The Japanese word "reisetsu" refers to the importance of paying careful attention
to manners and to the people in the surrounding, for comfortable everyday living for everyone,
which is an important cultural value for the Japanese.
The Japanese regard people who place importance on "reisetsu" to be spiritually refined,
and this perspective applies to everyone, regardless of social status (race), gender or age.
Why not master the proper way of bathing and of "reisetsu"?
It certainly is a way to promote spiritual self-refinement.
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Are you sure you are feeling fine?
Despite the medically proven benefits of the onsen spring water in relieving stress and various physical symptoms, it also gives great stress to the body due to harsh stimulants. Refrain from bathing when fatigued or immediately after a meal or drinking alcoholic beverages.
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Do you wear tattoo?
Please note that people wearing tattoo may not be allowed into an onsen facility. Please check the facility in advance.
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Are you accompanied
by an adult?Allowing children to bathe by themselves is dangerous. Be sure to have an adult accompany children.
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Put your clothes and
belongings in the lockerBe sure to have a locker or basket to keep your clothing, including underwear, before bathing. Swimwear is not allowed. One locker or basket is allowed per person. Keep your personal belongings to a minimum, because locking may not be possible in some facilities.
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Check your belongings before you leave
Remove accessories and other items to prevent corrosion.
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Does your hair touched
your shoulders?Any length of hair that touches the shoulders must be bound and kept out of the onsen water.
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Are you thirsty?
Be sure to drink water before bathing.
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Be sure to have
a small towelBe sure to have a small towel with you for use and protection in the bathroom.
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Give your camera or
smart phone a breakThe onsen bath area is private space. Do not bring your camera or smartphone.
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Watch your step on
the slippery floorThe floor may be slippery. It may also be uneven or have puddles. Do not run. Walk carefully.
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Be sure to
wash your bodyWash your body in space allocated for washing. Do not wash your body or shampoo your hair in space other than the designated area.
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Leave everything behind
except your towelImmersing things in the onsen bathtub is prohibited. Keep your belongings in a single place away from other people.
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Speak quietly
For maximum enjoyment, keep conversation to a minimum and keep the volume low.
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Warm up your body
with hot waterIn order to help your body become accustomed to onsen temperature, use a dipper available in the bathroom to pour water on your body, starting slowly from your limbs and finally to your chest and head. When doing this, be sure that the onsen water you are using do not get into the bathtub.
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Immerse in
the bathtub slowlyBe sure to accustom yourself to the onsen water temperature, because the water temperature is high in many facilities. Never add water, even when the water is hot for you. As you get accustomed to the temperature, you will feel invigorated.
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Do not immerse your towel in the onsen water
These are the rules in onsen bathing that everyone keeps to ensure enjoyable bathing for all. To keep the onsen water clean at all times, immersing towel in the water is prohibited, even when new and unused.
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Do not swim or dive
Enjoy immersing and relaxing in the onsen bathtub. Swimming or diving is prohibited, even when done quietly. Do not scrub your face or body inside the tub.
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Enjoy the sound
and the viewThe joy of onsen bathing is not limited to the spring water alone. It is a relaxing experience for all 5 senses, with the view you see from the bathtub and from the sounds inside the bathroom or from the outside. It should be relaxing and purifying experience.
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Be sure to have a break
and rest your bodyIf you start to perspire, get out of the bathtub and have a rest. However, do not lie down along the frame of the bathtub.
Be sure to drink water frequently, and refrain from bathing more than 2 or 3 times a day, to stay in good condition.
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Wipe your body dry
Use your towel you brought into the bathroom to wipe off moisture on your body when leaving and proceeding to the changing room. It is important also not to wipe off moisture thoroughly, for long-lasting onsen benefit.
