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redsamuraiii · 5 years ago

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Worshippers brave the cold temperatures of Kiyotaki Falls near Otaki for a traditional ‘water cleansing’ ceremony.

“Sure, I’ll do it,” I say to my guide, giddy with bravado. “I’m from England — it’s a cold country. I’ll take to this like a duck to water.”

This is a lie. I’ve never done anything like misogi before. The word translates as ‘water cleansing’; in the Shinto faith (one of the major religions of Japan), standing under a waterfall is a way to purify your soul. I’d wanted to try it out so I could immerse myself in one of Japan’s key spiritual traditions. I imagined it being like waterfall bathing in shampoo adverts, where the current is balmy, tropical birds swoop and someone plays the steel drums.

But when we arrive at the waterfall, set beneath Mount Shichimen, the torrents are icy, crashing down from frosty heights. At this time of year — mid-winter — the water has a polar temperature, my guide tells me with surprising relish. I spot an inflatable Santa on a nearby windowsill. A worrying thought takes hold: perhaps I’ve been too hasty in committing to this.

Shichimen is in Kanto, a region west of Mount Fuji on Japan’s largest island, Honshu — a world of hanging valleys, mountaintop temples and sacred pathways winding through forests of maple and oak.

Here, as elsewhere in Japan, holiness is rooted in the natural world. For Shinto followers, the divine moves in the passing of seasons, the falling of autumn leaves, in water ebbing through the landscape.

Earlier in the morning, at the guesthouse near the waterfall, I’d met Tamaki Harayama, a pilgrim who’d come to Shichimen for a week of waterfall cleansing. She’d offered to initiate me in this rite, first handing me a man’s misogi costume to change into — a loincloth tied with a knot. Now I wonder if I can fasten it properly. I have a premonition of horrified onlookers, a wail of sirens, calls to the embassy. To preserve the sanctity of Shichimen, I opt for a woman’s robe instead.

I fritter away minutes rearranging my clothes in the changing room. And then I pause to admire the pond near the waterfall. “Like a duck to water,” I think. I step in, right under the thunderbolt of cold water. The adrenalin feels like drinking a thousand Red Bulls. Hours of fearful anticipation melt away in a minute of heady exhilaration. My skin burns, endorphins fizzle. Stepping out again, I experience quiet euphoria — a feeling that will linger on throughout the rest of the day.

I dart to the guesthouse and sink into its hot spring — feeling like a ready meal moved from the freezer to the oven — and simmer happily, emerging in high spirits, with glowing cheeks.

Whether you have faith or not, misogi can offer a true transformation, pressing Control-Alt-Delete on your body. “Your face has opened up,” says Tamaki later. “You’re transformed. When you go home, I think you’ll be a little different.”

How to do it

Misogi takes place at the discretion of local guardians of the waterfall. Heartland Japan, which specialises in tours around the Kanto region, offers the three-day Mount Minobu Spiritual Tour, taking in the Buddhist temples and landscapes close to Shichimen.

Published in the May/June 2020 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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usaginokami · 5 years ago

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LADYBABY “Misogi Island” MV

#LADYBABY #Kaneko Rie #Karasawa Fuka #Arima Emily #Ikeda Nana

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misterallfiction · 6 years ago

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Cut from the same cloth [Event Closed]

‘Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. And welcome back to the Downward Spiral. Spirale news’ number 1 talk show. Tonight we have a very special guest joining us to discuss the state of our every day lives. He’s an activist and aspiring politician who’s been making waves as of late. Please welcome, Kumagawa Misogi.‘

“Wow, I can’t believe they actually put me on tv. I was beginning to think the media had it out for me. I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Thanks for having me.”

‘Well, no reason not to have you on here! We’re all cut from the same cloth here on Radial Island. ‘Where hearts and minds weave together’, as the saying goes. Unlike anywhere else in the world, we pride ourselves on being like family and listening to one another. Which I believe is what you wanted to discuss?’

