A group of governors representing 44 of Japan's 47 prefectures is aiming to have the country's onsen (hot spring) culture recognized as an intangible heritage by the United NationsEducational , Scientific and Cultural Organization by 2028.
Onsen, which roughly translates to “warm spring” in Japanese, is a type of hot spring bath that is quite popular in Japan. Onsen bathing is a long-standing cultural beauty of the Japanese people. In addition to helping the body relax, soaking in natural hot water is also considered a quite effective method of healing.
The group campaigning for onsen to become a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage was established in November 2022, bringing together representatives from 44 of Japan's 47 prefectures.
The group plans to complete a survey by next March on the current status of hot spring areas across the country and assess the level of protection of the sites as cultural heritage sites.
This report will be submitted to the Japanese Government with the hope of contributing to the development of onsen resorts in the country.
Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai, head of the campaign group to make onsen a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, said that this type of bath deserves recognition, and has value equivalent to the traditional Japanese art of making sake and shochu.
It is known that sake brewing technique was also recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in December 2024.
Japan currently has about 3,000 hot spring resorts. The Japanese consider them a gift from nature. According to the advocacy group, onsen are not only an activity that helps relax the body and mind but also a part of the Japanese lifestyle, closely linked to the lives of the local people.
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