Mastering the “Elegance” in Onsen Bathing

IMPORTANT NOTES AND MANNERS WHEN BATHING

The Japanese word "reisetsu" refers to the importance of paying careful attention
to manners and to the people in the surrounding, for comfortable everyday living for everyone,
which is an important cultural value for the Japanese.
The Japanese regard people who place importance on "reisetsu" to be spiritually refined,
and this perspective applies to everyone, regardless of social status (race), gender or age.
Why not master the proper way of bathing and of "reisetsu"?
It certainly is a way to promote spiritual self-refinement.

CHECK BEFORE BATHING 入浴前のチェック

  • check 01

    Are you sure you are feeling fine?

    Despite the medically proven benefits of the onsen spring water in relieving stress and various physical symptoms, it also gives great stress to the body due to harsh stimulants. Refrain from bathing when fatigued or immediately after a meal or drinking alcoholic beverages.

  • check 02

    Do you wear tattoo?

    Please note that people wearing tattoo may not be allowed into an onsen facility. Please check the facility in advance.

  • check 03

    Are you accompanied
    by an adult?

    Allowing children to bathe by themselves is dangerous. Be sure to have an adult accompany children.

PREPARATIONS FOR BATHING 入浴の準備

  • PREPARATIONS 01

    Put your clothes and
    belongings in the locker

    Be sure to have a locker or basket to keep your clothing, including underwear, before bathing. Swimwear is not allowed. One locker or basket is allowed per person. Keep your personal belongings to a minimum, because locking may not be possible in some facilities.

  • PREPARATIONS 02

    Check your belongings before you leave

    Remove accessories and other items to prevent corrosion.

  • PREPARATIONS 03

    Does your hair touched
    your shoulders?

    Any length of hair that touches the shoulders must be bound and kept out of the onsen water.

  • PREPARATIONS 04

    Are you thirsty?

    Be sure to drink water before bathing.

  • PREPARATIONS 05

    Be sure to have
    a small towel

    Be sure to have a small towel with you for use and protection in the bathroom.

  • PREPARATIONS 06

    Give your camera or
    smart phone a break

    The onsen bath area is private space. Do not bring your camera or smartphone.

WHEN ENTERING THE BATHROOM 浴室に入ったら

  • ENTERING 01

    Watch your step on
    the slippery floor

    The floor may be slippery. It may also be uneven or have puddles. Do not run. Walk carefully.

  • ENTERING 02

    Be sure to
    wash your body

    Wash your body in space allocated for washing. Do not wash your body or shampoo your hair in space other than the designated area.

  • ENTERING 03

    Leave everything behind
    except your towel

    Immersing things in the onsen bathtub is prohibited. Keep your belongings in a single place away from other people.

  • ENTERING 04

    Speak quietly

    For maximum enjoyment, keep conversation to a minimum and keep the volume low.

WHEN IMMERSING IN THE BATHTUB 湯船に入ってみよう

  • IMMERSING 01

    Warm up your body
    with hot water

    In order to help your body become accustomed to onsen temperature, use a dipper available in the bathroom to pour water on your body, starting slowly from your limbs and finally to your chest and head. When doing this, be sure that the onsen water you are using do not get into the bathtub.

  • IMMERSING 02

    Immerse in
    the bathtub slowly

    Be sure to accustom yourself to the onsen water temperature, because the water temperature is high in many facilities. Never add water, even when the water is hot for you. As you get accustomed to the temperature, you will feel invigorated.

  • IMMERSING 03

    Do not immerse your towel in the onsen water

    These are the rules in onsen bathing that everyone keeps to ensure enjoyable bathing for all. To keep the onsen water clean at all times, immersing towel in the water is prohibited, even when new and unused.

  • IMMERSING 04

    Do not swim or dive

    Enjoy immersing and relaxing in the onsen bathtub. Swimming or diving is prohibited, even when done quietly. Do not scrub your face or body inside the tub.

  • IMMERSING 05

    Enjoy the sound
    and the view

    The joy of onsen bathing is not limited to the spring water alone. It is a relaxing experience for all 5 senses, with the view you see from the bathtub and from the sounds inside the bathroom or from the outside. It should be relaxing and purifying experience.

  • IMMERSING 06

    Be sure to have a break
    and rest your body

    If you start to perspire, get out of the bathtub and have a rest. However, do not lie down along the frame of the bathtub.
    Be sure to drink water frequently, and refrain from bathing more than 2 or 3 times a day, to stay in good condition.

WHEN COMING OUT OF THE BATHTUB 湯船から出たら

  • COMING OUT 01

    Wipe your body dry

    Use your towel you brought into the bathroom to wipe off moisture on your body when leaving and proceeding to the changing room. It is important also not to wipe off moisture thoroughly, for long-lasting onsen benefit.

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