Feature photo by Turner Wright. Photo above by TED_KANAKUBO.
10 places to visit if a good soak is what makes you happy.
Take it from someone who’s experienced Japan’s bathing culture firsthand: there’s nothing quite like listening to your heartbeat slowing as you are immersed in soothing waters that haven’t seen the light of day for millennia.
In general, there are two different ways hot springs occur: magma close to the Earth’s crust may come into contact with an underground water source, or water may be heated directly from the energy produced by the Earth’s core — a geothermal spring.
Hot spring culture is universal, yet the baths themselves exist in a variety of environments – not every spring is the stereotypical picture of water boiling to the surface of a stone-covered pond in the midst of a dense forest or jungle.
In fact, you can find the familiar steam in urban sprawls, near ancient ruins, and even amongst the ice of Antarctica! Where in the world should you go if you’re looking for a good soak? Here are ten places:
1. Japan
Photo by NileGuide.com.
The hot springs culture is Japan is second to none. Onsen, as they are called, are available wherever a volcano looms on the horizon. In the west Japanese city of Beppu, there is so much hot water beneath the surface it appears small fires are constantly burning on the streets, steam releasing some pressure and providing picturesque scenes.
In northern Honshu, near Nagano, snow monkeys are clever enough to go in for a soak themselves, as Japanese tourists snap some truly original photographs.
2. Iceland
Photo by reemer.
Iceland is actually the source of the name “geyser”; the original, geysir, has longed stopped spewing hot water at regular intervals and is hardly the best place to go for a decent soak. However, if you’re looking for an impressive bath, be sure to check out the blue lagoon, floating right on a lava formation in southwestern Iceland.
3. Antarctica
Though technically a continent, Antarctica must be mentioned: Who would have thought there would be hot springs in the middle of the land of ice? There’s one place you can do it: Deception Island, close to the tip of South America. Dig your own little place to soak out of the black sand and you’re all set.
4. Peru
Photo by shashiBellamkonda.
If you’ve ever hiked to Machu Picchu, then no doubt you’ve passed through the town of Aguas Calientes (guess… “Hot Waters”). Only six kilometers from the ancient ruins, these baths offer a respite for those going up or down the mountain.
5. Taiwan
Photo by Prince Roy.
Taiwanese hot springs culture was incredibly influenced by nearby Japan, and now some would say they are even surpassing their northern neighbor in quality and variety of baths. Be sure to check out Hell Valley in Beitou and enjoy the indoor pools.
6. United States
Photo by stephend9.
The US has a large concentration of geothermal springs in and around the Rocky Mountains and scattered around Alaska. Many of the National Parks, including Death Valley, Big Bend, and Yellowstone, have hot water rising to the surface. For a real treat, make your way to Hot Springs, Arkansas and try one of the large bathhouses.
Photo by Drew And Merissa.
7. Canada
Photo by magical-world.
Western Canada has hot springs too numerous to mention: in the middle of forests, next to a waterfalls, surrounded by stalactites… Liard River Hot Springs and the Fairmont Hot Springs in British Columbia are some of the more well-known areas, but there are a few pools in Alberta and the Yukon as well.
8. New Zealand
Photo by plαdys.
To soak like a Kiwi, stick to the north and relax in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Waiariki in New Zealand really help dissolve your pain. Check here for a comprehensive list of all the pools.
9. Chile
Chile also has the reputation of being a hot springs country, with over 275 places to soak and the biggest source of natural hot spring water in Liquiñe. No matter where you go, look for a “termas” sign and you’re all set for an abnormally hot bath.
10. United Kingdom
Photo by Howard.Gees.
What? You thought you were born 2,000 years too late to enjoy baths that the Romans themselves built, with grand marble columns and open atria? Well, you’re half right; in the city of Bath in Somerset, one can view the perfectly preserved Roman Baths… but officials might frown on you actually jumping into the water.
For that, it might be best to try the Thermae Bath Spa; only recently opened, one can now enjoy the same waters that soothed the line of Caesar. On top of that, Bath is a sister city to Beppu, Japan.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION:
Have you soaked in the thermal waters of the world? What are your favorite hot springs?
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16 Comments... join the discussion!
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Hey, what about Hungary? They have some of the most famous bath houses in the world.
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Nice to see a story on Hot Springs. I lived in Japan for two years while my husband was doing a tour of duty we had a lot of fun, the hot springs were great. I have also been to the hot springs in Palm Springs California.
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Nice to see a story on Hot Springs. I lived in Japan for two years with my husband who was on a tour of duty, we really enjoyed the hot springs. I also have been to the hot springs in Palm Springs California.
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It JUST missed the cut.
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Great line up. I'm glad to see Bath finally got its act together—that was a long road! You know where else you can soak? Costa Rica, at the Tabacon hot springs. I'm on my way there this March.
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Brian- Let us know how the Coamo springs are; I've had friends who have been and were disappointed; said they were kind of slimy.
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My vote goes to Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is where it's at.
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THE very BEST soak in the world is the famous baths in Big Sur at Esalen overlooking the Pacific at sunset after an Esalen massage! Ahhhh, truly heaven on earth. The Thermae Bath Spa is shameful and horrible and should NOT be included. We were there this summer. Poooey. They do not even allow families to partake in the water! Shameful. Trust me you will see naked babies and families all over California in hot tubs & thermal waters….soaking is not a sexual sport, but a health one and families SHOULD absolutely be included. My child has soaked all over the world, but sex obsessed, family-adverse Thermae Bath Spa would not allow us to use the baths as a family. No children allowed. Shameful attitude in this day and age, quite a shock after spending time in parts of Europe where kids are allowed everywhere. But we did have a ball in the famous waters of Pumukkale, Turkey in the same waters that many Roman Emperors and Cleopatra soaked in. It is the only place in the world where you can actually swim in ancient Roman ruins and the water is some of the most healing that I have ever experienced. The key is to go off season and off hours as they are open 24/7 but one must avoid the tour buses for a sublime soak. You also missed Mexico which has some divine places to soak. One of my fave is near the Rio Grand and on a cool day it is exhilarating to go from rock hidden hot pools to jump into the freezing river and back again. Italy also has spa's as does Spain & Croatia and don't forget Hungary's famous Spas! Not Hot Springs, but a similar activity we have really enjoyed on our open ended world tour has been the Sauna's in Scandinavia ( Sweden, Norway in particular that had many even in hostels and campsites and some with places to jump into cool pools of water after ward). Mixing hot and cold is very nice. Russia is good at that as well, but I have not done it there yet. Happy soaking! Makes me happy just to think about it as we have a ritual to do a day of family soaking every year on my birthday.
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Hey Turner – great piece, except for one thing – I don't think there are any monkeys in Hokkaido. The soaking snow monkeys live in Nagano.
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Oops – you see what happens when my mind is elsewhere (namely, focused on moving to Hokkaido)? Yeah, that's right.
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Many wonderful hot springs here! I'm really into soaking in the Beppu hot springs in Japan. 5years ago, I've been there. it was relaxing time to soak in hot water.
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Many wonderful hot springs here! I'm really into soaking in hot water, especially, I never forgot having experiencing in Beppu , Japan. There were many outsidedoors hot springs. I wish I were there, relaxing my stress..
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I’ve got to admit ( in reference to Esalen ) that I LOVE adult only destination where no children are allowed. There are many family resorts to bring the kids, but it’s wonderful to have quiet and medatative places that adults can enjoy. I’m going to search because I can not remember my favorite ( near Tabacon in Costa Rica, but SMALLER and more private ) . I remember that Baldi in Costa Rica was LOUD …..definitely a “party springs” for anyone who wants that vibe. The one that I liked the best was a place that took reservations ( you reserved a 4 hour time frame ) .
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http://www.arenal.net/tour/eco-thermales-hot-springs
^ Here is it ! This was my favorite Costa Rica Hot Springs!
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Great article Turner.
I lived 13 years in Greenland, and there are thousands of hot springs all over the largest Island in the world.
On Qeqertarsuaq, or Disko Island if that is easier to pronounce, in the Disko Bay, on the west coast of Greenland, there are more than 2000 hot springs. Quite an amazing experience sitting in a hot spring watching huge icebergs floating by. Unfortunately it is very expensive traveling to and in Greenland so it is a once in a lifetime experience for most people. However should you ever go to Greenland, go there in June and experience the amazing midnight sun as well.↵
