands.

Into the Woods

Photo Credit: NEOヤジ1970さん on PhotoAC

One type of bath salt that is especially popular among adults are the “natural” varieties. The relaxing aroma of the woodlands is perfect for the heated water, healing your tired, stiff muscles.

Some bath salts and powders are even directly derived from some of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas. Add a packet of these to your bath, and transform it immediately into your very own hot spring! The steam and aromas of onsen are said to have wonderful effects the mind and body.

Special medicated bath salts are also available. These can help relieve arthritis and back pain. Others can improve skin conditions such as eczema, acne, chapped skin and frostbite. There’s really not limit to what a good bath can do!

Bath Bombs

Photo Credit: rui235さん on PhotoAC

When you want your relaxing bath experience to have a bit more bang, go for a bath bomb. Bath bombs are hard-packed spherical mixtures that will rapidly fizz once added to water. They help you relax as they add color, bubbles, aromas, and essential oils to your bath. These will help your body feel more rejuvenated. Babb Forest Omotenashi is a personal favorite of mine.

After dissolving, these tablets release their effects. They can help with increasing blood circulation and relieving fatigue. A package of Babb Forest includes four kinds of bath tablets, with scents of camphor tree, Japanese cypress, green bamboo, and nadeshiko flowers. This one also tends to make me fall asleep faster, and I feel recharged rather than sluggish in the morning. I used to be so grumpy pushing my snooze button, but whenever I use this bath bomb, I get up ready to go.

So what are you waiting for? Head to the nearest drugstore, find one that suits your liking, and have a relaxing bath time!

Photo & Information Credits:

Top photo: 白つばきさん on PhotoAC

1 – Hiro1960さん on PhotoAC

2 – 姿煮さん on PhotoAC

3 – NEOヤジ1970さん on PhotoAC

4 – rui235さん on PhotoAC

Additional information used in this article courtesy of Matcha.