When it comes to travelling to Japan, one of the purposes is to relax in the hot springs. Some hot springs in Japan are private for couples and families. However, it is common to take public baths with strangers, where men and women are separated. Therefore, it is important to know some etiquette so that everyone can enjoy hot springs.
Contents
- Don't take photos in the dressing room
- Wash your body before soaking in the bathtub
- When you rinse your body in the shower, be aware of the people around you
- Rinse a chair with water after using it
- Do not put towels or hair in the bathtub
- Wipe yourself with a towel before returning to the dressing room
- Other things to know before taking a hot spring
1. Don't take photos in the dressing room
I understand the desire to take a lot of photos while travelling to leave memories as pictures, but photography is prohibited in the dressing room of hot spring facilities. It's a place where many people are changing clothes, so don't give distrust or discomfort to those around you. Also, please note that some hot spring facilities may prohibit the operation of mobile phones in the dressing room.
2. Wash your body before soaking in the bathtub
It is important to wash your body before entering the bathtub. Most hot spring facilities have shampoo and body washes provided, so you can use them, or you can bring your own favourite items to use. Washing your body first is to keep the water in the hot spring clean, but also you can reduce the burden on your body compared to soaking in the hot bath without doing so.
3. When you rinse your body in the shower, be aware of the people around you
The shower space of the hot spring facility has some showers next to each other. Therefore, when you wash your body in the shower, be careful not to let the water hit the person next to you or the person behind you. Also, if you wash your body or rinse off while standing, it will jump around, so be sure to sit on a chair.
4. Rinse a chair with water after using it
After washing your body, rinse the chairs and spaces you have used with hot water from the shower. It is good manners to check for foam and hair left so that the next person who uses it can use it comfortably.
5. Do not put towels or hair in the bathtub
On TV and in photos, we often see people soaking in hot springs with towels wrapped around their bodies, but when you actually take a hot spring, you should not put your towel or hair in the hot spring. Fold your towel and leave it in a place where it won't be soaked in the hot spring. Also, if you have long hair, tie it or wear a shower cap to prevent your hair from getting into the hot springs.
6. Wipe yourself with a towel before returning to the dressing room
When you get out of the hot spring and return to the dressing room, wipe yourself with a towel. No one wants to walk on a soaking floor. In addition, if the body remains wet, the floor of the dressing room will become wet and slippery, and there is a risk of slipping and injury to others or yourself.
7. Other things to know before taking a hot spring
Be careful when bathing after drinking alcohol
Many hot spring facilities allow you to bathe as many times as you like during business hours, so you may want to take another bath after enjoying a meal or drink at the restaurant in the facility. At that time, I would like you to pay attention to bathing after drinking. When you take a bath after drinking alcohol, the body's blood collects on the surface of the body, and blood circulation is disturbed, which may cause cerebral anemia and arrhythmia due to a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. In addition, the floor in the bathroom is wet and slippery, so there is a risk of slipping or tripping due to drunkenness. So, if you want to take a bath after eating, drink moderately and do not take a long bath.
If you have tattoos, you may not be able to take a hot spring
Tattoos are prohibited in most onsen establishments in Japan. Some establishments sell covers that hide tattoos, so if you cover up your tattoos with the cover, you will be allowed to bathe. If you have many or big tattoos to hide, we recommend that you use a private hot spring or check with the hot spring facility beforehand.
Stay hydrated
Your body is prone to dehydration while bathing, so be sure to hydrate before and after bathing in the hot springs.
Conclusion
I shared some hot spring etiquette in Japan. Private hot springs are good, but public hot springs in a large bathtub are exceptional. Please respect the rules and enjoy hot springs.