Onsen are exceedingly popular in Japan. As the water is heated underground, it rises to the surface creating a steady stream of warm water. The onsen in Japan are a great place for a communal bath. These pools allow you to socialize while soaking up the rich health benefits of the water. Onsen are often near or owned by inns that will enhance their beauty by putting certain stones, such as marble, and other intriguing and relaxing objects around them. The idea of an onsen is to enhance the natural beauty of the surrounding area and become one with nature. Nudity is often a must in onsen, as they observe the traditional way of bathing in Japan. Other etiquette rules must be observed as well in modern day onsen, such as putting long hair up, showering before entering and not eating and drinking in the onsen. All these rules are created to allow the most pleasant and relaxing visit possible.

Onsen are quite popular in anime. A famous example being the onsen that Bishamon uses for her personal bathing in Noragami. This beautiful onsen is characteristically styled with the strategically placed rocks and the surrounding nature which mesh together to create a serene place for the war goddess to relax. The onsen located outside the building in Yuragi-sou no Yuuna-san is another example. While the onsen in this anime are gender specific, it is an example of how onsen can be used when owned by an inn. Onsen are all around in anime, it is just important to know how to distinguish them from a traditional sento or bath house.