Public baths are very popular in Japan as a means of relaxation. Most hotels in Japan have a public bath and
provide a yukata (unisex cotton kimono) in every hotel room to wear to the bathing
area of the hotel.
Upon entering the bathing area you are expected to remove your shoes and put on a pair of bath
sandals. An attendant will provide a towel and you will be directed to a locker area to leave your yukata and any other
personal items.
First order of business prior to entering the public bath is to ritually clean your body in a
private shower stall. The whole idea of the Japanese public bath is not cleansing but relaxation, meditation and
contemplation.
Only after you have pre-bathed is it socially acceptable to enter the public bath. Besides
using the towel provided by the attendant to pre-bathe, the towel is also used as a sort of covering for your trip between
the private shower stall and the public bath.
Japanese baths have a tranquil, Zen-like atmosphere. Some overlook peaceful mountain landscape.
Those public baths in cities will normally be in a garden setting that is calming and soothing.
Linger in the public bath as long as you like - it is a time of absolute quiet allowing you to
balance your mind and spirit.
The changing area normally will be stocked with all sorts of after bath items such as body lotions
and facial cleansers. Then it is back to your normal life with a relaxed and centered mindset.
- Want more information on Japanese bathing rituals? We recommend the
book The Japanese Bath by Bruce Smith and Yoshiko Yamamoto (check out the Read section of this site). It provides a comprehensive and beautifully
illustrated guide to the history and ritual of the Japanese bath.
- Do you want more information about the Japanese Bath or how to buy a yukata
for your Japanese Bath? Use our Search box to search the internet.>
- Click here for some suggestions to recreate the Japanese bathing ritual in your own
home.
- Make a night of it - Click here to enter our traditional Japanese recipe page.
