Touji 湯治

“Touji” is the Japanese name for hot spring healthcare therapy—a tradition that has continued for hundreds of years. Onsen, or a hot springs, are usually associated with resort areas but they have another function as a place for curative care and good health.

Visitors stay at lodgings for an extended period, at least a week, and take a hot spring baths to recover from diseases or other ailments. Because of long stays, accommodation fees are very reasonable and meals are simple and healthy. There are even some visitors who choose to cook meals for themselves. The rooms are not flashy, but they’re quiet and,they are completely different from what we expect at Onsen ryokans or hotels. Many touji lodges have remained unchanged since the old days, and are still old wooden houses, but the quality of the hot springs is quite good since which is why they are still in use. The whole atmosphere is nostalgic.

I recently visited a place like that, “Tochiomata Onsen” in Niigata. “Tochiomata Onsen” is famous for its radium mineral spring, which has been open for visitors for more than four hundred years. Because of the mineral spring water of the bath is not too hot it is possible to remain in the water for more than one hour and really relax. Regrettably, I only had enough time to stay for one night. Truly experiencing Touji again someday for a longer period of time is on my wish list!

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