New Year trip for Hakone Hot Spring

A Happy New Year! I hope you had a lovely break. I had a short holiday with my family just after new year's day in Hakone area, Japan. It is situated in Kanagawa prefecture and 2 to 3 hours drive from Tokyo including expected traffic jam. Japan is famous for its abundant choice of hot spring destinations but one of the criteria is its quality of the spring water. There are nine category of hot springs in Japan based on the substances found in the spring water such as carbon dioxide, chloride and sulfur. For example, carbon dioxide hot spring is known to be good for high blood pressure, joint pain and infertility, chloride for eldery with joint pain and recovery from illness and sulfur for high blood pressure and chronic skin disorder. We had the sulfur hot spring which has a distinct smell of sulfur and cloudy white colour. Once you experienced the natural hot spring bath, you will notice it is very different to ordinary home bath with tap water. The body keep its warmness for a long time after the bath, and if you have it regularly you may experience to improve your health. It is surprising to know that even in an area of Hakone (which is only one region in Japan!), there are quite few different variety. When you choose the hotel for your hot spring holiday, I would recommend to check its quality and health benefit as well.

Below is a photo of Owakudani, where hot spring is gushing out.