Taking a public bath in Japan, also known as an onsen or sento, is a popular and traditional cultural activity that dates back centuries. This ancient practice of communal bathing is deeply ingrained in Japanese society and is seen as a way to cleanse the body and relax the mind.
One needs to understand the difference between an “onsen” and a “sento.” An onsen is a natural hot spring water bath, while a sento is any public bath. Sento may use hot spring water, or simply heated and treated tap water. Both offer similar benefits, but an onsen is considered more luxurious and exclusive.
When entering an onsen or sento, visitors are required to remove their clothes and shoes before going into the bathing area. (Yes, you must be nude. This is bathing not swimming.) It is customary to bring a small hand towel and a change of clothing or at least clean underclothing with you.
Pre-Bath TIPS:
• Bring clothing, towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Most sentos rent towels, and sell soap and other amenities. Onsen include them with hotel fees, if you are staying at their resort.
• If you have long hair, bring a hair tie or barrette to tie up your hair. Long hair dangling in the bath is considered rude.
• Hydrate yourself before and after bathing. Most baths allow but don't like plastic drink bottles, and glass containers are never permitted in bath areas. Leave bottles in your locker in the changing room.
• All smartphones, mobile phones and cameras must be placed in a locker, and may not be used for any purpose either in the changing room or the bath area.
• Please keep voices down in the bath, as the walls echo the sound of loud voices and may annoy others.
• Please do not jump in or swim in the bath. It is not a pool, despite the size. Wade slowly from place to place.
• Thinking of others around you is always appreciated.
Some sentos and onsen still deny people with tattoos, but here is a Link to my "Tattoo Okay Kansai Sentos/Onsen List," on Google Maps, now listing over 50 bathhouses (and growing) that allow people with tattoos in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, Japan! https://maps.app.goo.gl/gQB6W1XP9nWqugAG9
Alcohol WARNING:
You cannot take a bath after you have been drinking alcohol.
When your body warms up, blood circulation improves, and alcohol goes around the body quickly.
Bathing after drinking will be denied by staff if seen, because it may cause severe conditions like cerebral anemia, arrhythmia, and heart attacks. It is also recommended to wait 30 minutes after bathing before drinking alcohol.
The Seven Steps
1) Important! Take off your shoes at the entry, place them in a shoe locker, and take the key or tag to leave in your locker.
TIP: Use Jay Tee's Rule of Shoes: “Socks On Wood, Shoes On Stone...”
In other words, make sure that your Shoes never, ever touch the inner floor (usually wooden), and your Socks (or bare feet) never, ever step down OFF the wood to touch the stone/concrete floor.
How to do that? Just step directly out of your shoe up onto the wood ONLY, then do it in reverse on the way out. Sit on the wood floor or a bench, as you need.
Why do they do that? This keeps the wooden inner floors much cleaner.
2) Pay bathing fees at the front desk.
Here you also pay for any special sauna or special baths you want, rent towels and purchase other amenity goods. They will give you a locker key or a locker number to use.
3) Go in the changing room. Usually mens is blue, womens is red, marked by a colored flaglike door cover (a "noren," as seen in above pic).
Find your locker and take off ALL your clothes, put them in the locker and lock it. Loop the locker key strap around your wrist so that you don’t lose it, and wear it into the bath with you.
(Some very old bathhouses only have a basket to place your things in. Don't bring valuables.)
4) Locate the bathing areas and washing area. The washing area will have seats, faucets and bowls. Some may include a shower. Before initially entering the bath, it is customary to wash at the designated washing area.
Clean your entire body completely. This is to ensure that the bath water stays clean and hygienic for all visitors.
Refrain from "holding" a washing spot for later use. Rinse your stool and bowl lightly after use and replace them as you found them.
Be careful not to spray water on others, and turn off the water when not using it.
Once you have washed and rinsed off, you can then enter the bath.
5) Soak and Enjoy! There are often several types of baths, and there may be sauna or an outdoor bath, too. The bath water can be quite hot, so it is best to ease yourself in slowly.
Some people take a lo-ong bath! Take a break occasionally by getting out of the bathtub or by changing bath temperatures to avoid stressing your body.
Once you enter the bathtub, keep the small towel up out of the water. Many people fold and place it atop their head.
Remember to use hair ties or a barrette to tie up long hair.
While in the bath, be mindful of others around you and try to keep conversations to a minimum.
6) After the bath, while you should rinse once on your way out, you don't need to wash again.
Lightly wipe your wet body with the small towel in the bath area or drainage area to reduce dripping on the floor in the changing room.
In the changing room, finish drying your body and put on clothes. Some public baths in Japan offer additional amenities such as hair dryers, lotions, and hair ties, so take advantage of these if needed.
If you need to return the locker key, remember to bring it out with you!
7) Relax while rehydrating yourself in the lobby before departure. Some public baths have snack corners, or even restaurants. As a sign of respect, be sure you thanked the staff on your way out and left the bathing area clean and tidy for the next visitors.
Taking a public bath in Japan is a unique and relaxing experience that offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural traditions. By following the proper customs outlined in this article, you will enjoy a peaceful and rejuvenating bath while respecting the rules and norms of Japanese society.
The next time you find yourself in Japan, take the time to visit an onsen or sento and immerse yourself in this ancient and cherished tradition.
