In Japan, “bathing” is not washing
A key cultural difference between Japan and the West is in the relationship with hot water and bodies. More than 27,000 onsen (hot springs) dot Japan, with nearly all harvested for bath water. Yes, bathing is a serious business in Japan. Along with this vast national resource, generations of established etiquette and protocols exist that even foreigners must observe and follow.
Worldwide, bathing is an act of relaxation and healing. This includes Japan, where soaking your body in a home tub, a public bath, or an onsen is a national pastime. While most cultures understand the value of relaxing the body in hot water, the Japanese have made it a ritualistic art form.
But bathing is not for getting clean—often, a single tub of water is used many times. To keep the water fresh and clean, bathers are required to shower immediately before entering a tub. This isn’t just a nicety, it’s a requirement, and it’s expected to be thorough. Showing tattoos is also a no-no in public baths. Don’t be distraught if you’re turned away due to body art—it’s not discrimination, it’s tradition.
If you’re invited to a public bath or onsen, use the adjacent facility to wash yourself before partaking. In public settings, bathers sit to wash, limiting their splash profile. A small stool with a shower head only a meter from the ground are the tools for this type of shower. This method prevents soapy water from splashing into the bath or onto nearby people. Be cognizant of your surroundings and keep dirty water from entering a clean tub.
Bathing in Japan is an entirely naked sport, not “clothing optional.” Public baths and onsen are often separated by gender or reserved for individual families. A small washcloth-sized towel is allowed to hide your privates, but these towels are not allowed in the bath. Interestingly, these towels are often chilled with cold water, folded, and placed on top of the bather’s head while in the water. This helps equalize the temperature of your brain while your body soaks in the heat. Yes, even the little towel is a part of the ritual.