“Straight to the point, huh? I was hoping to crack a few jokes and show everyone how funny I am! But yes, that is indeed why I’m here. And I want to preface this by saying that I love this island. I love this city. From the day I was born to now, I would give anything to see the people of this island be given the treatment they deserve. But I think we all have to be honest in saying that that isn’t always the case.”

‘You’re referring, of course, to the Non Natives?’

“Hahaha. Calling them Non Natives is being a bit disingenuous, don’t you think?”

‘I don’t see how it is, personally. Spirale has always been a bustling utopia for humanity. Every single thing we see here was brought about by human ingenuity. The Non Natives have never been a part of that. And it’s obvious why.‘

“Well, there’s no recent precedent, I’ll grant you. But we both know how old Radiale is, right? This island’s been around far longer than the city. And for as long as people have been writing books, our non human compatriots have been around. The assertion that they aren’t natives isn’t really grounded in facts.”

‘Hmm. Well, you certainly have a right to that opinion. History aside, what is it about the Non Natives that has caused them to be a center point of your political campaign?’

“Well, I’m sure you and I can both agree that there has been some trouble between the human and non human community--”

‘I-I’m sorry. Forgive me for cutting you off, mister Misogi. But In all fairness, no one believed there to be any issues to speak of until you broke out onto the scene and began campaigning.’

“That’s not exactly true! Sure, in the past these issues went by mostly ignored. But I think more and more of the current generation have become more conscious of them. We, as a community, have both neglected the issue at hand and refused to acknowledge the voices of non humans, but that’s starting to change. Anyone who’s lived a day on this island knows that they aren’t given the same treatment as us. And that isn’t even a fact that most people try to hide. People openly use insults when referring to them--”

‘I don’t think those would constitute as insults--‘

“If they believe the words being used to describe them are insults, would they not be insults? They as the ones being subjected to it should know better than any of us whether they are or aren’t derogatory. But that isn’t even the worst of it. They’ve also been unfairly blamed for past incidents with no facts to support them being in any way at fault. They’ve been used as scapegoats for our anger more times than I can count. How can we as a community honestly say that this island is like family when we treat our fellow citizens this way?”

‘Well, I won’t say that Spirale doesn’t have it’s problems. No place is perfect. But I do think you’re blowing things out of proportion. We speak to them the same way we’d speak to anyone else. if they take offense, that’s their own fault. And I wouldn’t say that some of the accusations against them are unfounded. It’s a well known fact that Non Natives are inherently more dangerous than--‘

“No, no no. That’s just not factual. Being non human doesn’t make someone more dangerous!”

‘What about having fangs that could carve through flesh like a knife? Or claws? What about robots who don’t even have emotions or a sense of morality? Or orcs? Is there anyone who honestly doesn’t think orcs are dangerous?’

“WE’RE dangerous! We have the capacity to do harm just the same as them! If a Non human does something bad, that is the result of a single individual’s actions! It doesn’t reflect on them as a whole! The vast majority of them are good people, the same as all of us! And that’s exactly why I got into politics. This city has a fundamental problem that has gone ignored long enough. And quite frankly. it’s people like you who’re part of the problem! I think we’re done here. Thank you for having me on your show, but your show is a breeding ground for propaganda and misinformation. Goodbye.”

‘Phew. Hostile, much? I can see why you’re so fond of the Non Natives! While our activist friend here has his little meltdown, we’re going to cut to a commercial break. Up next, we’ll be looking at the weather for tomorrow!‘

“.. Racist dick.”

#isola event #event: subversion #exhales

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flowersoftheend-blog · 6 years ago

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Medaka could feel her powers back with each punch she landed. The Beast of Hakoniwa was back and these creatures would have to pay with their lives for bothering her. She had yet to try a Kurokami Phantom, but the monsters were just too focused for her to try her techniques. Medaka could however tell she was making progress further into the island, even if it was only slightly. but her eyes caught onto another figure moving along, doing who knows what.

