Public baths in Japan
Photo: Chris 73, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bathing is a big deal in Japan, and be it a scenic onsen hot spring, a neighborhood sentō bath or just an ordinary household tub, bathing Japanese style is a pleasure. Japanese wax lyrical about the joys of hot water (湯 or ゆ yu) and dub even the ordinary tub with an honorific prefix (お風呂 o-furo), and a visit to a Japanese hot spring — marked as ♨ on maps — should be on the agenda of every visitor.
Understandいい湯だな いい湯だな湯気が天井から ポタリと背中にIt's a good hot spring, It's a good hot spring;The drip flowed from the ceiling to my back. – The Drifters (ザ・ドリフターズ), It's a good hot spring (いい湯だな)
Types of waterMany people choose hot springs based on convenience, fame, views from the baths, and the beauty of the surrounding onsen town.
DestinationsJapan is incredibly active geothermally, so hot springs can be found throughout the length of the archipelago, from frigid Shiretoko National Park at the tippy-top of northern Hokkaido to the balmy subtropical jungles…
EtiquetteJapanese are understanding of the funny ways of foreigners, but there's one rule where no exceptions are made: you have to wash yourself and rinse off all foam before entering the bath.
EatMany public baths, particularly super sento, have their own restaurants. In onsen towns, especially at ryokan, meals may be offered by the accommodations.
BuyIn the Tohoku Region, kokeshi dolls are souvenirs that have been made for decades as hot spring town souvenirs. Kokeshi are painted wooden dolls with long cylindrical bodies with no arms or legs.
Stay safeDizziness and fainting can occur when using hot springs, but there are things you can do to prevent it from happening. First, make sure you are well-hydrated prior to entering the public baths.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Public baths in Japan" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Chris 73, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons