An Onsen is a term for natural hot springs and is often used to describe bathing establishments and inns around the hot springs. Traditionally, Onsen is a public bathing place and even today, you often share the bathtub with others. There is an established code of etiquette for Onsen. If you follow these rules, it would mean a pleasurable experience for everyone.
When you travel, you tend to meet different kinds of people and be in touch with other cultures, but do you know about their local etiquette?
Miss Wattention, SAKURA, and her little bear KUMATA will show you how to enjoy Japan’s unique culture in an authentic way.
You won’t feel embarrassed if you know basic their manners and etiquette.
Etiquette at Onsen
★Basic Manners
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| All guests are expected to wash their bodies and rinse themselves thoroughly at the bathing area before entering the hot water. |
Before you leave the bathing area, ensure you stack the stools up, return all the amenities (like soap and shampoo) back to their original place. |
Prohibited Actions
Rowdiness in the washing and bathing areas is prohibited.
Splashing around and immersing your towel in the Onsen
water is not allowed.
Before stepping into the changing room, bathers should wipe
their bodies o to keep the room dry and clean.
What to do @ Onsen
(1)Kakeyu – take a hot shower before soaking
It is important to take a steaming hot shower before soaping.
It’s to let your body warm up and relax, reduce stress and risk of sudden heart attack,
as well as be accustomed to a higher temperature.
Pour the steaming hot water slowly from toes to thighs, ngers to shoulders.
(2)The right method of bathing
A sudden move into the hot water isn’t good for the body.
First, submerge only the lower part of your body, and gradually soak your whole body into the bath.
Ideal soaking time is about 10 minutes for 40ºC water, and 20 minutes for lukewarm water (36-38ºC).
Be careful not to soak in too long or too many times, otherwise your body will be hurt.
NEVER take a bath when you are drunk.
(3)Have a good rest after a bath
After bathing, take a rest for at least 30 to 60 minutes.
Taking a bath twice per day should suce. Too long and too
much bathing can be harmful to your body. Be sure to drink
plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Illustrator & Manga Artist
Sonoko Azuma
She started her career working for one of the most established
manga magazines in Japan. Since then, her artworks have
been widely featured in publications and websites.
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