Growing up in London, the concept of hot spring (onsen) was completely alien to me. I was first introduced to the idea during my time living in Osaka but at first it was a bit of a struggle to adjust.
Sharing a hot bath with many people that you do not know takes some getting used to. Needless to say after a few years in Japan I was able to overcome this and began to really appreciate and enjoy bathing in the natural spring water.
For those with apprehension, Aso is the ideal place to experience and eventually fall in love with onsen. With so many locations offering the rental of your own private hot spring, you can enjoy this unique experience without anxiety or embarrassment.
Whilst I had gotten used to the public setting, I was excited at the idea of having a whole hot spring to myself.
I decided to visit Yurayura Kosugi Resort.
Finding out online that the place had recently been renovated and offered a wide range of private onsen rooms to choose from, I was looking forward to seeing the rooms on offer.
Ranging from the more expensive premier rooms with both inside and outside (Rotenburo) onsen to economical rooms offering inside springs only, it is easy to find something to suit. As it was a particularly cold night, I selected the room with an outside onsen as I love the contrast between the cold air and the hot water.
The amenities from the front desk were great with complimentary shampoo, conditioner and body wash. The room facilities were equally as impressive with private sinks, toilet, hair dryer and hot and cold air conditioning.
Both the inside and outside springs were stunning and clean with shower facilities located to the side.
Before entering an Onsen in Japan it is custom to take a shower in order to keep the natural spring water as clean as possible.
The rental time for the room was set at 60 minutes but I received an extra 10 minutes free as it was my first time visiting.
The quality of the water was one of the best I have ever experienced with Aso being home to an active volcano and a source of some of the purest water available in Japan.
A small word of warning, depending on the location, water temperatures vary and can be extremely hot. Luckily there is a cold water tap to adjust the temperature to your liking.
After a very relaxing 70 minutes, I was able to purchase a cold drink available from the reception area and enjoy their outdoor seating.
They have a variety of drinks to choose from including alcoholic beverages.
For those new to onsen or those with experience, I would definitely recommend the private onsen rental available at Yurayura Kosugi Resort. It is a great luxury treat to indulge in from time to time.
Thank you for reading and I hope you are all able to enjoy the Japanese hot springs.
Oliver
