“SOTO-YU MEGURI”- Wander the hot spring trail

Nozawa Onsen flourished as a hot spring town during the Edo period (1603–1868), when drinking from and soaking in the alkaline mineral-rich water was said to heal various illnesses. The town is particularly proud of its Soto Yu- the thirteen communal bath houses dotted around the neighbourhood and run by local families of the “Yunakama” community.

Soto-yu means “outside bathhouse” and Onsen means “hotspring”. In many places of Japan there are Sotoyu which are not Onsen but in Nozawa Onsen the terms are inter-changeable when referring to the 13 free bath houses.

Most of the Onsen are easily recognizable due to their wooden structures, with architectural designs typical of the Edo period, but some are a little trickier to spot.
All of the Soto-yu are located within easy walking distance of most accommodation in the main village area.
The facilities combine a calm atmosphere with rustic, simple structures; there is one room for each gender, containing a bathtub surrounded by tiles where you sit to wash, and a slightly elevated changing area with wooden slats or tiles.
All the baths are served by a continuous hot spring flow from its local natural source called gensen kakenagashi (ranging between 40–90 degrees Celsius). The water in the bathtubs is typically 45–49 degrees Celsius.
For first-timers the hot water can be a challenge, but it’s a challenge worth accepting because your body will benefit from the silk-like, mineral-rich water, which boasts anti-aging effects and smooths your skin. Take your time when washing and pour the water over your body to get used to it before taking the plunge.
If it’s too hot, don’t worry—you can add cold water to adjust the temperature, but check with other guests that they are comfortable with the change. Some like it hot.
Keep in mind that swimwear is not worn in onsen facilities. And remember- before you enter the bath you must wash while seated. (Don’t forget to bring a towel and soap).

There is no entrance fee to the thirteen Soto Yu, but contributions towards its upkeep are appreciated. Donation boxes are placed next to the entrance of each bath. You may also encounter single indoor pools next to some Soto Yu facilities. These are used by villagers for daily tasks such as laundry or vegetable washing.

To give your onsen-hopping even more of a local flavor, wander around this picturesque, nostalgic town dressed in a yukata (light cotton kimono), and explore the many narrow lanes with their tiny canals.
Even if you may not feel comfortable entering a Soto Yu, it is worth visiting each of them. Gaze at their unique architecture, or collect stamps at the checkpoints in front of each bath.

Opening days and hours	Open all year-round. Apr–Nov 5am–11pm, Dec–Mar 6am–11pm.
Charge	Entry is free but there are small donation boxes located at all entries- please show your appreciation but adding some coins to the boxes.

Ashiyu– footbaths-

Ashiyu – footbaths- are facilities where people can easily enjoy hot spring water simply by rolling up the bottoms of their trousers and soaking their feet.
These is an ashiyu near Ogama- called “Yurari” . It is open during spring, summer and Autumn.

In Japan, it is often said that, “half immersion bathing”—soaking only the lower half of the body—is good for the health.
Soaking your whole body in hot water, as at a regular bathing house, applies water pressure to the whole body, which may cause too much burden on the heart and the lungs, for people with certain health conditions.
Ashiyu offers an alternative; you can enjoy the spring water for a longer period from a relaxed sitting position.

It is simple to use ashiyu- all you have to do is take off your shoes. It is a great way to remove your fatigue, refresh you before you head home after your day in Nozawa.