02/23/2026
Hot Springs Tourism — a Historical, Cultural Healing Endeavor
From America to Japan and beyond, the power of thermal and mineral springs has a diverse cultural history. Native tribes and samurais, and many other cultures honored and welcomed the natural healing they bring — for thousands of years. Now, there are myriad international destinations that honor cultural traditions while opening up the springs to those who seek comfort and healing.
The Pamukkale (ancient Hierapolis (Holy City)) thermal pools in Turkey are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the famed “Cleopatra’s Pool.” As Turkey’s most popular attraction, its beautiful blue pools are steeped in thousands of years of ancient history
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is planning to open its new 5.8-acre Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in the heart of downtown Palm Springs in late 2020 celebrating the Tribe’s history, culture, traditions and modern-day activities. According to their official website, the Plaza will include the “Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, originally known as Sec he (the sound of boiling water), which serves as a commemorative focal point for the new development where tribal members and visitors can celebrate community, history and pay respect to the life-giving waters that helped shape the Palm Springs region.”
In Japan, the term for hot springs is onsen. Since Japan is a very volcanically active country, there are thousands of onsens scattered across its islands. From Hakone not far from Tokyo to Noboribetsu in Hokkaido, these thermal springs are an integral part of Japanese culture and healing traditions.
Iceland is another hotbed for wellness tourism where you can even combine an ice hiking adventure into your travels as well. The Blue Lagoon is the most popular hot spring in the country and listed in “The Top 25 Wonders of the World” by National Geographic. Although the Blue Lagoon is one of the newest sites in the country, Iceland has a strong historical connection to thermal springs and it is an important part of their cultural identity.
These are just a sampling of these global natural treasures. Seek out more.