@misterallfiction

“Kumagawa Misogi!” Medaka called out as she attempted to distance herself from the various creatures. ”Don’t think for even a second that I’m done with you!” Medaka’s path quickly changed, now following Kumagawa with all the drive that had once been directed at the creatures. “Help me rid this island of pests and I will stop chasing you!” She was obviously lying, but Medaka felt more comfortable with the real pest being close by.

#misterallfiction #isola event: overlay pt 2 #misterallfiction 002 #real friends fight too!#isola event

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number244 · 5 years ago

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New PV Alert: LADYBABY - Misogi island A kickass final video offering and a last message from the girls to YOU #NewPVAlert @ladybaby2015 https://t.co/6o7k3ns7zS https://t.co/ypq2Utzsvh

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jpopstreaming · 5 years ago

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LADYBABY - Misogi island (禊island)

#jmusic #music video #mv #promotionnal video #pv #ladybaby

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virginiaovers · 5 years ago

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Onsen Etiquette: Your Guide to Japanese Hot Springs

The Japanese have been seeking the medicinal properties and spiritual relaxation of soaking in onsen hot springs for centuries. Find out more about the best places to experience onsen in Japan, how to use an onsen bath and etiquettes to observe. After this, you’d be ready for a memorable onsen experience on your next trip to Japan!

Onsen (温泉) are Japanese hot springs. While hot springs can be found wherever volcanic activity is rampant, the Japanese have had a special affinity for the mineral waters. Onsens are plentiful across the country, and most located outside the city limits, which are accessible by train or car, making a weekend getaway affordable.

Hot steam rising in Beppu

While the practice of bathing in a hot spring can be found outside of Japan, the process of healing the mind and body through bathing is an integral part of Japanese culture. Like in the scene in the Miyazaki film “Spirited Away,” soaking in an Onsen is enjoyed by the young and old (and spiritual deities too!) It makes appearances in the ancient Japanese texts Kojiki (古事記) and Manyoshu (万葉集) and is central to the Shinto (Japanese indigenous religion) ritual purification of “Misogi” (禊), the hand and mouth purification of “Chozuya” (手水舎), and the Buddhist bathhouse sutra of “Onshitsukyo” (温室経).

Yosemite [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://ift.tt/2E5KLTb]

Even the animals seek comfort in the relaxation of Onsen! Check out the internet-famous Capybaras happily soaking in outdoor baths at the Izu Shaboten Zoo. During the winter season, you can spot monkeys bathing in hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano prefecture.

Here’s what you need to know before taking an Onsen bath in Japan! We’ve also answered all the questions you may have so you can enjoy this Japanese tradition with ease.

Please note that all photos of Onsen facilities taken by JOC were taken with permission by the facilities.

What is an Onsen?

Onsen (温泉), literally “thermal spring”, is geothermally heated water. The spring water naturally contains minerals and chemicals which are said to cure all sorts of diseases and ailments. The hot spring facilities boast the benefits of the waters, and onsen seekers travel great distances for these benefits for centuries, even today.

Hot Spring Supply Steam Well Cluster at Hakone

In Japan, Onsens are heavily regulated by the Onsen Law, enacted in 1948 by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment. This law requires the identification of 19 different minerals and chemicals, the spring water to be 25 degrees Celsius or above, and to contain certain levels of hydrogen ion, fluorine ion, sulfur and the like. The ministry officially recognizes 2,300 onsens across the country, but many more natural and untouched springs exist.

Some are stand-alone facilities, some are in ryokan (Japanese inns). The price can range from the high end to the low, and can also fluctuate with tourist season. You do not necessarily need to stay at an Onsen ryokan to experience it; some allow day use for non-guests and many Onsen areas offer passes to multiple Onsen facilities, so you can Onsen hop!

Rustic onsen at Kurobe Gorge

Community onsen at Takeo Onsen

There are non-Onsen baths called Sento (銭湯), which are affordable and accessible. While also communal baths, it is usually just heated water and is for daily use. If you’re strolling around a residential area, you may spot a sign with the Chinese character “湯” (hot water) or the Hiragana “ゆ”. Feel free to casually drop in for a bath and eye-opening experience!

