UNWIND WITH A VISIT TO THE RYOTEI HANZUIRYO HOT SPRINGS
LEARN ALL ABOUT THE SELF-CARE BATHING RITUAL THAT FOUNDER JISA OH DOES EACH SPRING SEASON
Just like this new season calls for a bit of spring cleaning to our homes, so too do we believe in applying the same principles when it comes to our self-care rituals. One place we like to start with is our bathing routine. This simple practice can feel soothing when done from the comfort of home year-round, but the intuitive pull toward the outdoors invites us to dive a bit deeper to truly nurture ourselves in mind, body, and spirit.
Luckily for us, our native Japan has an abundance of outdoor hot springs — called onsens — that help to turn this wellness practice into an experience for the senses. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan has an estimated 27,000 hot springs, so visiting these spots has become an important tradition across the generations. Our founder Jisa Oh frequents Nagasaki’s Ryotei Hanzuiryo hot springs, where she immerses herself in the therapeutic waters and partakes in other complementary offerings.
“I usually go to the hot springs to detox and reset my body for the new season,” says Oh. “In the spring, I do three to four sets of baths a day — outside in nature — as well as walk on the grounds to do forest bathing, as Hanzuriyo is located in the Unzen-Amakusa National Park.”
The benefits of using the hot springs in Unzen are numerous, as these waters are made of sulfur and are strongly acidic. It has been shown to be effective in easing skin issues like eczema and acne along with health concerns like muscle and joint pain and diabetes.
Surrounded by nature, Ryotei Hanzuiryo works with the seasons, especially when it comes to their menus. The property’s Kaiseki multicourse cuisine incorporates fresh, locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Dinner customarily includes seafood from the Shimabara Peninsula.
“The dinner here is usually two hours long,” says Oh. “They will serve traditional Japanese foods that come in a variety of small portions to savor.”
Ryotei Hanzuiryo also has 14 luxurious guest rooms designed in the Japanese teahouse style — or sukiya — that come with different gardens for complete rest and relaxation during your stay. There are also modern amenities like air conditioning, television, and Wi-Fi for added comfort.
“When it comes time to sleep, the staff prepare this perfect futon for you,” says Oh. “It’s the ultimate in relaxation, and I truly enjoy the calm moments I have here.”
To discover Ryotei Hanzuiryo for yourself, click here.