My small town of Misaka is home to a fantastic hot spring, or 'onsen' in Japanese. The place may be hard to find as it is hidden amid peach trees and grape farms but if you go to the trouble to get there then you won't be disappointed!
First, a note about proper onsen etiquette. Tattoos are not welcome and considered polluting. If you have a small tattoo then you can try covering it up with a band-aid. Be sure you go into the correct onsen door - there is one for women (generally with red writing) and one for men (generally with blue writing). You must remove your shoes before stepping on the flooring there (at this onsen, you will remove your shoes at the entrance to the facility) or risk getting yelled at by the locals. Put all your valuables in a locker; you will get a wrist key. Then, strip down completely and grab your small 'modesty towel' (although it doesn't cover much) and leave your large towel in the big tub for when you return.
After stepping into the onsen, you must shower at the little stalls. You can sit on the little stools while you wash your hair and all the rest. There is shampoo, conditioner, and body wash provided. You must be completely clean before stepping into the hot springs because the water is shared and you don't want your dirt to get on everyone's skin. After showering properly, you're now ready to enjoy the onsen!
The Misaka Rose Garden Hot Springs has many baths, including an outside bath. There are some interesting jet baths that are supposed to help various body problems. The hot springs outside usually has pretty flowers floating in the water that have been gathered from the garden. There is also a sauna inside. You can rub salt on your skin if you wish like the Japanese. This onsen attracts few tourists so you may get a few curious looks. If you follow proper etiquette then you will be treated well.
The onsen is open every day except for Tuesday from 10am to 8.30pm. Non-residents are charged 700 yen for a all-day hot springs ticket. There is also a tennis court and hot springs guests get free entrance. There is food available at the dining hall. There are also massages available. You can also stroll through the pretty garden outside. For a map and more information in English you can go to www.city.fuefuki.yamanashi.jp/english/shisetsu.php?id=2 . Enjoy your bathing!