Where Can I Experience the Best Onsen in Japan?

With so many different styles and varieties of Onsen, where should you start? Here you’ll find the best regions for Onsen you can experience in Japan. Should you be traveling nearby, definitely take a day or two to stopover.

1. Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉), Hokkaido prefecture

Meaning “Milky White River” in the Ainu language (an indigenous people of Hokkaido, the Kuril Islands, and Sakhalin), the area of Noboribetsu Onsen was first discovered and frequented by the Ainu for its healing properties. It’s also referred to as the department store of the hot springs, as you can find seven different types of minerals, and therefore seven different types of hot springs.

2. Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉), Gunma prefecture

A 3-4 hour bus or train ride north of Tokyo, the lively town of Kusatsu is famous for its sulphuric waters and free-flowing hot springs. When visiting, you must check out the impressive Yubatake (湯畑) to see 4,000 liters of hot water and steam gushing out of this one source per minute, where the spring water flows through and into the nearby Onsen facilities.

3. Atami Onsen (熱海温泉), Shizuoka prefecture

Located just 35 minutes away on the bullet train from Tokyo, Atami Onsen makes an ideal day trip from Tokyo. The scenic ocean resort of Atami has been catering weary bodies for over 1,000 years. Loyal patrons include the first Edo shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu, who is said to take casks of the spring water back to Edo (now Tokyo). The waters are famous for its sulfate and salt-rich properties.

4. Gero Onsen (下呂温泉), Gifu prefecture

Just an hour away from Hida Takayama and Nagoya, the hot springs of Gero Onsen are colorless alkaline-based. The springs are also nicknamed the “beauty hot springs” and are said to improve the skin. The minerals are mild, so it’s perfect for first-timers or those with sensitive skin. There are free Onsen facilities around town, one that is mix gender AND open-air, right in the center city under a bridge! You can dip your toes into Fusenchi (噴泉池), or for the more adventurous, change into a bathing suit and jump in.

5. Arima Onsen (有馬温泉), Hyogo prefecture

Squeezed between a mountainous region, but an easy getaway for Osaka and Kobe residents, it is one of the most famous and prestigious Onsen region in the country. Here, you’ll find two types of hot springs: Kinsen “gold water” (金泉) has a reddish-brown hue due to its high iron content and is said to be good for hypersensitivity, skin ailments, and muscle pain. The translucent Ginsen “silver water” (銀泉) contains radium and carbonate and is said to cure various muscle and joint ailments.

Arima Onsen

Read more about the JOC family’s stay at Arima Onsen.

6. Beppu Onsen (別府温泉), Oita prefecture

Located in southern Japan just 2 hours from Fukuoka, Beppu Onsen boasts the highest concentration of hot spring sources and the highest yield of hot spring water in Japan. Walking around this quaint town, you’ll see thick clouds of steam rising from drains and air vents. Take a tour of the eight “Blood Pond Hells” (血の池地獄), frightful natural ponds gushing out 100 degrees Celsius fumarolic gas and thermal mud, resulting in a hair raising blood-red or cobalt blue water and hot steam.

Beppu mud hell

Read more about the JOC family’s stay at Beppu Onsen.

There are many that couldn’t fit in this article and more hidden gems scattered across the country. For hotels and Onsen resorts, I suggest exploring TripAdvisor or Japan-Guide to start; part of the fun of traveling is the planning! With the 2020 Summer Olympics as well as the exponential growth of travelers from abroad, Onsens and the tourism industry is constantly building and renovating to accommodate the demand. Thus, it’s hard to recommend a handful of Onsen ryokan, so hope your search is fruitful!

Curious where the JOC family has bathed? Read more about their Onsen experience around Japan here.

Are there Onsens in Tokyo?

If you’re visiting Tokyo but don’t have time to take a detour to an Onsen, why not spend an afternoon in an urban oasis?

Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari (大江戸温泉物語)

Like an indoor amusement park in a traditional Japanese summer festival setting, you can easily spend an entire day soaking in the many baths and checking out the activities within the facility. At the entrance, you first change into a Yukata (cotton traditional Japanese robe) and can stroll around munching on Japanese snacks or play Japanese carnival games. It’s also family-friendly as well! It’s conveniently located in Odaiba, and the facility offers free shuttles to major train stations.

Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari (大江戸温泉物語)

Spa LaQua (スパラクア)

Treat yourself to this luxurious spa and Onsen facility after a long day of walking and sight seeing. Located in Tokyo Dome City, Spa LaQua is more catered towards an adult crowd, (entry is for children 5 and up), but it’s perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility. For an additional fee, they offer massages, pedi/manicures, as well as facial and body treatments.

Spa LaQua

Onsen Ryokan Yuen (温泉旅館由縁)

A recent newcomer to the Tokyo Onsen scene, it’s located right smack in the center city of Shinjuku. Offering a spectacular city scenery from the Onsen and the rooms, the hot spring waters are brought over from Hakone, a popular hot spring area in Kanagawa. They do not offer day use of the Onsen, so you must stay here to use their facilities.

How to Use an Onsen Bath

Ready to hop in? Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to use an Onsen in Japan:

The Changing Room

Remove all articles of clothing, jewelry, and accessories (wedding rings are okay)

Put clothing in the provided basket or lockers

Stowaway valuables such as keys, phones, cameras, or wallets in the security box (may be located at the onsen entrance)

Remove makeup at the sink. Some places may offer makeup remover or wet wipes

Bring a small towel (optional), hair tie (for those with long hair)

Map of bath facility inside the hotel

Male and female banners (the kanji characters varies depending on the hotel/facility)

Slippers in the numbered shoebox (don’t take other people’s slippers)

Small lockers for valuables

Cabinet for clothes and belongings (usually just baskets on shelves without locks)

The sink area

The Washing Area

Cover yourself with the small towel when entering (optional)

Pick a washing station

Sit down on the stool provided

Thoroughly wash and scrub your body, face, and hair (optional)

Feel free to use the shampoo and soap provided, or bring your own

After use, tidy your station and return the stool, bucket, and showerhead to their original locations

Tie up long hair into a bun or a high ponytail so it won’t touch the water

Bathing stalls/washing station

The Onsen

Fold the towel and place on top of your head, wrap around your head, or place on the side of the bath where it won’t touch bathwater

Be respectful of other fellow bathers, do not stare, and give adequate space in between

No running, swimming, splashing or scrubbing yourself in the baths

Do not let your hair touch the water

If there are different types of baths in the facility, feel feel to roam around, no need to shower in between. Some may be set to different temperatures, some may have herbs and fragrances infused in the water or have special effects

Soak in the hot water and relax!

Small indoor tub

Outdoor onsen

Outdoor milky onsen

Onsen facing the ocean

Large indoor soaking tub

Exiting the Onsen

Give yourself a quick wash down at the washing area (some onsen recommend not to wash off minerals), and make sure to clean up after yourself

Dry off well with the small towel at the entrance before walking over to your locker to change

Feel free to use the hairdryer, lotions, and creams provided. Don’t forget to clean up after yourself

After changing and leaving the changing room, relax in the public space and don’t forget to hydrate! There should be vending machines, water fountains, and tea dispensers for you to quench your thirst

The sink area

Complimentary drinks

Massage chairs for relaxing after soaking

Onsen Etiquettes & Rules

Since Onsen is a communal experience in Japan, there are some rules of etiquette you will have to observe:

Q: I have tattoos! Can I use Onsen?

This is probably the most asked question from foreigners when comes to using an Onsen in Japan! The reason why tattoos are not allowed in Onsen is that tattooed people have been traditionally linked to the Japanese underground society. By banning tattooed patrons, the Onsen facilities are able to shun these bathers. It is not a disregard of the craft.

The good news is the Japanese society has incrementally loosened its tattoo ban to accommodate the influx of foreign tattooed tourists in recent years. However, some that may still continue the policy.

