- Staying at a Ryokan
- Check-in
- Tipping
- Rooms
- Amenities
- Toilets
- Baths
- Dinner
- Exploring the Area
- Breakfast
- Checking out
- Quick Reference
Baths
Communal bathing areas are the norm in Japan. In addition to hot water baths, many ryokan have both outdoor rotenburo and indoor mineral hot springs, or onsen. Japan’s islands are volcanic, and there are hot springs in every corner. Onsen are often the highlight of the ryokan and are truly the best way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
The healing qualities of hot springs have been lauded in Japan for centuries. Depending on the chemical composition of the water, onsen claim to be able to cure such ailments as arthritis, skin diseases, nervous disorders, and rheumatism. Some medical specialists even recommend drinking the water because it is rumored to cure digestive disorders.
If you would prefer not to bathe nude in public, it may be possible to reserve a private bath or kashikiri onsen, at certain specified times. Kashikiri onsen allow couples and families to relax in their own bath together. In special cases, guest rooms may have an attached private bath. Baths are normally taken before meals, though some guests take another bath following the meal.
Baths are segregated by sex. If the ryokan has only one bathing area, men and women will be required to bathe in shifts. All bathing is done in the nude and there are extensive bathing procedures.
When you first arrive in the bath, remember to remove your slippers and enter barefoot. There should be a locker area with baskets to place your clothing in. At some inns you may need a 100 yen coin to use as a deposit for the locker key which can be worn around your wrist into the bath.
Other inns may have simple baskets that can be placed in open shelves. Remove any jewelry or accessories in your room as the minerals in the water may damage or discolor them.
There are toilets in the locker room area. Remember the toilet slipper etiquette!
Do not wash in the sink areas in the locker area. Take the small hand towel provided by the inn with you into the shower station area. Before soaking in the baths, wash off in the shower. This will help acclimatize your body to the hot temperature of the soaking tubs, as well as keep the water in the tubs clean.
Each shower has a small stool to sit on while washing with a mirror in front, shampoo, soap, and a bamboo or plastic bucket that you can use to rinse your body. The shower areas are not always separated by partitions and you will have to sit close to the other bathers as you wash. Be considerate of fellow bathers around you and take care not to splash them while washing.
Because you may not be able to decipher which bottles contain what products, you may wish bring your own shampoo in with you. Make sure to take it with you when you leave. If you have longer hair, pull it back into a ponytail to minimize hair in the baths.
Leave the shower running only when in use. Take your time while washing, use the towel as a washcloth and lather up and rinse off well before entering the baths to soak. When you finish washing, leave everything as you found it so the shower is ready for the next bather. Rinse out the buckets and turn them over to dry out on the stool.
Many modest guests use the small towel to cover themselves when walking back and forth between the various baths. Rinse the small hand towel thoroughly after washing and take it with you to the bath. These towels should never be dipped in the bath water. Many bathers wrap the towel around their head or set them to the side of the bath while soaking.
Never use any soap or shampoo products in the soaking baths.
If you visit the sauna in between baths, rinse off in the shower stations again before bathing.
If soaking in an onsen, you have the option to rinse off once again in the shower area. Many specialists suggest that you skip the final rinse and let your skin absorb the healing qualities of the minerals.
Before exiting the bath into the changing area, make sure to towel off thoroughly and wipe off all water on any shampoo bottles to minimize dripping in the locker room area.
If you feel intimidated by bath etiquette, the most important rule to remember is to relax and enjoy your surroundings! Many onsen have magnificent natural views and provide an experience that will not soon be forgotten.
Note: Tattoos are taboo in Japan and many places will not allow you to enter the baths if you have a tattoo. Tattoos are still associated with the Japanese mafia or yakuza despite its incease in popularity in popular culture. If possible, cover all tattoos and be as discrete as possible when entering the baths.