Why I'd rather be in a hot spring
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With average water temperatures pushing the 40-degree mark and fissues in the earth spewing steam and gassy bubbles, hot springs are the earth's natural jacuzzis. So why pay for a spa when you can spa for free while soaking up some of the great outdoors, as well as organic mineral salts, and at the same time proving wrong those people who think spa lovers are a bit soft. Free, hot, bubbling and not at all emasculating (some of them you even have to hike to…) I would certainly rather be steaming, eyes closed with only the hum of nature to serenade me. There are two kinds of hot springs - “wild” springs and “developed” springs. Wild springs are just bubbling away in the wilderness waiting to be soaked in totally gratis, unaided by filtering devices or chemicals (be careful, the temperatures can be wild as well…) While developed springs have been, well, developed, which usually means a combination of temperature regulation, cleaning and made into an oft covered complex you may have to pay to use. The Japanese in particular have embraced the hot spring. In places like Beppu steam drifts off parts of the landscape in graceful spirals like the volcanic terrain it is and stylish wooden veranda-ed lodges have been built so you can steam in all weather - even snow - when the springs are even more appealing. Some Japanese take it so seriously that they take their daily ablutions in the hot springs - and why just shower if you can soak in mineral rich, effervescent water? The ancient Greeks and Romans were fans as well - what do you think English town Bath is named after? So there’s a historic element to use in the hot spring vs. spa debate as well. But do you really need it? Outdoors in the fresh, humid air, your water heated in the most environmentally friendly way imaginable - by volcano - your body relaxing against the jets of bubbles, your money safe at home…I know where I’d rather be. |
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Hot Springs the World Over » Best Free Jacuzzis
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Beppu and its Hot SpringsHot Springs in Ōita, Japan Beppu is Japan's most famous hot spring town. There are countless hot spring resort hotels to choose from, and colorful hot pools and geysers to view at the outdoor geothermal sites. The colors of the geothermal pools (far too hot to bathe in!) are striking and range from blood red to aquamarine. For bathing there is a gigantic indoor hot spring playground with numerous pools and waterslides, all using water from natural hot spring sources.
Review by Photo by mikelyvers |
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Furusato OnsenHot Springs in Kagoshima, Japan Japan has more hot springs than any other region on earth. One of the most pleasant is found at the foot of frequently erupting Sakurajima Volcano on the southern island of Kyushu. Furusato Onsen offers beautiful outdoor lava rock pools at the ocean's edge. Ashfall from Sakurajima sometimes muddies the hot pools but usually the water is crystal clear. In the 1980s patrons of the hot spring resort hotel narrowly escaped death when a huge volcanic bomb hurled from Sakurajima smashed through all six floors of the building and ended up in the basement!
Review by Photo by mikelyvers |
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ThermopolisHot Springs in Mountain States, United States Thermopolis is a hot spring resort on the Bighorn River. An 1896 treaty with the Shoshone and Arapaho Indians ensures that the springs will always be free to the public. The springs have formed an impressively large and colorful sinter terrace that overhangs the river. Another attraction is the Wyoming Dinosaur Museum, featuring some amazing fossils including skeletons of mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Velociraptors and others. Herds of wild buffalo roam the hills above the springs. Thermopolis is close to the entrance of the Wind River Canyon where signs along the road identify 2 billion years of rock layers.
Review by Photo by mikelyvers |
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Waiotapu Thermal WonderlandHot Springs in Rotorua, New Zealand Literally “Sacred Waters,” Waiotapu has been a geothermal tourist attraction since 1886. The volcanic activity of the area has warped the landscape, creating severe and surreal looking terrain. The main walk takes you past Rainbow Crater, Sulphur Cave, Artist Palette, Lake Ngakoro, and Champagne Pool, all prime examples of natural wonder. Geysers and boiling, bubbling mud add to the atmosphere of this surreal spot.
Review by Photo by flickr user willsfca |
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Dogo Onsen HonkanHot Springs in Japan The hot springs at Dogo are some of Japan’s oldest, they were used by nobility and celebrities in the 6th Century and are still being used today. Dogo Onsen Honkan is the main public bathhouse, an elegant three storey timber building built in 1894 and is the only bath house in Japan which has a special section for use only by the Imperial family. Although it’s early if you’re around at 6:30 in the morning you’ll hear them ring a giant bell to let everyone know they’re open for business.
Review by Photo by worldreviewer |
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Chena Hot SpringsHot Springs in Alaska Northwest, United States In the frigid air of Alaska, Chena Hot Springs provide a unique combination of freezing temperatures and warm water. The Hot Springs were originally used to relieve the aches and pains of prospectors in the early 1900s.
Review by Photo by flickr user Arkansas ShutterBug |