My advice is to check the website or call beforehand to ask about their tattoo policy. Or find tattoo-friendly Onsen here or here (Use chrome to translate). If your tattoo is small, cover it up with a bandaid. You can also choose to stay at a Japanese inn with a private Onsen attached to your room. Or find a place where you can rent out an Onsen for yourself.

Private onsen rental fee

Q: What is the small towel used for and is it necessary?

The small towel that may be given to you or available for purchase is for two purposes; to wash your body and to cover up your private areas when entering and exiting the Onsen. The towel is not necessary, but more for modesty use. If you stay at a ryokan, most ryokans expect guests to keep the small towel and bring back to their room to dry.

Small towels drying in the room

Q: Can I still use the Onsen if I have an injury/sickness/medical condition?

If your injury is an exposed wound that may become infected or contaminate the waters, you must avoid the Onsen. If you have a medical condition or are feeling under the weather, ask your healthcare provider in advance. The water temperature can be hotter than you expect, so don’t take the risk!

Q: Can I use Onsen when pregnant or when menstruating?

Similar to the above, ask your healthcare provider in advance. If you are menstruating, avoid the Onsen even if you have a tampon/menstrual cup on.

Q: Can I bring small children of the opposite gender?

It could be a scary feat for small children to bathe alone without a familiar face in sight! Some places may explicitly state the criteria of bringing children of the opposite gender (e.g. under xx cm/xx age). You could always opt for staying at a Japanese inn with an Onsen attached or rent out a private Onsen for the whole family to enjoy.

Q: Do I really have to strip down naked?

Yes, and no bathing suit is allowed. You must remove all articles of your clothing before entering. If you’re shy of getting down to your birthday suit, opt for staying or renting out a private Onsen.

There are two exceptions for covering up. First, if you enter a Kon-yoku (混浴), mixed-gender Onsen. In this case, you are allowed to fully wrap yourself with a bath towel. The other condition is if you soak in a river with natural hot spring water, which entails bathing in the outdoor wilderness.

Mixed bath cave onsen at Kurokawa Onsen

Q: I’d like to take photos of the Onsen/myself bathing. Can I bring my camera or smartphone?

Absolutely not! Even if you vow not to take pictures of other bathers, this is a privacy infringement and will get you into serious trouble if caught. If you insist on taking photos, opt for staying a room with private Onsen or renting out an Onsen for your private enjoyment.

Q: What should I bring?

Many facilities offer towels and provide shampoo/soap. If not, they are most likely be available for purchase at the entrance. Hairdryers and face lotions are most likely provided as well. You can just bring a change of clothes, so no need to come prepared! If you’re staying at a Japanese inn with an Onsen, you can change into the Yukata (cotton Japanese robes) provided in your room, or come in normal clothes.

Amenities at an onsen

Q: What other things should I avoid before entering an Onsen?

You should avoid going immediately after a meal, drinking alcohol, or after an intense workout. The hot water will raise your body temperature and stimulate blood flow, so give yourself adequate time to settle down before dipping in. The floors can be slippery, so you should always be cautious and never run.

Lastly, don’t forget…

Japanese Onsen is a truly unique experience for any visitors to Japan. While all these etiquette rules can be overwhelming, I hope this has convinced you to take a dip and immerse yourself in this invigorating custom. Just remember to be courteous and mindful of others, and also listen to your body and take breaks in between to avoid overheating. After all, an Onsen is a shared space where bathers come to relax and indulge!

Have you taken an Onsen bath in Japan? Will you give Onsen a try? Share your Onsen stories and recommendations in the comment box below!

Kayoko happily grew up in the urban jungle of Tokyo and in the middle of nowhere East Coast, U.S. After a brief stint as a gelato scooper and a slightly longer employment at an IT company, she decided to drop her cushy job to enroll in culinary school. Kayoko resides in Tokyo with her husband, a penguin pillow, and many half-dead plants. More from Kayoko →

Onsen Etiquette: Your Guide to Japanese Hot Springs published first on https://zenramensushi.tumblr.com/

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