Japanese public baths are clean, calm, and wonderfully relaxing—once you know the flow. This guide gives you the exact steps, answers common questions, and includes a pocket phrasebook you can use on the spot.
Quick-Start: The 10-Step Flow
- Choose the correct entrance. Men = 男 / 男性 (often blue), Women = 女 / 女性 (often red). The hot-water symbol ゆ also marks baths.
- Remove shoes if there’s a step or shoe shelf.
- Undress in the changing room (脱衣所). Bathing is nude unless signs say otherwise.
- Bring only a small towel (hand towel) and toiletries into the wet area.
- Rinse first at the standing shower or “kakeyu” station.
- Wash thoroughly while seated at the washing station (洗い場). Use soap/shampoo here—never in the tub.
- Tie up long hair. Hair must not touch the water.
- Soak quietly. Keep your small towel out of the water (on your head or the rim).
- Move gently between tubs/sauna/cold plunge; keep voices low and water calm.
- Pat yourself dry before re-entering the changing room so you don’t drip on the floor.
Do’s and Don’ts (At a Glance)
Do
- Shower before every soak (after sauna too).
- Hydrate, take breaks, and leave if you feel unwell.
- Keep conversation soft; give people space.
- Follow posted temperatures and the suggested order (e.g., warm → hot → cold).
Don’t
- Wear swimsuits unless signs require them.
- Put soap, towels, or hair in the bathwater.
- Use phones or take photos in wet areas.
- Splash, swim, or jump.
- Enter after heavy drinking.
What to Bring (and What to Skip)
- Bring: small towel, hair tie, toiletries (usually provided), water for afterward.
- Skip: jewelry (heat/minerals can tarnish), large bags, valuables.
FAQ: Things Travelers Wonder About
Do I have to be naked?
Yes. Your small towel is for modesty when moving around, but keep it out of the water.
Are tattoos allowed?
Policies vary. Many hotels now allow tattoos; some restrict them. Ask at check-in—staff may offer cover stickers or suggest a private/family bath (貸切風呂).
How hot is it?
Typically 38–42 °C (100–108 °F). Listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
Can children join?
Often yes with a guardian. No running, splashing, or diapers in the water. Check house rules.
Menstruation / medical conditions / pregnancy?
Consider a private bath if menstruating. If you have heart issues, high blood pressure, or are pregnant, get medical advice first and keep soaks brief. Skip bathing if unwell.
Phones and photos?
Generally not allowed in wet areas for privacy and safety.
Signs You’ll See (Handy Glossary)
- 男性 (だんせい) = Men
- 女性 (じょせい) = Women
- 脱衣所 (だついじょ) = Changing room
- 洗い場 (あらいば) = Washing area
- 露天風呂 (ろてんぶろ) = Open-air bath
- サウナ = Sauna
- 水風呂 (みずぶろ) = Cold plunge
- かけ湯 = Pre-bath rinse
- 貸切風呂 (かしきりぶろ) = Private/family bath
Pocket Phrasebook (Show or Say)
A) Show to staff (English + Japanese)
- Do you have a private/family bath?
貸切（家族）風呂はありますか？ - What time does the public bath open and close?
大浴場は何時から何時まで開いていますか？ - Do you have a sauna?
サウナはありますか？ - Which entrance is for men and which is for women?
男性用／女性用の入口はどちらですか？
B) Say it yourself (English + Romaji)
- Do you have a private/family bath?
Kashikiri (kazoku) buro wa arimasu ka? - What time does the public bath open and close?
Daiyokujō wa nanji kara nanji made aite imasu ka? - Do you have a sauna?
Sauna wa arimasu ka? - Which entrance is for men and which is for women?
Dansei-yō / josei-yō no iriguchi wa dochira desu ka?
One-Minute Prep Checklist
- ✅ Pick the correct entrance (men/women)
- ✅ Undress completely; bring only a small towel
- ✅ Wash first; no soap in the tub
- ✅ Hair up; voices down; phones away
- ✅ Hydrate and enjoy at your own pace
Welcome to one of Japan’s most soothing rituals—have a wonderful soak!
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