Japanese Onsen – A Traditional Bathing Experience
Asian Bath
Visiting Japan will be incomplete without visiting an onsen. Onsens are traditional Asian Bath in Japan using natural hot springs which serves as Japanese public baths, and considered as the most unique traditional bath in All of Asia. There are two types of onsen, indoor and outdoor. Even though first visit to onsen might be confusing for first timers, this tradition is worth the effort. Simple guidance below would be useful for your visit to onsen.
Prepare Your Own Onsen Supplies
These are equipments that need to be prepared before you make your first visit to onsen:
- Large towel
- Small towel or usually called as “modesty towel” for covering your private part
- Basic toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
- Other necessaries toiletries such as toothbrush or razor
Most onsens sell these items, but the price would be a lot cheaper if you buy them at nearest convenience stores. Soap and shampoo are usually the most expensive sold at onsen.
Paying and Changing
Many onsens sell their admittance ticket at vending machine styled dispensers, but these machines mostly using kanji characters. Paying directly at the counter would be a lot simpler. An onsen usually costs 350 to 700 yen or 3 to 7 US Dollars. Onsens are mostly divided into men and women area. Dressing rooms are distinctly differed by its color; green or blue for men, and pink or red for women. If you are uncertain, check with a clerk or at the counter. It will save you from embarrassing situation. Dressing room has cupboards with baskets to store your clothes along with coin lockers to keep your valuables safe. If no lockers provided, front counter can keep them for you.
Before Entering
Before going into the hot bath, clean yourself at the washing area. There are stools provided in front of faucets along with wooden buckets. Fill the wooden bucket with water from faucet to wash yourself clean. There are some modern onsens which provide showers as well. Clean up thoroughly before you go into the hot bath. Shaving should be done after entering the onsen. If you accidentally cut yourself, taking a bath with a bleeding person would be inconvenient and you would be considered as a rude person. Any soap or shampoo should be rinsed cleanly before entering the hot bath. Modesty towel can be brought along, but do not dip the towel into the hot bath. Place the towel aside or put it under your head.
Leaving
After you finished at the hot bath, rinse yourself once again at the washing area, and then return the wooden bucket and stool into their place. Dry yourself with your towel before going back to dressing room to avoid soaking the floor wet, and proceed to dressing room for changing. Thank the front desk’s clerk and head out. Your first onsen would be an exceptional experience when you visiting Japan. Read the rest of this entry »
