When imagining natural water tanks shaped in Japan, I took advantage of an oak steam pool surrounded by snowy mountains and wooden buildings. I've been to many mineral water baths during my time in Japan, and this one can't be beat. However, I don't always have the time or money to go to far-flung hot spring paradises. Encouraged after work on Tuesday, I was tired and stressed in town and looking to escape my apartment. Luckily for Kochi residents like me, Ikku boasts a public urban bathhouse that will satisfy your sudden craving for a bath without the need for an outing or a cheap vacation. .
Poka Poka Onsen is a family-friendly, comprehensive retreat that includes hot tubs, massage and beauty treatments, a food shop and an automatic laundry. Potassium and calcium chloride salts of mineral water are weakly alkaline. We are famous as a good place for many types of diseases such as sprains, joint pain, women's diseases, neural acidosis, fatigue recovery, erectile dysfunction, and chronic skin diseases.
The natural spring is contained in a large but modest building nestled near the river. When entering the lobby you can find hot water breath coming from the ground. After placing your shoes in the small wooden cabinet, you proceed to buy tickets at the automatic ticket vending machine. Then you give your ticket to the Ticket Control person at the door and rent a towel. If you need one, you will slide through the red or blue curtain to enter a place with a special smell, the spacious changing area. The deposit location requires a ￥100 coin, but you will get it back later.
The atmosphere was more like a modern health club than a traditional bathhouse, but it was comfortable nonetheless. Through the automatic glass doors, you often see streams of steam rising from the water surface and hear the echoing sounds of children's laughter.
When entering the sauna, choose a shower station along the walls, and you will automatically have lotions and soaps available. A lot of people add extra products to use but I've always found an adequate supply on hand. There are no personal stools, and people sit on a bench rather than special chairs, so clean up your appearance on the outside…When in Japan, do like the Japanese! After showering, head to the indoor tub for a relaxing soak. Many people quickly move between hot and cold water pools, because it is said to be good for the skin. This really makes for healthy, fit people, but is definitely not for the depleted!
The men's and women's areas change every day. Both sides have large indoor and small outdoor swimming pools, cold pools (17-19 degrees Celsius), sauna pools and regular saunas. An outdoor swimming pool will have traditional decorations of stone and hanging wood, but the rest will be stone tiles. The indoor pools feature hydraulic machines for standing, sitting and lounging as well as a low-frequency space for pain relief and gentle rhythmic speed. Interesting symbols in the salt bath instruct to rub salt into the belly to reduce belly fat as well as firm the skin.
This is a popular place for families. The adulterers may be old people and children, but this is a great place to start friendly conversations with Kochi people and participate in Japanese culture. One time a woman helped me rub salt on my back in the sauna!
Onsen is praised for its ability to reduce depression and fatigue, as well as enhance skin function and metabolism. When you can't go far but still need a mini-vacation, why not take advantage of a cheap, relaxing evening in the city at Poka Poka Onsen?
