Amid the COVID-19 crisis, businesses in Japan are innovating to stay afloat. A spa in Arima Onsen has pioneered a virtual reality (VR) experience that transports users to soothing Japanese hot springs for ultimate relaxation.
Certain VR applications promote deep relaxation. In 2017, France's Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) launched the Relax VR headset, leveraging neurofeedback—a technique rooted in neuroscience—to guide users into meditation.
As reported by The Mainichi on April 19, 2020, this simpler yet immersive VR onsen experience originated in Arima Onsen, a renowned hot spring town near Kobe in western Japan. Users simply fill their bathtub, settle in, and don a VR headset to dive into the steamy waters.
The 20-minute session might sound whimsical at first, but participants emerge fully relaxed. High-quality visuals, ambient water sounds, and a serene Zen atmosphere make it remarkably effective.
Japan's state of emergency led to lockdowns, closing most Arima Onsen ryokans (inns) and halting tourism as borders shut and flights grounded. The local economy, heavily reliant on international visitors, faced severe challenges.
“We would like to increase the number of facilities participating in the project and provide the world with the healing power of Arima hot springs,” said Kazushige Kanai, manager of a local ryokan.
This VR initiative maintains global visibility through free YouTube videos, supported by volunteers, helping sustain interest in Arima's therapeutic waters.
Here's a preview of one such VR onsen experience before the full video series launched:
