Japan - Winter 2023

Since the hot spring waters at Kusatsu Onsen come out of the ground at near-boiling temperatures, they need to be cooled before being used for bathing. However, a technique is needed that does not affect the mineral qualities of the waters. “Yumomi” is a traditional method of using wooden paddles to stir the water, performed by two lines of women on either side, singing folk songs. There are daily reenactments of “yumomi” at Netsunoyu bathhouse. ¥700, 30 minutes. And, in non-corona times, members of the audience can try it for themselves!Les mer