日本秘湯を守る会

Ryokan Ohnuma

About Toji

湯 “to” (hot spring) + 治 “ji” (cure)

The Japanese word “toji” (湯治) is formed from “湯” (to), meaning “hot spring,” and “治” (ji), meaning “healing” or “cure.” Together, they signify the practice of “hot spring therapy.” This ancient tradition involves staying at hot spring inns for an extended period, typically two to three weeks, to rejuvenate both body and mind. Originally, it was primarily farmers and fishermen who would partake in toji, using the downtime from their seasonal labor to recover from the physical demands of their work.

During these extended stays, toji guests would bring their own bedding and cooking utensils to the inn, often preparing meals themselves. The focus was on soaking in the therapeutic hot springs, relaxing, and connecting with other guests who were there for the same purpose. Toji was a time of community, rest, and healing.

Slow Onsen: Ohnuma-style Toji

Ryokan Ohnuma, with over 120 years of history as a traditional toji inn, has seen the decline of long-term stays as Japan modernized. Today, most guests stay for one or two nights, but interest in longer stays is returning.

At Ryokan Ohnuma, we honor the spirit of this ancient practice by introducing our modern adaptation, which we call “Slow Onsen.” This approach offers guests the chance to experience true relaxation and rejuvenation in the healing waters of our hot springs.

1Escape from the Ordinary

To truly experience Slow Onsen, you must step away from your daily routine and make your way to a toji retreat. While this may seem like a simple task, it often requires more effort than expected. Just as a rocket needs immense energy to escape the Earth's atmosphere, breaking free from a familiar yet less-than-ideal environment—whether for time or money—takes courage, determination, and action.

This shift to a new environment is known as “health resort therapy.” Your mood changes, your perspective broadens, and your thoughts and actions naturally follow. By the time you're swaying on a local train, watching the peaceful countryside pass by, you’ll likely feel as though you’ve entered a completely different world.

2Begin Your Slow Onsen Journey with at Least 2 Nights and 3 Days

For a true Slow Onsen experience, we recommend staying at least 2 nights and 3 days. While some may think even a single night is difficult to arrange, and two nights seems impossible, the difference is significant. A 2-night stay offers much more than just double the time of a 1-night visit. It’s the second day, which we call “white time,” that allows your body and mind to fully unwind. This leads to a deep relaxation you might not have expected.

You don't have to do anything, but if there's something you want to do, you're free to enjoy it. This unstructured, free time becomes a rare and precious experience, hard to find in everyday life.

3Discharge — Letting Go

In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with information—through computers, the web, emails, and social media. At the same time, we must navigate the complexities of human relationships.

In the Slow Onsen concept, we emphasize the importance of “discharging”—letting go of the accumulated stresses and burdens of daily life. Take your time to soak in the hot springs, clear your mind, and release what weighs you down. The warm waters not only relax you but also stimulate circulation, helping your body naturally eliminate toxins.

4Valuing “Doing Nothing”

For those who are always busy, the idea of “doing nothing” might feel uncomfortable, even unsettling. Some may view it negatively, associating it with a lack of productivity. With smartphones and other digital devices keeping us constantly connected, it's hard to step away from the stream of information, day or night.

In the Slow Onsen concept, we encourage a digital

In the Slow Onsen concept, we encourage a digital detox. By choosing to step away from this constant flood and embrace “doing nothing,” your mind, which is usually focused outward, naturally turns inward. This shift provides a rare opportunity to listen to your own mind and body—something often negle cted in the busyness of daily life. It’s also a chance to reflect on both your past and future. As your brain's default mode network activates, you might find it easier to generate new ideas and gain fresh insights.

5Pit Stop in Life

If life were an endurance race, even we humans need a pit stop—a place to rest and rejuvenate. Historically, hot spring resorts served as such a pit stop for farmers and fishermen, who would soak in the onsen as part of their annual routine. They would connect with fellow guests, refreshing both body and mind. These pit stops were seamlessly integrated into their lives.

Unlike yoga, meditation, or Tai Chi, onsen therapy requires no special skills or instructors. You simply surrender to nature, soaking in the hot springs and relaxing. Fortunately, Japan, one of the most volcanically active countries in the world, offers around 3,000 hot spring areas and some 30,000 hot spring sources. By tapping into this natural resource, you can enhance both your physical and mental well-being, bringing more relaxation and richness to your life.

We invite you to experience Slow Onsen at Ryokan Ohnuma. It will change the way you view hot springs.