This article describes policies and practices related to onsens;
health and wider benefits of hot springs; and their status in
Japanese health care. The article highlights the need for better
policy support for this eroding traditional healing method called
touji or onsen ryouhou. The article starts with a section on the
history of touji, followed by sections on Health benefits and
popularity of the method; Policies, regulations and quality and
safety standards; and Initiatives related to research and training.
The article also compares the European practice of balneology
with touji. This is followed by a section on modernization, which
highlights the transformation of health related cultural traditions
in the Japanese society. The article ends by a discussion on key
challenges and the policy measures needed to strengthen such
practices.