There will be no list of bars, pubs or clubs in this post; no stories of ski-in/ski-out hotels with fancy lounges; no reviews on the best hot toddy, mulled wine or Irish coffee. No, there will be no tales of beer fueled antics or shot-skis, but those attempting this form of apres ski for the first time might need a bit of liquid courage.
Getting into a hot tub to ease aching muscles and warm chilled limbs after a day of skiing is arguably one of the best feelings. In Hokkaido, this form of relaxation is taken to a whole new level with the onsen experience. Imagine stripping down to your birthday suit in the company of friends and strangers alike and dipping into a natural hot spring. This is common practice in Hokkaido, where geothermal, mineral rich water flows in abundance. Many locations offer both indoor and outdoor options. The more traditional open-air onsens are referred to as roten-buro.
The Lowdown
1. The mineral rich waters are reputedly excellent for relaxing tense muscles. Onsen water can also act as a natural moisturizer due to levels of sulfur and magnesium.
2. Most onsens are non co-ed, though the odd place will allow the sexes to mingle.
3. For an ultra mineral kick, hop into a mud onsen and get down and dirty. The roten-buro near Chisenupuri offers this type of experience, but be forewarned: you run the risk of smelling like fried eggs for several days. Totally worth it for the smoothest skin you will ever have the pleasure to live in.
DO
- Ditch the ski boots and all your layers to go au natural
- Scrub down with soap before entering the hot pool
- Close your eyes and chill to the max
DON’T
- Wear a bathing suit or undies
- Attempt to swim laps
- Take photos or use cell phones
- Dunk your head under water
- Drink adult beverages
- Run, yell, sing, cackle loudly or splash
- Flap your bits to and fro
- Bring a rubber ducky
- Play Marco Polo
- Imprint your behind in the snow for all to behold
- Yell through the divider to your friends of the opposite sex
- Use the hairdryers for anything other than the hair on your head
*All items listed above are purely examples. Any resemblance to real situations is purely coincidental.
Winter is coming,
K
From the Hokkaido series:
Best Day Ever
Night Skiing in Niseko
Nipple Deep in Niseko Powder
The Smelliest Resort in Japan