Noda City's onsens for healing

Especially now in these pandemic times, it's important to take care of your health and be mindful of hygiene. As Genkidesu wrote earlier this month, ongoing stress from the economic and social changes brought on by measures to mitigate the spread of the pandemic take their toll on our mental health.  These stressors find expression in our bodies, too, manifesting as fatigue and discomfort.

Japan's onsen baths are a way to relieve tension and fatigue. I wrote about the health benefits of onsen, and take time out routinely for slow soaks in the fresh air. Normally, I would take weekend trips to onsen destinations.

While Japan has encouraged domestic travel and two million people have taken advantage of the travel subsidies, I've been staying close to home and enjoying the local onsen. 

Here are Noda City's three onsen where my neighbors and I take time out to relax and heal.

Yu no Sato

This onsen is Just south of Umesato Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the west exit to the bath. It's got the usual selection of open-air baths including a big rock-lined pool, medicinal bath, and ceramic jars. The ambiance is soothing, too, with classic wafu decor.

Between the tsubo, or big ceramic jars, and the main rock bath, there is a shallow trough cobbled with round stones. I spend most of my time stepping slowly along the path, massaging the pressure points in my feet, followed by a soak in the rock bath. I got real relief from fatigue caused by standing on a concrete floor all workweek.

You can get a meal in the hall there, too. See more in the Yu no Sato review.

Nanakodai Onsen 

Nanakodai Onsen isn't spectacular, but it's got a great atmosphere, and the staff is thoughtful and friendly. The baths are located on the second floor, with feature baths like massage jets, outdoor pools with a wide-open view of the sky, and a deck for lounging. 

Once in a while, I get akasuri, the exfoliation treatment here. You can also indulge in Thai massage and cupping, the application of glass cups on your back.

Here's my review of Nanakodai Onsen. 

Noda Onsen Honoka

Honoka is a chain of onsens with branches all over Japan, but that's not a negative. The Noda City location is the most comprehensive onsen spa, and it's a great place to spend half a day.

The onsen decor departs from typical Japanese style with statuary and architecture reminiscent of southeast Asia resorts and Korean bathhouses. The baths range from authentic strong salt hot spring to artificial and medicinal.

The biggest feature is the mixed ganbanyoku and sauna area. The admission to the baths includes this area, which is different from most onsens where usually you pay an extra admission.  With your bath towel, face towel, and blanket set, you receive kanchaku, shorts and a top. After you bathe, you can change into kanchaku and join your party to experience these relaxing spaces together.

The dining hall here serves delicious food at reasonable prices.

See the Honoka review.