The onsen at Chateraise Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo hotel also has a base rock bath.

The onsen, or hot spring bath, is an integral part of Japanese social life.

Hibakusha were unclean, blood in Japan's otherwise pristine genetic onsen.

For onsen virgins, there are various rules to follow.

Here are some that are considered to be the holy grail of the onsen world.

More important, its onsen was well maintained and a quiet spot to soak before dinner.

But it's worth detouring to Kyoto, which offers authentic Japanese experiences including onsen bathing and ryokan-inspired homes.

Arriving at the onsen, the first thing I notice are the separate entrances for men and women.

And, there are two other excellent onsen on the island when you get tired of this one.

Replicate a Japanese onsen experience by scrubbing yourself in the shower, then sink into a steaming bath.

Previously named the top onsen town in Japan, it has been a local favourite since the eighth century.

It's my first time at an onsen, but fortunately a large poster lists all the do's and don'ts.

You'll be given a small hand towel either by the ryokan you're staying in, or by the onsen itself.

This is reported to be the oldest onsen in Japan, with a history stretching back more than 3000 years.

When visiting an onsen while filming in Japan the actor failed to use this towel for the correct purpose.

Remember, that -formalities and rules aside -the entire point of going to an onsen is to relax and de-stress.