Sento or Onsen? Let's Choose Your Ultimate Japanese Spa Experience
Japan offers a multitude of immersive cultural experiences, and a visit to its baths ranks high among them. But as a traveler, or even as a local, one might wonder, "What is the difference between sento and onsen?" It's a common question, and given their shared tradition of providing relaxation and rejuvenation, it's understandable why one might get confused.
In this article, we dive (literally) into understanding the nuances of these two bathing traditions and help you decide which experience might best suit your needs.
What is the Difference Between Sento and Onsen?
A Japanese Sento. Image credit: Shutterstock
Let’s Talk Sento
In the simplest terms, sento are public bathhouses that utilize artificially created bathtubs and hot water, mostly tap water. These facilities are often found in urban settings.
Historically, the tradition of sento dates back to the Edo period. Deriving its name from an old Japanese unit of coin, or “Sen” “銭,” the sento can be thought of as a public bathhouse where visitors once paid with coins. This idea of community and affordability continues to this day.
Some go to a sento for a sense of community and physical proximity with their neighbors. It is a place where families gather, news is shared, and weekly routines are carried out. Some simply go to a sento because they live in one of Japan’s famously minimalist apartments and don’t have a private bath. Whatever the reason for your visit, sento are generally more utilitarian than their public-bath cousins: onsen.
What Is An Onsen?
These popular destinations for both tourists and locals are essentially hot springs. In order to fit the official definition of an onsen, mineralized hot spring water must be at a certain temperature, originate at a certain depth underground, and contain specific amounts of certain minerals. So, while ordinary tap water can be heated and pumped into the varied baths of a sento, an onsen must meet very specific criteria.
With its kanji representation hinting at natural origins – “温” or “on” for hot and “泉” or “sen” for spring – onsen are renowned for their therapeutic and relaxing properties. With each onsen sourced from a different spring, the mineral composition of the water varies, leading to different supposed health benefits. There are some 27,000 onsen scattered across the nation, but they find a particular concentration in Kyushu, which is home to approximately 35% of them.
Onsen are traditionally located outdoors, but you can find both indoor and outdoor options nowadays. A strong public-bathing culture with precise etiquette and expectations has evolved over their long history, and visitors should do their best to be informed of behavior expectations at these cultural institutions.
Important! If you have tattoos, you might find yourself turned away at many onsen. However, there are tattoo-friendly options. Check out this list for some ideas.
What Should You Look For?
Accessibility and Authenticity
Sento, given their urban prevalence, are easily accessible. They serve as a daily respite for many city dwellers and can be a quick, refreshing break for tourists. Since sento are designed for regular use, they often ensure privacy with separate facilities for men and women. However, it's crucial for travelers to understand that, while they offer the experience of a Japanese bath, the water is not from natural springs.
Onsen, on the other hand, offer an authentic hot spring experience. That means many of them are more remote and require a bit of driving to get to. But don’t go out of your way for nothing. Here's a pro-tip: not every hot bath in a hotel or inn is a true onsen. To ascertain the authenticity, look for a certificate near the bathing area, detailing the hot spring's composition and the frequency of water quality checks. With one of our custom tours, not only can we show you exactly where to go, we can take you there too.
Therapeutic Value
The allure of Japan's onsen is not just limited to its cultural significance; it's deeply rooted in the holistic benefits it provides. The distinctive minerals found in onsen water offer therapeutic qualities. They are said to permeate the skin and positively influence muscles and nerves. The warmth of the onsen amplifies blood circulation, helping with pain and bolstering metabolism. Finally, the location and surrounding environment of the onsen also play a role in its therapeutic nature. From high-altitude onsen to those in coastal climes, each claims its own unique palette of healthy properties.
While many onsen tout health benefits – from relaxation to relief from muscle aches – it's essential to manage expectations. Most of the soothing feeling after an onsen bath can be attributed to the novelty and excitement of the experience. However, certain onsens have the Japanese Ministry of Environment's seal of approval for offering genuine advantages for your health.
