Soaking in Japan's Culture
The Onsen is a quintessentially Japanese place and so many travelers miss out on it. Whether they aren’t sure what it’s going to be like or they don’t know how to act, too many skip out altogether or go to a dumbed-down version that isn’t as scary.
Liz and I did it so we could tell you about it, but we would absolutely do it again because it’s kind of awesome. We separated. We got naked. We soaked. Now it’s time to rave about it. Just like the typical gender-segregated Onsen experience, you'll get comments en general and for ladies, specifically.
WHAT’S AN ONSEN?
For the uninitiated, an Onsen in it’s true form is a Japanese bathhouse with pools of varying temperatures fed by volcanic hot springs. It’s a cultural institution and a hub of social life and community. I would equate it to going to the bar or driving range or gym with your buddies. Or a spa or spin class with your girlfriends.
HOW’S IT WORK?
Not an Onsen, buuuutttt quintessentially Japanese and equally soothing.
Most people you meet in Japan are super friendly and eager to show you the ropes whether you’re in a fancy bath house or bus station, but the vulnerability of being naked as well as confused can be a bit much. SO here’s how it goes.
1. Select the Onsen you’ll be visiting and walk through the door, remove your shoes, and find the counter.
2. There will either be a counter or a vending machine. At either of these you can pay your admission into the Onsen and, sometime, rent a towel. You’ll need a small towel (like a washcloth) and a full size towel.
3. Head on into the changing area that corresponds with your gender. Here you strip down and put your stuff away.
4. Take your washcloth with you and find the shower area. Most shower areas are communal and have stools. Sit on your stool, fill a wash bucket if there’s one around, and use the shower and washcloth to clean yourself off (you’re sitting so you don’t spray all of your neighbors). Once you’re clean, pat yourself dry, put your towel with your stuff and take your washcloth with you to the tubs.
a. Ladies: The onsens typically have shampoo and conditioner on hand. When we went, I just used what was provided. But it is absolutely acceptable to bring your own toiletries if you prefer. I would say about half of the ladies had their own and half used what was provided.
5. As you walk from mineral bath to mineral bath finding the right temp, sulfur-y goodness, and atmosphere if there are multiple baths, it’s customary, but not necessary to use the washcloth to cover yourself. The washcloth NEVER gets in the water with you. You will use it to wipe yourself down when you’re done and don’t want it to smell like sulfur. Also, gross. You don’t want to bathe in washcloth water. Pro tip: If you like really high temps, soak the washcloth in cold water and use it on your face and head to increase the level to which you can roast yourself in the baths.
a. Ladies: Do yourself and favor and bring a hair tie. It’s expected that if your hair is long enough to touch the water, then it should be up. If you forget a hair tie, use your new found ninja skills and wrap up your hair with your small towel.
6. Once the cares of the world have slipped from your shoulders and you’ve enjoyed sitting quietly or making small talk (I only braved this when spoken too because, well, I was naked and awkward), take your washcloth over to the showers or rinsing area and wipe down or wash off before heading back into the locker room to dry off and get dressed.
7. Finally, many Onsens have other amenities so once you’re done, grab a beer or sake, post up in a massage chair, or order a bite to eat.
Like the experience of being in an Onsen, the Golden Pavillion in Kyoto is beautiful.
Don’t let concern about being naked freak you out… It’s mostly for sanitary reasons and because this is SUCH a cultural norm there is really WAY less awkwardness than there would be at home – at least in the US. It makes for this amazing sense of community and unity.
Liz: The onsen experience is really a beautiful one. Once you’re in there, the fact that your naked won’t phase you at all. Everyone is naked and no one cares! We’re talking women from ages two to ninety, all shapes and sizes, some just relaxing and soaking, others chatting and catching up. It’s really a sweet thing to behold. Plus, while your sitting there, you’ll naturally run through every girl power song in your head, which will then give you inspiration for a new and amazing Spoitfy playlist. It’s an added bonus.
As always, reach out and ask me questions before you go and let me know about your experiences