Many Japanese travelers love to soak in onsen (hot springs), where they can soothe their bodies and spirits. The suburbs of Tokyo contain a number of reasonably priced and publicly run onsen. Below are a few tips to help you relax in Japanese style during an onsen trip.
- In most hot springs, bathe naked. Do not wear a swimsuit.
- Rinse yourself with warm water before entering the bathtub, to clean your body and condition it for bathing.
- First, lower your feet slowly into the water. Next, submerge yourself up to your waist and then to your shoulders. (The water in many hot springs is considerably hot.)
- Do not dip towels into the water. Place them just outside the bathtub or upon your head.
- Never rub your body inside the bathtub. Wash yourself before with the water faucet outside the tub. When you rinse your body, be careful not to splash anyone around you.
- Do not enter the dressing rooms with a wet body. Be sure to towel-dry yourself and wipe your feet with the footcloth in front of the entrance.
* These points represent standard etiquette at the majority of spas and springs.
Recommended Onsen Places:
