There are many hot springs in Japan. Although they are not natural hot springs, health spas are also very popular. When Japanese people enter a hot spring, there are several manners they always follow. Since they are taught by their parents from childhood, most Japanese people naturally adhere to these manners. Not many people teach these manners to foreign travelers. To enjoy the hot spring comfortably, please remember these four things.
1 Don’t get into the bath right away.
To keep the hot spring water as clean as possible, start by pouring water over yourself. Rinse off lightly to remove dirt from your body before slowly immersing yourself in the bath without causing any waves. People around you are surprisingly observant, so you need to be careful.
2 Don’t put your towel in the water.
When entering a hot spring, bring one towel per person, but it is forbidden to put it in the water. This is another rule to keep the hot spring water clean. Even a clean towel that you haven’t used is not allowed.
3 Don’t bring drinks.
Bringing cold drinks such as juice or beer is strictly prohibited. Of course, you cannot bring a plastic bottle either. If possible, avoid chewing gum as well.
4 Don’t speak loudly.
Japanese people don’t engage in much conversation in the bath. They quietly relax in the hot water, soothing their daily fatigue. If people start talking loudly or laughing, it disrupts the ambiance. Signs saying “Please refrain from talking” are often seen. The same applies to saunas; refrain from talking there as well.
