Hey everyone - it's Rei! Surprisingly, it is already late November! It has been cold everyday, and there is only about a month left in the fall semester. In the meantime, last week was International Education Week (IEW) 2022, and various events related to international affaires were held at PLU! In fact, IEW is the official national education week, celebrating the benefits of international education and exchange around the world!
PLU's International Student Office hosted an annual event called Around the World, which allowed students to travel around the world without having to leave campus. This year, students from a total of six different countries: Denmark, Vietnam, Chili, Taiwan, U.K., and Japan (relatively fewer than past years, sad...) hosted tables and displays to present their unique histories, characters, and cultures to other students. Here is a recap of that event and my hosting of Japan, and a blog version Around the World for those of you who were unable to come to the event. I hope this will be helpful to those who would like to host a table next year!
Japan's Onsen Culture
Onsen, is the Japanese word for "hot springs," or "bath" which is warmed by the heat of the earth. In other words, Onsens are natural hot springs, fueled by volcanic activity, as well as the resort atmosphere that has emerged around many such springs. In Japan, there are also public bathhouses where tap water is boiled. However, there are significant differences between them in terms of the texture and aroma of the hot water, and the warmth of the water after bathing. The minerals in Onsen water make the experience completely different. Once you try it, you will surely understand the charm id Japanese hot springs.
History of Onsen
In Japan, there have long been myths about hot springs in various parts of the country, such as the healing of injured animals, and the Japanese people's belief in hot spring was born out of their "gratitude and reverence for gifts of nature." The benefits of hot springs were initially known only to the residents living near the hot springs, but when Prince Shotoku (picture below) took medical treatment at a hot spring called Dogo Onsen, a memorial monument (picture in left side) was built to celebrate his recovery, and the Dogo Onsen and Onsen itself became famous. After that, other emperors and members of the royal family in Japan began to visit hot springs in various regions, and people began to believe more and more in the efficiency of hot springs. Later, in the Edo period, more and more people began to develop hot springs as a business opportunity. Hot springs inns began to built in places such as Hakone and Atami, where the springs were located nearby. The hot springs in Onsen inns were marketed as a way to "become one with nature" when bathing in the hot springs, without any particular modifications from the source of Onsen. Hot springs used to be located in the middle of nowhere or in the countryside where the springs are located nearby, but due to urbanization, public bathhouses began to appear in the city, and now some super public bathhouses carry hot spring water. They are well equipped and are often used by businessmen after work or college students after their classes as a place to relax.
Place to visit for Onsen
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| Ginzan Onsen in winter time |
The retro scenery of
Ginzan Onsen is like stepping back in time. In the hot spring resort area where wooden inns line both banks of the
Ginzan River, gas lamps are lit at night, creating a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere. It is just like the setting of the movie "Spirit Away." The most photogenic time to visit is on a snowy night. The snow-covered streets look great against the outside lights. Soaking in hot spring resort can offer. There are many cafes, eating spots, and souvenir shops within walking distance, making it an enjoyable hot spring resort to stroll around. It is one of the hot spring resorts I would definitely recommend!
To sum it up, Onsen is one of the healthiest cultures that Japan has to offer, and one that you should definitely experience when you visit Japan! I hope this information has been helpful to you, and below are photos of everyone who hosted a table at Around the World 2022! I am looking forward to next year's IEW events and hope that more tables and visitors will be added. Have fun during the Thanksgiving break while getting a good rest, and start preparing for Finals week well in advance!
-Rei
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