A coalition of Japanese governors is pushing to have the country’s hot spring culture, or onsen, added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list in 2028. The campaign seeks to highlight the cultural and therapeutic significance of this centuries-old tradition, which involves bathing in naturally heated mineral waters.
Shinji Hirai, governor of Tottori Prefecture and leader of the initiative, compares the importance of onsen culture to the traditional production of sake and shochu, which gained UNESCO recognition in December. Established in November 2022, the group defines onsen culture as a shared lifestyle deeply rooted in Japanese history. It celebrates the approximately 3,000 hot spring sites nationwide as a “gift of nature” that has long been cherished for its healing properties.
Representing 44 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, the group is conducting a comprehensive survey to be completed by March. This survey will assess the current state of onsen regions, including the need for protection as cultural heritage. The findings will support an appeal to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government, urging them to champion the campaign. Proponents hope UNESCO recognition will not only preserve this cultural treasure but also revitalize onsen communities by attracting greater domestic and international interest.
Momentum for the campaign has grown following the recognition of Finland’s sauna culture as an intangible cultural heritage in 2020. UNESCO described Finland’s sauna tradition as an essential aspect of the lives of most Finnish citizens, a designation that inspired Japan to advocate for its own bathing culture.
Japan already has an impressive presence on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list, with traditional sake brewing being the 23rd entry. Advocates believe onsen culture is equally deserving, as it embodies a unique harmony between nature and tradition.
Beyond its cultural value, onsen culture holds profound therapeutic significance. Mineral-rich waters are believed to provide physical and mental rejuvenation, a practice cherished for generations. Efforts to secure UNESCO recognition are not merely about preserving the past but also about ensuring this cultural gem continues to thrive in modern times.
By highlighting onsen culture on a global stage, Japan hopes to protect this invaluable tradition while fostering economic and cultural growth in its hot spring regions.
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