Recently, we went to a Scandinavian spa in Collingwood with our best friends. We totally enjoyed our experience there..
In fact, it brought back some wonderful memories of our visit to a Tokyo onsen ( hot spring in Japanese ) when we visited Japan a few years ago.
Our Scandinave Spa experience in Collingwood, Ontario, was quite different from the one we had in Japan.
To begin with, the Collingwood spa was co ed throughout the entire spa except for the change room area. I was glad that I didn’t have to wear my birthday suit for the Scandinave Spa.
There are many onsens located throughout Japan. We went to one right in Tokyo.
After paying for our admission at the reception area, we were given a big towel and a locker key. We could also rent or purchase a kimono or yukata to be used at the site. We did both.
We went into the change room and changed into our yukatas, a casual light weight summer kimono. From then on, women stayed at one area while the men stayed at another completely separate area.
Then we started the relaxation journey by entering into a quiet courtyard with a stream of water running through the middle of it.
There were five of us and we strolled around the ground, enjoyed the tranquility, relaxed and dipped our feet into the stream. It was a nice start before going into the hot baths.
At the Tokyo onsen, the spas were segregated by gender.
Everyone was expected to shower at her/ his own shower stall before heading out to the segregated spa and hot tub areas wearing absolutely nothing.
As a result of protecting the privacy of the bathers, none of the spas at the onsen was visible beyond the area. But from the reception hall at the Collingwood spa, we could see below the bathers enjoying the hot pools.
While the Tokyo onsen ( hot spring) did have hot pools set at different temperatures like the Scandinave Spa, it attempted to provide the bathers with a taste of Japanese culture as well.
After our bathing experience in hot baths/ pools, we donned our yukatas again and came out to meet up with our spouses/ boy friends.
Beyond the hot bath areas, there was another area set up like a small Japanese Village lining the indoor street with stalls selling arts, crafts, food etc. Free entertainment was also provided.
It was relaxing enjoying some good food with friends after the hot bath treatment.
Our trip to Japan with our good friends from church was an outstanding and pleasant experience.
I was glad we seized the moment and went on this fabulous trip!
 |
| Our trip to Tokyo, Japan was a memorable one |
In fact, it brought back some wonderful memories of our visit to a Tokyo onsen ( hot spring in Japanese ) when we visited Japan a few years ago.
 |
| Though a small space in Tokyo, it could be an oasis for its residents. |
Our Scandinave Spa experience in Collingwood, Ontario, was quite different from the one we had in Japan.
To begin with, the Collingwood spa was co ed throughout the entire spa except for the change room area. I was glad that I didn’t have to wear my birthday suit for the Scandinave Spa.
 |
| The entrance to the Tokyo onsen |
There are many onsens located throughout Japan. We went to one right in Tokyo.
After paying for our admission at the reception area, we were given a big towel and a locker key. We could also rent or purchase a kimono or yukata to be used at the site. We did both.
 |
| In my yukata at the Tokyo onsen |
We went into the change room and changed into our yukatas, a casual light weight summer kimono. From then on, women stayed at one area while the men stayed at another completely separate area.
Then we started the relaxation journey by entering into a quiet courtyard with a stream of water running through the middle of it.
 |
| It was so much fun visiting Japan with our church friends! |
There were five of us and we strolled around the ground, enjoyed the tranquility, relaxed and dipped our feet into the stream. It was a nice start before going into the hot baths.
At the Tokyo onsen, the spas were segregated by gender.
Everyone was expected to shower at her/ his own shower stall before heading out to the segregated spa and hot tub areas wearing absolutely nothing.As a result of protecting the privacy of the bathers, none of the spas at the onsen was visible beyond the area. But from the reception hall at the Collingwood spa, we could see below the bathers enjoying the hot pools.
 |
| S. & Larry in their yukatas at the Tokyo onsen |
While the Tokyo onsen ( hot spring) did have hot pools set at different temperatures like the Scandinave Spa, it attempted to provide the bathers with a taste of Japanese culture as well.
 |
| A taste of Japanese culture after our relaxing bath |
After our bathing experience in hot baths/ pools, we donned our yukatas again and came out to meet up with our spouses/ boy friends.
Beyond the hot bath areas, there was another area set up like a small Japanese Village lining the indoor street with stalls selling arts, crafts, food etc. Free entertainment was also provided.
 |
| Enjoying a traditional Japanese meal in Tokyo |
It was relaxing enjoying some good food with friends after the hot bath treatment.
Our trip to Japan with our good friends from church was an outstanding and pleasant experience.
 |
Every time I recall that trip and the fun we had, it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling in my heart.
|
I was glad we seized the moment and went on this fabulous trip!
R.T.
Reminiscing our trip to Japan
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