How to bathe in Onsen
If you bathe in Hot spring(Onsen), you should never forget to observe the manners and etiquette needed throughout.
Here are some important rules to guide you through your first Hot spring(Onsen) experience – primer to the laws of the Hot spring(Onsen).
1. First of all you will have to completely undress. Clothes are to be taken off in the dressing room. Other than your birthday suit, you may bring one small towel or washcloth to the bathing area for washing with. Do not make the mistake of changing into and going in your bathing suit. It is not allowed.
2. Once in the bathing area, rinse off with hot water before getting into hot spring. At some places there will be a stone tub by the entrance, at others you may be able to wash with soap, bucket and using a tap, and at other you will have to take the water directly from the onsen itself. Hot water is drawn from the tub or tap and poured over the entire body to rinse thoroughly. This is considered one of the most important points of hot spring manners.
3. After you have completely rinsed, it’s time to get into the hot tub, and taste hot spring. Do not put the towel into the water. You may see people fold and put it on their heads.
4. One dip is usually no more than 10 minutes. As there are mineral elements in the water, longer exposure is not only relaxing, but also allows the body to soak up more of those minerals. Getting in at 2 or 3 times a day is more reasonable and better for health.
5. Where tap and washing stalls are available, switching from wash stall to tub and back is up to you. Do so at will. Never bring the soap or suds into the tub!
6. When your body warm up and totally relaxed, taking a shower is entirely up to you. After you take in Onsen, maybe you can find out “How nice onsen it is!”
