As Japan is a volcanically active country, the country has over thousands of hot springs that are used to make public baths known as onsen (温泉).
A Japanese phrase Hadaka-No-Tukiai (裸の付き合い) or “Naked Communication” means that not only bathing itself, but also to the way in which people communicate and understand each other at the onsen. In the atmosphere of the onsen, people can speak with one another without any barriers: age, nationality and cultural background.
For Japanese, bathing is not only for cleaning, but to refresh the body and mind. Majority of people take not only a shower but also enjoy a house bath every day. Traditionally, onsen had been used for Samurai to treat their wounds since Kamakura and Sengoku era (12th- 17th century). Onsen has become popular for medical treatment since its medical benefits were proven in mid-20th century. Recently, Japanese people frequently go on an onsen-trip not only to relieve stresses or fatigue but also to make a better relationship with family, friends and colleagues. Onsen have been a central role in Japanese domestic tourism and the total number of onsen in the country is over 3,000.
Reference:
https://wwwtb.mlit.go.jp/hokkaido/bunyabetsu/kankou/gaikokuzin/onsenguide/onsen16.pdf
http://www.holisticvanity.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/onsen-japan.jpg
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