Hello, I'm Hana. Have you ever been to Japan? Japan offers four distinct seasons, each with its own unique landscapes and events to enjoy.

February, often considered the coldest and the off-season for travel, presents an intriguing opportunity. While many tourists flock for winter sports, some might wonder: what else can one enjoy in Japan during the heart of winter?

That's why today, I'd like to introduce you to a winter journey that delves into Japanese culture. By reading this article, you'll get a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and discover hints for a heartwarming winter trip.

【Table of Contents】

Introduction

Nostalgic Steamy Retreats in Hot Spring Tow

Explore Ancient Tastes at Sake Breweries

Experience the Arrival of Spring with Cherry Blossom Viewing

Conclusion...

Nostalgic Steamy Retreats in Hot Spring Towns

Nostalgic Steamy Retreats in Hot Spring Tow

What are Hot Springs?

Hot springs refer to water or steam that springs from the earth containing certain minerals specified by the Hot Springs Law, or water with a temperature of 25°C or higher. The composition of minerals affects the scent, color, and feel of the water, making each hot spring unique.

Origins of Hot Springs

While hot springs are now popular tourist destinations and places for relaxation, they originally served as locations for "toji" (hot spring cures), aimed at treating illnesses and promoting health. The culture of toji dates back to ancient times, with emperors, aristocrats, monks, and warriors all experiencing the healing power of hot springs. Over time, hot spring culture evolved from a focus on healing to also include commercial aspects such as souvenir sales, leading to the establishment of hot spring resorts.

Types and Benefits of Hot Springs

Hot springs, once sought for medicinal purposes, are now visited by many for relaxation and rejuvenation. There are various types of hot springs, each with different effects due to their mineral compositions. Let me introduce you to three common types:

Simple Springs: Soft to the touch and gentle on the skin, often dubbed as "nerve pain relief baths."
Alkaline Simple Springs: Known as "beauty baths" for their ability to remove dead skin cells and promote relaxation.
Chloride Springs: Recognizable for their "salty" impression due to containing chloride, they prevent rapid cooling of the body after bathing and are believed to have antibacterial effects.

Hot Spring Towns

The term "hot spring town" refers to areas where hot springs are concentrated. Each of these towns across Japan has its unique charm, offering various accommodations from quaint traditional inns to affordable hotels where people of all walks of life can enjoy hot springs. These towns foster lively exchanges between tourists and locals through hot spring culture.

Some hot spring towns even offer "meguri-yu" (hot spring hopping), allowing visitors to enjoy multiple hot springs without staying overnight. Whether you prefer a leisurely soak at an inn or a day trip combined with sightseeing, there's a hot spring experience suited to your travel style.

Even Movie Settings: Hot Spring Towns

Here's a little side note: One of my recommended hot spring towns is "Shibu Onsen" in Nagano Prefecture. It's rumored to be one of the models for the Ghibli movie "Spirited Away." The narrow steam-filled alleys and numerous staircases leading to different baths evoke a nostalgic feeling, making it an excellent spot to unwind and immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of a hot spring town.

Etiquette and Enjoying Hot Springs

Lastly, let's talk about proper etiquette for enjoying hot springs. Remember, hot springs are communal spaces meant for everyone's enjoyment. To ensure a pleasant experience for all:

Perform a "kakeyu" (water pouring) to acclimate your body gradually to the water temperature.
Wash your body thoroughly before entering the bath to maintain cleanliness.
Once in the bath, relax and enjoy the warmth, allowing your body to float gently.
Dry yourself completely before leaving the bathing area to avoid making the changing room wet.
After bathing, hydrate yourself and take some rest to replenish your energy.

Explore Ancient Tastes at Sake Breweries

Did you know that you can not only drink but also see how sake is made?

The Allure of Sake

Sake, made by fermenting rice, is a delightful beverage. The quality of water used in sake brewing is as crucial as the rice itself. It's often said, "the taste of sake is determined by water." Hard water tends to produce sharp, dry sake, while soft water results in milder, sweeter sake.

What to Expect on Sake Brewery Tours

A place where sake is brewed or stored is called a sake brewery. Many breweries offer tours where you can learn about their brewing techniques and unique approaches to crafting delicious sake.

Touring the Production Process

During these tours, you'll have the chance to observe the sake-making process while listening to explanations about the brewery's history and brewing philosophy. Each brewery has its own architectural style and ambiance, reflecting its traditions and values.

Sake production typically occurs from November to February. Visiting during this time might allow you to witness the actual brewing process—a perfect fit for a winter excursion!

Sake Tasting

After the tour, most breweries offer sake tasting sessions. Some even provide opportunities for comparative tastings, allowing you to discover your favorite. The sake you taste will feel even more enjoyable after witnessing the craftsmanship and dedication involved in its making.

Some breweries also have cafes or restaurants where you can enjoy authentic meals or original sweets made with sake.

Tips for Brewery Visits

Reservations are often required for brewery tours. Be sure to book in advance through their website.
Avoid consuming fermented foods like yogurt before visiting, as they can negatively impact the yeast used in sake brewing.

Enjoying "Yukimi-zake" in Winter

In Japan, there are several terms associated with alcohol. When we think of winter and alcohol, the first thing that comes to mind is "atsukan" (hot sake). In colder regions, it's a cultural tradition to drink heated sake.

Another term you might hear is "yukimi-zake" (snow-viewing sake). This refers to enjoying sake while admiring snow scenery. Many regions with heavy snowfall produce high-quality sake due to the pristine snowmelt water, making it worth exploring breweries in snowy areas.

Why not explore a sake brewery during the winter months, discover your favorite sake, and enjoy a leisurely "yukimi-zake" under the stars? It's sure to warm both your heart and body!

Experience the Arrival of Spring with Cherry Blossom Viewing

Lastly, let's talk about cherry blossoms, a harbinger of early spring that blooms as early as February.

Introducing Kawazu Cherry Blossoms

Japan is renowned for its cherry blossoms. Throughout the country, there are avenues called "sakura-namiki" lined with cherry trees, painting the landscape pink in spring. Among them, the Kawazu cherry blossom variety blooms earlier than others.

Originating from wild cherry trees in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, the Kawazu cherry blossoms are characterized by their deep pink color when in full bloom.

Moreover, while cherry blossoms typically bloom for one to two weeks, the Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom for about a month starting from late February, offering an extended period to enjoy their beauty.

Fascinating Facts About Cherry Blossoms

The history of cherry blossoms dates back to around 300 BCE. In Japan, as rice cultivation began, cherry blossoms were revered as trees inhabited by the spirit of the harvest deity. Their blooming coincided with the start of rice planting, leading to the practice of predicting harvests based on cherry blossom viewing.

Cherry Blossom Viewing: A Chance for Spectacular Scenery

Cherry blossom viewing, known as "hanami," is a quintessential Japanese tradition. People gather beneath the blossoming trees, enjoying food, drinks, and the company of friends and family. It's a time of both sadness for farewells and excitement for new beginnings, symbolizing the arrival of a new year in Japan.

While a cherry blossom viewing picnic in February might be a bit chilly, the sight of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the sky and sun is truly breathtaking! Why not embark on a journey with warm drinks and food, embracing the early signs of spring with friends?

Conclusion...

So, how was your journey through "Winter Immersion in Japanese Culture"? Even I, as I told you about it, couldn't help but feel the urge to go out and explore! Despite being a small island nation, Japan boasts a rich history and diverse cultures varying from region to region.

I hope that by reading this article, you've gained a deeper appreciation for Japan's cultural diversity and perhaps sparked even more interest in the country. Thank you for reading until the end.