Japan governors push to have hot spring culture recognized by UNESCO

Japan has many entries on UNESCO's intangible heritage list, with traditional sake-brewing becoming the country's 23rd.

Which is way too many.

What about Finland or Russia?

Hey ah, I think I am seeing abit more than I want to in the photo.

Good, also protect the towns, community and the culture that support Onsen.

Must of required a lot of brains to think up the idea.... many thousands of years ago, that bathing in clean hot spring water is desireable. But since it is Japanese... of course they could only be the one's to have the idea and do it right. The cultural arrogance of this country is amazing... but I guess at this point its the only thing they have.

JT..you need to hit the mosaic filter!

China has the most on that UNESCO list at 43. Japan is in second place.

grcToday 04:47 pm JST

What about Finland or Russia?

They can apply too, if they wish.

Even if Japan is added in 2028, it won't preclude other countries from being recognized.

Good luck with that one Japan!

Hey ah, I think I am seeing abit more than I want to in the photo.

This is for better mutual understanding

This obsession some countries have with Unesco sites smacks of lack of self-esteem.

For a country and people crying about over-tourism, they now want hot springs to be overcrowded and overrun by tourists. LOL!

What about Finland or Russia?

They are not harassing UNESCO with endless applications.

Why? I mean, aren't there already enough tourists? I'm sure the Japanese appreciate a good bath without it being heralded by UNESCO

China has the most on that UNESCO list at 43. Japan is in second place.

Do not spread misinformations,Italy is the top country with number of Unesco sides by a large margin followed by China.

Japan is not even in the top 10 and has half of the recognized Unesco sites that Italy has.

Do not spread misinformations,Italy is the top country with number of Unesco sides by a large margin followed by China.

Japan is not even in the top 10 and has half of the recognized Unesco sites that Italy has.

I provided data for the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list, as that what was cited in the article. You are blathering on about World Heritage Sites, an entirely different list.

I don't think this is a good idea due to the mental anguish caused by onsens.

My first time was a mixed bath way out in the countryside shared with two old women who had some well saggy danglers floating out in front of them

I still have nightmares about those flaccid bouyant teets.

""The group, set up in November 2022, defines the culture of hot springs, or onsen in Japanese, as a "lifestyle" widely shared by the Japanese people. The mineral waters found at some 3,000 locations are a "gift of nature that has been healing the mind and body," it said.""

AGREE 100%, I can't imagine living without an Oncen anymore.

Just have UNESCO recognize the entirety of Japan.

Japan's obsession with Onsen is more a witness to their sub-par construction of houses that were only a bit warmer than outside in winter. Hence the need to use Onsen to warm up the body ;-)

more hot springs marketing nonsense and placebo effect.

high in chlorine, a dangerous chemical, along with sulfate, legionella and free living amoeba causing urinary tract infections.

japan has had as many as hundreds of illnesses and seven deaths in one month from hot spring infections.

The list of world heritage cultural sites can be found in their official sites and even Wikipedia.

So Italy is by far the country with the most sites.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Sites_by_country

tamanegiToday 04:59 pm JST

JT..you need to hit the mosaic filter!

Probably did it on purpose. Hot springs are pretty nice in the basic sense but that picture summarizes the main reason why I don't go to them unless they are mixed or family-style.

Imagine an UNESCO site which discriminates on which people can enter and not, especially if you are a western individual with the smallest tattoo.

China has the most on that UNESCO list at 43. Japan is in second place.

You sure about that?

You might need to provide where you get your information it seems askew according to Wikipedia ...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intangible_cultural_heritage

China 44 and Turkey in second with 31, Japan and South Korea both seem to have 23

Mocheake -

that picture summarizes the main reason why I don't go to them unless they are mixed or family-style.

Yep. Having strangers unwanted things flopping and floating around in ones field of vision - as seen in the photo - is a definite negative for many. (No judgement on those who like the sort of thing, none at all!)

japan has had as many as hundreds of illnesses and seven deaths in one month from hot spring infections.

Don't go in with open wounds.

Don't drink the hot spring water.

Take a shower before toweling off.

Japan needs to realize that the only people who’ve heard of the concept of UN World Heritage Sites are people who read news about Japan.

Nobody cares.

CaptDingleheimer has a point. UNESCO WHSs are a big deal in Japan. Not so much elsewhere.

Plus that photo has put me off onsen for life.

Onsen is undeniable, we strongly agree on this.

I totally enjoy a Onsen and the culture that surrounds the event. But classing the act of cleaning, washing oneself uniquely a Japanese tradition is far stretch. The only uniqueness about the Onsen is the baring of people with tattoos.

Yep. Having strangers unwanted things flopping and floating around in ones field of vision - as seen in the photo - is a definite negative for many. 

The only possible negative in a Onsen would be a Rabbi with a sharp knife eyeing off your 12 years old son.