Japan is without a doubt the heaven of Onsen Bath. When visiting Japan, there is no reason without experiencing it. Especially under the severe winter, it not only warms your body but heals the sick and releases the stress and tiredness. Japanese are obsessed with it; the foreigners are attracted to it.
To enjoy Onsen to the full, there are some rules of etiquette to follow before you go.
By knowing these rules, it keeps you away from an embarrassing experience.
Person with Tattoo Will not be Permitted to Enter
Flickr / Molly.Green.
In most Japanese mind, especially the elderly, people with tattoo are regarded as closely related to yakuza. Although this cannot be seen as general, owners still don’t expect the yakuza to gather together inside to ruin others’ mood for an Onsen. For this reason, they post notice saying 'Person with Tattoo Will not be Permitted to Enter.'
Please Wash Your Body before You Get into the Bathtub
The most important of all is that everyone should shower yourself before entering the Onsen pools and people with long hair should tie it up. Besides it is harmful to health to entering the pools immediately under a freezing weather. This action taken is not only for personal hygiene but to adjust the body to the heat.
Some hot spring resorts with better facility even provide exfoliating cream and face cream with collagen, shower gels and horse-oil shampoo those barely used toiletry. So why not enjoy take a shower and clean yourself thoroughly before entering the pool.
Proceed to the Shower Stalls and Shower whilst Seated (Do Not Shower Standing Up)
When taking a shower in the shower stall, please be seated in case to split to others and to save the water.
Towel is not Allowed into the Bath Pool
Flickr / Silvia Benedet
Towels bringing to the bath area is forbidden to the pool for personal hygiene.
Lower Your Voice
If the children are coming along with, be aware that do not let children running inside in case to get hurt and cause any danger. Meanwhile, speak at a lower volume and do not disturb others’ enjoying the tranquil moment.
Based on the survey, the top 3 most hated behaviors within bath etiquette are 1) shout in public 2) enter the pool without a shower 3) let children shout around without control
Do not Lie Easily on A Rock or The Side of The Bath
It causes inconvenience to others and is considered unsightly when you stretch the legs along the edges of the pool or even lie down.
Wipe off Excess Water and Sweat with Towel prior to Re-entering the Dressing Room
Wipe yourself beforehand with the towel before re-entering to the dressing room, it prevents others from danger by stepping on the wet floor. Besides, it is not recommended to use phone in the dressing room which may cause others uncomfortable and make misunderstanding even though it doesn’t have camera function.
Session Switched between The Genders
In some Onsens, the time schedule is switched between the genders; others may switch the men’s bath and women’s bath considering with different sceneries and designs.
With everyone being familiar with the etiquette above, it enhances the quality of the Onsen and leaves you a good experience and memory.
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