I have been developing my concepts around the future of beauty and digitalised spas so this Japanese Virtual Hot Springs experience really stood out to me. Again I am questioning what is lost by this shift and what is gained? In terms of accessibility, anyone with a VR headset and bath can enjoy the experience without leaving their home, let alone a country. I am going to explore accessibility and virtual experiences further.
https://hk.asiatatler.com/life/japanese-onsen-virtual-hot-spring-experience
virtual moment of zen being offered by these Japanese Spas.
Arima Onsen, Japanʼs oldest hot spring town, is bringing its onsens online
“Japanʼs hot springs can help to heal people in quarantine around the world, as well as increase the efficacy of the quarantine,” Arima Onsen Volunteering Inn owners said in a press release. “This way, we may, even if only slightly, help reduce infections and suffering from the new coronavirus.”
To enjoy the virtual hot spring experience, one just needs to run an everyday bath at home, put on a pair of VR goggles suitable for 4K, and select one of the many hot spring bath scenes from the Arima Hot-spring Baths VR Tour Youtube channel.
“The VR offers a full view of the selected bath and allows the viewer to experience the hot-spring visually and in sound,” the group explained. “The user can vividly hear the thermal waters flowing and enjoy the soothing sound of the cherry blossoms gently fluttering in the wind.”