Yachi Onsen

Jan 2007 - This picture of Greg was taken in front of the Yachi Onsen, which is located on Mt. Hakkoda - about an hour and a half from Misawa. He was doing some training on Mt. Hakkoda for about a week with some Para-Rescue guys that came up from Okinawa. Their camp was within walking distance to the onsen, so they went there each evening to soak. If you've never heard of an onsen, they are basically hot springs that the Japanese use for "bathing." This particular onsen has been open for 400 years, and it is considered as one of the three most concealed onsens in Japan, (it's pretty difficult to get to.) Onsens are believed by the Japanese, to have healing qualities in the water. And there are very specific ways to take a bath in the onsens. For example, at this onsen, there are two different types of baths in each room. (One room is for mixed bathing and the other is for women only. And yes, you are naked!) Anyway, one bath is lukewarm and the other is hot. It is practiced that you should soak in the lukewarm tub for the first 30 minutes, and then transfer to the hotter water. And you should repeat the routine several times to cure your body. There is a seperate smaller tub used to wash off before you even get into the onsen to ensure that your body is clean. Since this was the first time many of the guys had been in an onsen, the Japanese locals were quick to show them what they were supposed to do!