The Onsen Experience

After I went up to the room I decided to check out the Onsen or thermal spa up on the 12th floor, which you had to access via the 6th floor elevator. Well it was quite crowded up there at 19:30 or so. A new experience for me, I certainly didn’t need to have brought my swimsuit all the way from California.

I had read “The Rules” and several places in fact had posted “Onsen Rules.” “No clothes.” “You must be Nude.” was enforced strictly.

Even tattoos are generally not allowed, and specifically not depending on the Onsen. So I was informed to take one towel (of which three would have been more adequate it turns out, by the end of the experience) and washcloth.

I was guided to bathe or shower first before entering the thermal baths. So shower I did nude. Then I quickly walked nude over to the closest and empty thermal pool or tub.

As I settled into the warmth of the water enveloping my nude body in the public bathhouse, I gradually looked around and tried to relax and act natural or comfotable. But I definitely wasn’t. I was not relaxed and definitely not feeling comfortable. To be clear, the only person I am comfortable being nude in front of is my husband. I have never even been able to change clothes in front of my friends or family, so this was definitley stretching my comfort zone.

The surroundings combined with my dramatic time zone change were surreal. I felt as if I had been transported back in time. As I braved to look around, I glimpsed naked ladies with hand towels placed on top of their heads. I watched how other women casually waded in the baths and nonchalantly poured water from ladels over their naked bodies, from a volcanic rock weel. Trying to act nonchalant I did the same.

Then I ventured further out, walking past the indoor pools to the outdoor thermal baths, which was my main destination. The outdoor pools were less busy and it was slightly windy and cooler out there. A posted sign read “Do not set towels outside due to high winds.” So I had to walk further without the covering of my towel.

I soaked in a stone tub which was a bit slimy and sort of smelly like algae. Not as delightful nor as clean as my rooftop spa at home, that’s for sure. One lady was sunbathing or moonbathing in the dark of the night sky, which I found strange. Another uninhibited bather came into my bath and plopped her naked self right in the corner of my pool, uncomfortably close to me. I got  the feeling that one could get anything they wanted there, without ever asking. It was a tad bit creepy, combined with the dank musty smell, and back in time atmosphere. With that final thought, it’s time to go, I said to myself.

But on the way to the showers exit, I saw an Aromatic Sauna room which I could not pass by. In I went. As I entered there were two older Japanese ladies sitting in there. It was amazing. Heat hot heat and aromatic scent of a blend eucalyptus, lavender, sage…

As I sat absorbing the heat my mind melted. From a volcanic rock urn in front of me, I scooped some of the crystal aroma salts with my hand and threw them on top of the volcanic rock cauldron from where the intense heat was releasing. The scent intensified, as did the heat. Again I tossed a scooped up handful of aroma salts into the volcanic cauldron.

Steam spewing out of the rock 🪨 I had the urge to Ohm. And OM I did. The reverberating echo was so powerful and strong. I did it again. And again.

Then I added the Japanese Reiki chants of Chokuray, Seiheke, Daikumiyo, and Hanshazeshonen.

By now the two Japanese elders had left. The sauna chamber was echoed and reverberating with my chanting. I was sending thanks and releasing gratitude through my powers and prayers which had brought us this far. Thanks and gratitude for Hubby and I and the culmination of the four year healing journey we’ve been on.

I felt emotional release through and around me. The experience was cathartic and healing at the same time.

Full circle complete, I gathered myself up and breathing it all in, exited the wooden chamber. A gathering of Japanese women and elders had accumulated at the glass door as I exited. Walking out, I no longer felt aware of being naked.

June 2024