Onsen hot springs

In Japanese culture non sexual social nudity is practiced commonly at hot springs called onsen. Onsen literally means hot spring. These therapeutic natural baths usually require to total nudity while using the facility. This is differs from clothing optional hot springs where nudity is optional. This is true whether users are single or mixed gender.¹Japanese Onsen Expert Reveals Hot Spring Culture Tips (and How Japanese Really Approach Bathing!) This casual social nudity can be surprising to some westerners. ²What Bathing Naked In Front of Strangers Taught Me About Body Confidence

Onsen are natural hot springs often experienced outdoors. This is different from Sento public baths which are manufactured usually indoor public bathhouses. Using an Onsen requires following important rules of etiquette. This may surprise westerners who often think paying admission to a facility gives leave to do their own thing.

There are clear practices associated with using an Onsen, beyond the requirement to be completely clothes free.³Onsen Rules! Complete Guide to Onsen Etiquette and How To Enjoy a Traditional Bath in Japan To have great experience for your first visit to an Onsen understanding the rules of etiquette and being prepared is essential. ⁴How to Use Japanese Onsen if You Try it For The First Time

Onsens are a popular part of Japanese culture ⁵2020’s most popular hot springs in Japan, as ranked by Japanese travelers and the rules and expectations should be respect by westerners with cultural humility. Here are a couple of cultural expectations.

• Expect to be completely nude (bikinis or other skimpy swimwear don’t count.)
• Expect to shower fully wash before using the Onsen bath waters.
• Expect public social nudity
• Expect that there will likely be separate areas for women and men (a few Onsen are mixed, do the research before had if you are in a mixed group and want to experience together)
• Expect to keep you hair out of the water. Onsens aren’t meant as swimming pools.
• Expect no splashing hijinks or other behavior disruptive to the calmness of the Onsen space.⁶How to Use Japanese Onsen if You Try it For The First Time

[wppa type=”thumbs” album=”#tags,Onsen”]

[book_cover book=”a-guide-to-japanese-hot-springs”] [book_cover book=”japan-a-view-from-the-bath”]

References

• 1
  Japanese Onsen Expert Reveals Hot Spring Culture Tips (and How Japanese Really Approach Bathing!)
• 2
  What Bathing Naked In Front of Strangers Taught Me About Body Confidence
• 3
  Onsen Rules! Complete Guide to Onsen Etiquette and How To Enjoy a Traditional Bath in Japan
• 4
  How to Use Japanese Onsen if You Try it For The First Time
• 5
  2020’s most popular hot springs in Japan, as ranked by Japanese travelers
• 6
  How to Use Japanese Onsen if You Try it For The First Time