If you’re not sold on the health benefits of onsen, it’s still worth trying one out for the unique experience of soaking your bones in a beautiful natural setting steeped in history, where relaxation is the main focus. But sento can be just as rewarding to check off your travel bucket list in terms of novelty, and relaxation.
Experience and Ambiance
If you're seeking an experience replete with scenic views and unique features, then onsen towns should be your pick. Onsen towns are home to popular hot springs that people flock to, and you can expect every amenity there to make the most of your time, from accommodations to dining.
The serene surroundings, combined with the natural water's therapeutic properties, amplify relaxation, making visiting an onsen town a vacation no-brainer. Up for an onsen-town tour? Keep reading for our recommendations below!
On the other hand, if you’re short on time or have your sights set on other sorts of destinations, the more centralized sento in cities have their own special atmosphere to offer. They are a place to get a feel for the local community, and some offer different kinds of bathing experiences, from herbal to electric-pulse baths. Unlike an onsen, visiting a sento usually only takes a few hours, but it can still offer a glimpse into an important aspect of Japanese culture.
Top Onsen Towns to Visit: Our Expert Recommendations
Fingers are practically pruney at the thought of soaking in the warm waters of Japan’s hot springs? Then you may want to consider the following popular onsen towns.
Beppu Onsen
Boasting an impressive 2,288 onsen sources, Beppu Onsen is Japan’s top spot for those in search of thermal rejuvenation. Nestled in the heart of the city of Beppu, in Ōita, this expansive hot spring system offers visitors a variety of experiences to indulge in. From the relaxation of numerous footbaths scattered throughout the city to the array of different spring types, every guest will find something tailored to their preference.
Beppu Onsen comprises eight major thermal spring zones, which are famously referred to as the "Beppu Hatto" – a name that reflects the breadth and diversity of the hot spring resources in the area. Their volume is only surpassed by Yellowstone National Park!
There are 16 municipal bathhouses in the city, which have been a cornerstone of Japanese bathing culture since 1924.
Ginzan Onsen
Located in the serene heart of Yamagata Prefecture lies Ginzan Onsen. Its retro townscape is a harmonious blend of nostalgia and elegance, transporting visitors back in time with its Taisho-Era wooden structures, streets illuminated by gas lamps, and an impressive lineup of opulent bathhouses.
The waters of Ginzan Onsen are as remarkable as its surroundings. The clear, colorless springs possess a faint salty undertone, and their therapeutic properties are renowned for aiding in the healing of cuts, alleviating stiffness, and providing relief from colds.
But beyond its therapeutic waters and throwback charm, this onsen town is set amidst the mountains in Yamagata's deep countryside, making it a serene and beautiful place year-round. But winter is the time to be here, offering one of the most breathtaking snowy vistas in all of Japan. Come here for that iconic photo while indulging in world-class healing soaks.
Ginzan Onsen in winter. Imagine soaking in an onsen whilst enjoying this view. (Image Credit: Shutterstock)
Arima Onsen
Nestled on the flip side of Mount Rokko, Arima Onsen is a renowned hot spring town. It offers a serene mountainous backdrop and is perfectly positioned for anyone in Kobe and Osaka seeking an escape, whether it’s for a rejuvenating day trip or a leisurely weekend sojourn.
The town has a slightly more contemporary feel than other onsen towns, but the heart of Arima Onsen beats with age-old charm. Meandering through the town's core, visitors will be delighted to stumble upon quaint narrow lanes flanked by wooden buildings. From the bubbling sources of its famed hot springs, serene temples and shrines that exude an air of reverence, to a dedicated hot spring museum, the town is compact and easy to explore on foot once you’re there.
There are two public bathhouses where visitors can experience the town’s rejuvenating waters, and also numerous ryokan all over town.
Ready to Relax?
Now that you can tell the difference between sento and onsen, all that’s left to do is to sit back and soak. That is, after you get there, of course.
At TokudAw, we arrange fully customizable private tours of Japan and work with you to ensure the authenticity of your experience. That means you can rely on us to take you on the perfect sento- and onsen-themed adventure.
Safe travels!
