Whole Family Shares Bath Water in Japan? 10 Secrets of Japanese Bathing Culture

Every nation boasts its distinct culture, which, to outsiders, may appear peculiar but is an integral part of daily life for the local population. Many countries take pleasure in public baths and hot springs. Nevertheless, customs and traditions can vary greatly and may occasionally defy comprehension. Let’s delve into Japanese culture’s unique facets, particularly their bathing approach.

The Meaning of “Onsen” in Japan

Japanese view it as a place to warm up the body and relieve fatigue, essentially a spot to wind down at the end of the day. Japanese individuals frequently return to the tub even after thoroughly washing themselves.

 

Why Did Bathing Culture Develop in Japan?

Several reasons contribute to the developed bathing culture in Japan, with one of them being the country’s hot and humid climate. Japan has four distinct seasons, but as an island nation, it experiences high humidity and heat during the summer. To get rid of the sticky feeling, people took frequent baths, naturally leading to the development of bathing culture. Other factors include inadequate heating facilities, ceremonial rites with religious significance, and the evolution of bathing as a form of hospitality for guests.

 

The Origin of Japanese Onsen

Buddhist teachings in Japan associated the first communal bathhouses with the belief that bathing could ward off seven diseases and bring seven blessings. As a result, ancient Buddhist temples invariably had a bathhouse called an Onsen, which was generously provided for needy monks and laypeople. During this time, the general public could use these bathhouses for free, marking the beginning of public bathhouses in Japan.

 

Sharing Bathtub Water

After filling a bathtub with warm water in Japan, the entire family uses the same water. This practice stems from the Japanese perception of bathing as a means to relax. Therefore, the Japanese thoroughly cleanse themselves before entering the tub and use a cover or a built-in heating device to maintain the water temperature for the entire family.

 

Japanese Do Not Scrub Off Dead Skin Cells

One of the most significant aspects of Korean bathing culture is scrubbing off dead skin cells. However, this practice is not common in Japan. The Japanese bathing culture emphasizes immersing oneself in warm water, so scrubbing off dead skin cells in the bath is rare. Even though the practice gained popularity in Japan after being discovered to improve blood circulation, many Japanese people still do not scrub off dead skin cells.

 

Placing Plastic Bottles in the Bathtub

The Japanese people’s unique spirit of conservation is also evident in their bathing culture. They fill plastic bottles with water and place them in the bathtub. Bathing requires a significant amount of water, but by putting plastic bottles in the tub, the water level rises, saving water.

 

No Towels in the Bathtub

If you’ve ever visited a Japanese hot spring, you’d have noticed no towels inside the bath. In Japanese bathhouses, you cannot bring towels into the tub. While you can bring a small towel, you must leave the larger ones used to wrap around your body in the locker. This rule prevents the bathwater from getting dirty if the towel touches it. Tying up your hair neatly is also advised to avoid it from dipping into the water.

 

Tattoo Ban

Japanese bathhouses maintain strict rules regarding tattoos. They view tattoos as inappropriate because they can disrupt the tranquil atmosphere of the hot springs and may cause discomfort or disgust to others. To prevent being asked to leave during your bath, checking whether tattoos are allowed beforehand is crucial. If you have a tattoo, you’re more likely to stay in places with private baths indoors than use public bathhouses.

 

Mixed Bathing

One of the most surprising aspects of Japanese bathing culture is mixed bathing. The chaotic atmosphere created by men and women bathing together in public bathhouses led to the prohibition of mixed bathing in 1791. However, this rule was largely ignored. Today, some open-air hot springs still have mixed baths, but they are gradually disappearing.

 

Etiquette After Bathing

In Korea, drying off in the changing room after a bath is not a big deal, but in Japan, returning to the changing room while still wet is considered rude. Drying off thoroughly before returning to the changing room and wrapping yourself in a bath towel is customary.
 

By. Hye In Oh