The “bath” ritual has a very deep and religious meaning. It’s not only about personal hygiene but it is also a way for the body and the spirit to be purified. Water in fact, in Japanese culture, is associated with the concept of purification. This is the reason why, before entering a temple, it is required to wash hands, mouth and face.
A distinction must be made between Onsen and Sento. The former exploits water from geothermally heated sources. The latter are real public baths that you can access by paying a small fee and, unlike the onsen, do not take water from thermal springs but from the public water system.
There are different types of Onsen: they can be covered or outdoor (notenburo and rotenburo) and, in the second case, you might pay for them or not (these are thermal places located in rural areas where anyone can access for free).
Few simple rules must be followed and are valid both for Onsen and Sento baths:
- Enter naked. Usually there are men rooms and women rooms, although in certain rural areas there might be common areas. Initially, I found the nudity among strangers a very stressing experience, but then I only had to observe the modesty and the privacy of other women to feel more at ease.
- Using towels: usually a large towel is provided at the end of the “bath”, plus a small one. The latter is often used to cover the private parts when moving to another tub, or between one bathroom area and another. It is absolutely forbidden that the towel touches the water as it is considered pure, so that many people keep it tied up, resting on their head or on the edge of the pool.
- Wash yourself carefully before immersing into the tubs. I found this moment very intimate. You have to be clean, devote yourself to the proper care of your body without any rush. Everything takes place in locations that are equipped with showers and stools, soap and shampoo are also usually provided. In some cases though, you will need to bring them, so it would be good to know before entering. The same rule applies to towels.
- Head to the tub by covering your intimate part in front with the small towel, then you can immerse yourself in hot water (between 38 and 42 degrees Celsius).
- Tattoos are not allowed because they are usually a symbol of Yakuza, the Japanese mafia
We tried all types of traditional bath, the public one, spa style and also open air in the countryside. It was a great way to get in touch with the local culture and, above, relax.
