11 Comments
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Vikram Kaushik's avatar

Superb! Going to an onsen has long been on our list. This is a wonderful account that will help us prepare for the experience!

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Pallavi Aiyar's avatar

Glad!

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Sandhya Srinivasan's avatar

This is so beautifully written. Thank you. It reminded me of the list of dos and don'ts in Helsinki's sauna facilities.

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Pallavi Aiyar's avatar

Super curious about Finnish saunas.

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David Gemeinhardt's avatar

I lived in Seoul for a decade. In terms of lifestyle, onchan, as onsen are called in Korean, as well their more modest cousin, the local bathhouse, are what I miss the most. Great piece!

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Pallavi Aiyar's avatar

Thank you! Never been to an onchan - but one day, I hope to.

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David Gemeinhardt's avatar

If you're short of time when in Seoul, I recommend just going to one of the big bathhouses in the city centre. They're called jimjilbang and they have both segregated and family areas. The most lavish have restaurants and even cinemas. I don't know if they have equivalents in Japan.

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Gowri's avatar

Thank you Pallavi for an interesting account of your Onsen experience and journey.

My husband and I recently discovered onsen in our Japan travels . We both are enchanted by the onsen and been to few.👏🤩

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Ratna. Raman's avatar

Such a beautiful.account. Thank you for sharing

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Pallavi Aiyar's avatar

Thank you! And a very happy New Year as well 🤗

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Portia's avatar

I'm so jealous of you, Pallavi, what an amazing experience. Happy holidays and best wishes of a great 2025!

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