The best rotenburo in winter

Winter in Japan offers a unique experience: that of immersing yourself in a rotenburo, an outdoor thermal bath, while contemplating a snow-covered landscape. This ancient tradition allows you to enjoy the benefits of natural hot springs while connecting with the country's winter beauty. Let's discover together the best rotenburo to visit during the cold season, their unique features and the precautions to take to enjoy them to the full. Get ready for an unforgettable moment of relaxation in the heart of the Japanese winter.

1. Shikaribetsu-ko Onsen (Hokkaido): Located on frozen Lake Shikaribetsu in Daisetsuzan National Park, this ephemeral rotenburo is part of an ice village built every winter. The experience is unique: you bathe in 40°C water surrounded by walls of ice, with a 360° view of the icy landscape.

2. Nyuto Onsen (Akita): This spa village at the foot of Mount Nyuto is home to several ryokan with their own rotenburo. The most famous is Tsurunoyu Onsen, whose milky waters contrast magnificently with the surrounding snow.

3. Manza Onsen (Gunma): Perched at an altitude of 1,800 meters, this rotenburo offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. Its sulfurous waters, reputed to be among the strongest in Japan, promise exceptional therapeutic benefits.

Onsen sous la neige à Shirahone

Onsen in the snow at Shirahone

awanoyuryokan.com

1. Shikaribetsu ice bath: In this ephemeral rotenburo built on a frozen lake, you can alternate between a hot bath and a quick dip in a hole dug in the ice for an invigorating experience.

2. Stargazing at Manza Onsen: At an altitude of 1,800 meters, this rotenburo offers a breathtaking view of the starry winter sky, far from any light pollution.

3. Midnight bath at Takaragawa Onsen: Open 24 hours a day, this rotenburo lets you bathe under the stars, surrounded by glistening snow in the moonlight.

Shikaribetsu Lake

Shikaribetsu Lake

Shikaribetsuko nature center

Le lac de Shikaribetsu

Lake Shikaribetsu

Wikimedia Commons

Shikaribetsu Kotan

Shikaribetsu Kotan

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