How to enter a hot spring and manners!

When I think of Japan, I think of hot springs! If I’m going to Japan, I want to go to a hot spring! I think there are many people who think, “If I go to Japan, I want to take a bath in an onsen! However, for those who do not have a hot spring culture, this may be an unknown experience. Even if you are from an area that has hot springs, you may be confused by the cultural differences. For those who do not know how to enter an onsen in Japan, we would like to introduce some important manners and how to enter an onsen. If you keep these points in mind, you are sure to make fewer mistakes and make your trip more memorable. Cultural differences are one of the pleasures of traveling to another country. Before you go to a hot spring, keep this in mind.

How do you get into a hot spring?

Unlike a bath in your own home, a hot spring is a public place where everyone is welcome. Everyone is there to relax and relieve fatigue, so it is important to behave in a way that is comfortable for both parties. Also, for those who are not accustomed to hot baths, disregarding the procedure can be a strain on the body. To avoid getting overtired and ruining your plans for the rest of the day, we will first introduce the procedure for taking a hot spring bath.

wash one’s head and body

Instead of getting into the bathtub, wash your head and body at the washing area first. By washing your body, you can reduce the burden on your body compared to getting into the bathtub suddenly. Also, washing your body thoroughly before soaking will prevent the hot spring water from becoming contaminated.

pour hot water on oneself

The water in a hot spring is considerably hotter than the water in a shower in a washroom. To prevent the difference in temperature from being too much for your body, use a tub to slowly pour hot water from your feet up into the bathtub.

take a dip in a hot spring

Pour water over your shoulders and get into the bathtub when your body is lightly warmed. Take your time and go at your own pace so that you do not fall over. There are no rules about how long or how often you should soak in a hot spring bath. You can soak as long as you like while consulting with your own physical condition.
If you are not accustomed to hot baths, it is recommended that you leave the bath once you feel sweaty. Forcing yourself to soak for a long time is not effective. If you feel any change in your physical condition, get out of the bath immediately to cool off and replenish your fluids.
Enjoy various hot spring baths while repeatedly getting warm and cooling off to avoid getting overtired from the hot water.

take a hot bath and wipe yourself off before leaving the room

When you get out of the onsen, take a shower and rinse off your body. Since many people enter hot springs, it is better to rinse off your body. Also, taking a shower, which has a lower water temperature than that of a hot spring, will lower your body temperature slightly and reduce the burden on your body caused by the temperature difference between the changing rooms and the hot spring baths.

When you get out of the bath, wipe off your body before going to the changing rooms. It is bad manners to go out without wiping yourself off, as you will end up soaking your surroundings.

Manners for mutual pleasant use

Next, I would like to introduce the etiquette for entering a hot spring bath. Many people come to onsen to relieve their fatigue. If it is just you, like at home, you can do as you please, but that is not the case. In order to make the experience pleasant for both parties, please be careful not to do anything that may cause discomfort to those around you.

Don’t come in while drunk

Not only is it dangerous to become intoxicated when your body temperature rises in a hot spring, but it may also impair your judgment and unintentionally cause problems for those around you. In order to relax in a hot spring, avoid taking a bath after drinking alcohol.

noiseless

Running around and loud conversations are not acceptable. The spa is a place to relax. Act in such a way that everyone can spend a relaxing time. If you have small children, make sure you are always looking out for them.

Pack your bags.

There are lockers, baskets, and other places to put your belongings in the changing rooms. Clothes, towels, etc. should not be left undressed, but should be kept in one place. Lockers are limited, so it is bad manners to use a lot of them, as others will not be able to use them. Do not bring luggage that is not related to the bath; leave it in your room.

Do not put towels in the bathtub

For hygienic reasons, towels should not be placed in the bathtub of a hot spring. If you have trouble finding a place to put your towel, place it on your head or in a place where it will not be exposed to the surrounding hot water.

Wear your long hair up.

Just as towels should not be soaked in the bathtub, hair should not be soaked in hot water. If you have long hair, tie it up with an elastic band to keep it out of the hot water.

Not allowed to remain in clothes or diapers

We understand that you would like to take your child to a hot spring because it is a special trip.
However, from a hygienic standpoint, it is best not to do so before the diapers are removed.

Some facilities allow bathing with diapers in designated bathtubs, so if you really want to go with your child, please check with the facility in advance.
Some people may be uncomfortable with the sound of crying or hygiene, so even if it is OK, please make sure to follow the rules and have fun.

Do not bring anything that is not appropriate for the occasion.

People who usually look at their phones in the bathtub should be careful! It is absolutely not a good idea to bring your smartphone into a hot spring bath. Even if you do not intend to do so, people around you may suspect that you are taking voyeuristic pictures. Once you are in the changing rooms, do not play with your phone anymore.

Also, toothpaste sets and laundry products are not allowed.

If you are bringing a refill of your regular body soap, do not refill it in a glass container. If you drop them and break them, you and others may be injured.

Do not bring anything that is not related to the bath.

What not to bring
・Smartphones
・Toothpaste sets and laundry items
・Glassware, etc.

wash your head and body without worrying about your surroundings

Be aware of your surroundings when washing up. Do not splash hot water on others without considering the direction of the shower, or wash your hair and body so vigorously that bubbles fly into the air around you. You are not alone in the shower, nor are your relatives alone. It is important to keep in mind that you are not the only one in the room, nor are your family members alone.

Wash and return used tubs and chairs.

In the washing area, wash the chairs and tubs that you have used and return them to their original locations. It is not a good idea to leave them out or return them dirty because they are shared by everyone. Think about the next person who will use them and act considerately.

It is also not acceptable to leave your own belongings in the washing area to take up space. A spirit of sharing is important.

Clean up loose hair and wet floors.

When using a hot spring, it is possible for hair to naturally fall out or for the floor to become wet.
In such cases, it is good manners to clean up for the next user. In some cases, goods for simple cleaning are placed near the washrooms.
Cleaning staff will, of course, clean the area, but they will only do so after business hours.

When you use the wash stand after taking a bath, if the floor is soggy and full of loose hair, it will ruin your mood. Let’s act in a way that is pleasant for both parties.

summary

At first glance, there may seem to be a lot of procedures and manners, but they are all intended to make both parties feel comfortable. Despite cultural differences, the things we don’t like to do in public places should be the same. When in doubt, imagine how you would feel if you were the next person to use the onsen, or how you would feel if the person next to you did the same.

Let’s make your trip to Japan a memorable one by observing these rules so that you can enjoy your trip to Onsen with a good feeling and have fun.