Bath Houses Around the World: A Journey Through Ritual and Relaxation
Growing up with a Japanese mother from Okinawa, one of my most cherished memories was visiting bath houses together when we would visit her family in Japan. For her, these trips were more than moments of relaxation—they were a link to survival and resilience. Her family lost everything after World War II and relocated from Okinawa to the main island, settling in Tokyo taking decades to rebuild their lives. They lived in a 200-square-foot home without a shower. Rain or snow, her family of five would walk to the local bath house every evening, a ritual that shaped their daily lives and taught her the importance of these shared spaces.
Now, as I travel, the first thing I search for is whether a destination offers a bath house or natural hot springs. Although I’m a massage therapist by trade, I rarely seek out day spas for facials or massages—I’m too picky with my massages, and am pretty content with my own skincare regimen. Instead, I yearn for places with thermal pools, mineral baths, or serene settings to recharge my spirit.
There is something truly sacred about soaking in a natural hot spring shaped by Mother Earth herself, that feels unparalleled. In this blog, I’ve divided my favorites into two categories: bath houses and natural hot springs. Each holds a special place in my heart, and while my list is far from complete, it serves as a reflection of my love for these sacred spaces—and my endless desire to explore more.
1. Nordic Spa
Chelsea, Quebec, Canada
2. Ten Thousand Waves
Santa Fe, New Mexico
3. King’s Spa
Dallas, Texas
Termas Cachueta
Mendoza, Argentina
Yuan Spa
Bellevue, Washington
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Glenwood, Colorado
Russian Bath House
Brooklyn, New York City, New York
Buckstaff House
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Kabuki Springs
Japantown, San Francisco, California
Kuya
Spas I’d like to visit:
Sisu + Löyly Nordic Saunas
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs – Ojo Caliente, New Mexico
AIRE Ancient Baths
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Solage
Esalen Hot Springs
AIRE Ancient Baths – I have considered this place when I went to visit Chicago for $178 (+they are asking for 25% gratiuity before my experience) for 60 minutes is literally insane to me. I think I’d rather go to King Spa instead.
The Omni Homestead Resort – Warm Springs, Virginia