Spas and hot springs have an insurmountably important role
in East Asian society, and Taiwan is no exception. Located in northern Taipei
is the Datun volcanic mountain range between the Jinshan and the Kanjiao faults
giving home to Beitou and its’ famed hot springs. In 1896 the Japanese built their
first hot spring spa and in 1913 the construction of the Beitou public baths was
completed due to the importance of bathing in Japanese culture. Bathing is not
just a hygienic activity but one where an individual can enjoy a relaxing
atmosphere, rest, take tea, play games and eat meals.
Generated from the geothermal energy from below the earths’
surface, Beitou offers a wide range of hot springs. Such hot springs include
green sulfur springs, white sulfur springs, and iron oxide springs. The public
baths provide a range of natural hot spring temperature peaking off at 45OC
or 113OF. Rising from the baths is a blanket of steam hiding the
bluish green waters below. The faint smell of sulfur lingers in the air but it
provides world class relaxation.
In the public bathhouse the cost is a mere $1.25 and makes
for a nervous yet interesting experience. Stripping down and rinsing off is the
first step, then facing the baths full of elderly people making their daily
stop. Etiquette of the baths is simply learned via observation. It is
imperative that you do not just dip your feet but rather plop right into the
scolding water of the hottest bath first. You then move to the cold pools, with
a friendly reminder from an avid bather to rinse off the sulfurous water in the
showers first. Once in the cold water your muscle tense up and you feel fit as
ever. A return to the hot water and repeat, relaxes the muscles, removes all
worries from your mind and allows an opportunity of pure relaxation. The
Japanese definitely got this one right.
Spas and hot springs have an insurmountably important role
in East Asian society, and Taiwan is no exception. Located in northern Taipei
is the Datun volcanic mountain range between the Jinshan and the Kanjiao faults
giving home to Beitou and its’ famed hot springs. In 1896 the Japanese built their
first hot spring spa and in 1913 the construction of the Beitou public baths was
completed due to the importance of bathing in Japanese culture. Bathing is not
just a hygienic activity but one where an individual can enjoy a relaxing
atmosphere, rest, take tea, play games and eat meals.
Generated from the geothermal energy from below the earths’
surface, Beitou offers a wide range of hot springs. Such hot springs include
green sulfur springs, white sulfur springs, and iron oxide springs. The public
baths provide a range of natural hot spring temperature peaking off at 45OC
or 113OF. Rising from the baths is a blanket of steam hiding the
bluish green waters below. The faint smell of sulfur lingers in the air but it
provides world class relaxation.
In the public bathhouse the cost is a mere $1.25 and makes
for a nervous yet interesting experience. Stripping down and rinsing off is the
first step, then facing the baths full of elderly people making their daily
stop. Etiquette of the baths is simply learned via observation. It is
imperative that you do not just dip your feet but rather plop right into the
scolding water of the hottest bath first. You then move to the cold pools, with
a friendly reminder from an avid bather to rinse off the sulfurous water in the
showers first. Once in the cold water your muscle tense up and you feel fit as
ever. A return to the hot water and repeat, relaxes the muscles, removes all
worries from your mind and allows an opportunity of pure relaxation. The
Japanese definitely got this one right.
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