Taking the benefits of onsen home

I have a soft spot for a good gift shop. Before basically every trip, I research the best local souvenirs to take home from each destination. As for my recent visit to Kusatsu Onsen (one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts), I learned that the local skincare products are very popular.

As a well-known destination, Kusatsu certainly has no shortage of gift shops selling a range of products to help turn your own bathroom into a spa (yes, please)! Most hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) not only sell some of these popular local products, but also offer them for complimentary use in their guest rooms and on-site onsen. That’s definitely one of the perks (and strong incentives) to stay overnight in a hot spring resort.

In case you’re curious, below are some of the products you can expect to find either in the guest room, gift shop, or both.

1. Bath salts, which can make your bath at home feel like an onsen
2. Cleansing oil, to remove makeup
3. Toner, for additional cleansing and to balance the skin’s pH levels
4. Emulsion or milky lotion, to add moisture
5. Gel, for additional moisture and anti-aging benefits (many contain collagen)
6. Serums, which provide more concentrated doses of vitamins and anti-aging ingredients
7. Facial peels, to exfoliate and improve skin tone and texture

On my second night in Kusatsu, I decided to treat myself to an in-room facial following my bath. I used the cleansing oil to take off my makeup and then followed with a facial peel. After that, I applied the toner, emulsion, serum and a moisturizer to seal it all in. When I woke up the next morning, my skin was glowing and I looked incredibly well rested.

Following my two-night stay in Kusatsu, I decided to take home some cleansing oil like the one in my hotel room, a bar of soap and, most importantly, some bath salts. The onsen waters truly are magical. Just a dip and my skin felt softer and any redness had calmed. I was able to pick up 10 individual packets of bath salts for less than 2,000 yen, which means I have 10 glorious, restorative baths awaiting me at home! As for the rest of the products, there are options available at a variety of price points.

I plan to return to Kusatsu Onsen, but I am glad I can still have a spa-like experience at home until I do.

Kusatsu Onsen: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7400.html

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X9AoqruJSSi2sJpw7