The oldest hot springs town in Japan is bringing the relaxing benefits of onsens online
While it may feel like every museum, musician, and tourism board has released some form of virtual vacation in response to the coronavirus pandemic, nothing has compared to the virtual moment of zen being offered by these Japanese spas.
Despite the fact that most Japanese onsens and ryokans have temporarily closed in response to the virus, Arima Onsen, Japanʼs oldest hot spring town, is bringing its onsens online in hopes of helping to heal people in self-quarantine around the world. Yes, you can now take a virtual dip in a restorative hot spring without booking a flight to Japan, or leaving home at all.
“Japanʼs hot springs can help to heal people in quarantine around the world, as well as increase the efficacy of the quarantine,” Arima Onsen Volunteering Inn owners said in a press release. “This way, we may, even if only slightly, help reduce infections and suffering from the new coronavirus.”
(Related: Why A Mid-Day Onsen Dip Is A Good Idea)