Japanese hot spring and bathhouse guide

A basic onsen (温泉) and sentō (銭湯) guide written from the perspective of a first-time inbound traveller, whose primary concern revolved around nudity. And no, tattoos were not even mentioned.

Once sacred places for purification rituals and the upper echelons of society, in the Edo period (1603-1868), onsen transformed from semi-religious medicinal destinations to social hubs, not unlike Roman baths. Today, countless onsen are dotted across Japan, from local towns to large purpose-built resorts — more than 3,000, according to the Ministry of Environment — each filled with hot spring water. Operators must follow strict laws: water temperature is typically between 93°F and 107°F (34 to 42 Celsius) and must not fall below 77°F. Most hot spring locations, often marked by a ♨ symbol, offer uchiyu (indoor) and roten-buro (outdoor) baths. They are divided into two sides, for men and women. Bathers soak solo or gather with friends and family to unwind in the mineral-rich water, which is known to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and support skin health. But not knowing how to take the first step can leave overseas visitors feeling a little exposed, as I did.

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TL;DR? Here are the basic rules:

1. Take off your shoes at the entrance and place them in a locker.
2. Pay the fee at the counter. (Sauna is extra)
3. Enter the changing room, undress completely, and store your clothes.
4. Bring a small towel into the bath area.
5. Wash your body thoroughly while seated at a shower station.
6. Rinse off all soap before entering the baths.
7. Never put your towel into the bath.
8. Long hair should be tied up.
9. If you use the sauna, rinse again before going back into the water.
10. Dry off before returning to the changing room. And if you turn up empty-handed, there's no need to worry, as most bathhouses provide essentials like shampoo, soap, and towel rentals.

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Konnichiwa Mina-san!

Bathing culture has existed in Japan for a long time, and even today, Japanese people are known to love baths.

In the past, Japanese houses did not have baths, so many people went to public baths "Sentō".



Public baths were small, privately run businesses that were found in every town. Public baths were not only places to bathe but also places to socialize.

The highest number of public baths was in 1968, when there were 18,000 privately run public baths nationwide.

However, the number of public baths has been declining, and is now down to around 1,800.

There are a variety of reasons for this, including the aging of business owners, the lack of successors, the spread of home baths, and rising utility costs.

If you want to enjoy a traditional, privately run public bathhouse, it's best to come to Japan early. Public baths are already an endangered species and don't have much time left.

Traditional public baths "Sentō" are in danger of disappearing, but in recent years, there has been an increase in large public baths run by companies, known as "Super-Sentō".



永山健康ランド「竹取の湯」 from rocketnews24.com
Official website

Japan's traditional public baths are disappearing, replaced by more convenient large public baths.

Traditional Japanese public baths or the more convenient large public baths: which one appeals to you?

NANGI

NANGI said:

Traditional Japanese public baths or the more convenient large public baths: which one appeals to you?

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Both appeal to me.

I happen to have a lot of body hair , like many Gaijins , LOL, Several times , knowing the hairy gaijin can't understand Japanese , I was compared to a monkey or gorilla. I made sure I left while walking like a monkey and making monkey sounds. I preferred the private bath near my apartment which was extra nice when my girl went with me.

Isn't that an orangutan?

Or is it actually a selfie?

Thank God today's razors let me shave closer and faster !

Konnichiwa Mina-san!



Japanese hot springs are hairy-friendly.
I can also relax in the hot springs.

NANGI