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Onsen (温泉; often indicated on signs and maps by 湯 or ゆ, for hot water, or with
the symbol ♨) is a Japanese hot spring bath. The onsen is basically a Japanese
public bathhouse (sento) with natural hot spring water, and its history and
etiquette are closely related to the sento. The onsen plays an important role in
Japanese culture, providing socially institutionalised relief from the pressures of
the contemporary Japanese twelve-hour work ethic and a chance for Japanese
to break down the hierarchal nature of society through the mutual nakedness of
skinship. Onsen have perennial popularity in Japan and onsen locations often
appear on television.
Etiquette
Note that at an onsen, as in sento you wash your body and rinse yourself
thoroughly before you enter the hot water. This is vital in a public place as
entering the onsen while still dirty or covered in soap can be very unsettling for
others and may cause an uproar. At the very least, you should use the scoop
provided to splash water over your genitals and feet, thus symbolically cleansing
them. Wearing swimsuits is also explicitly forbidden at the more traditional onsen
and would be considered odd at least. People generally bring a small towel with
them to use as a washcloth and for a modicum of modesty when walking between
the washing area and the baths. However, it is against the rules to immerse or
dip towels in the onsen bath water as it would be unclean. People normally set
their towels off to the side of when enjoying the baths. Onsens are generally
considered a respite from the hectic pace of life and consequently they are
usually quite quiet. That being said, it is acceptable to strike up a conversation
with other bathers in this relaxed situation. Rowdiness in the washing area and
the bathing area is looked down upon and generally prohibited. A small amount
of excess energy and splashing around is usually tolerated from children though.
the symbol ♨) is a Japanese hot spring bath. The onsen is basically a Japanese
public bathhouse (sento) with natural hot spring water, and its history and
etiquette are closely related to the sento. The onsen plays an important role in
Japanese culture, providing socially institutionalised relief from the pressures of
the contemporary Japanese twelve-hour work ethic and a chance for Japanese
to break down the hierarchal nature of society through the mutual nakedness of
skinship. Onsen have perennial popularity in Japan and onsen locations often
appear on television.
Etiquette
Note that at an onsen, as in sento you wash your body and rinse yourself
thoroughly before you enter the hot water. This is vital in a public place as
entering the onsen while still dirty or covered in soap can be very unsettling for
others and may cause an uproar. At the very least, you should use the scoop
provided to splash water over your genitals and feet, thus symbolically cleansing
them. Wearing swimsuits is also explicitly forbidden at the more traditional onsen
and would be considered odd at least. People generally bring a small towel with
them to use as a washcloth and for a modicum of modesty when walking between
the washing area and the baths. However, it is against the rules to immerse or
dip towels in the onsen bath water as it would be unclean. People normally set
their towels off to the side of when enjoying the baths. Onsens are generally
considered a respite from the hectic pace of life and consequently they are
usually quite quiet. That being said, it is acceptable to strike up a conversation
with other bathers in this relaxed situation. Rowdiness in the washing area and
the bathing area is looked down upon and generally prohibited. A small amount
of excess energy and splashing around is usually tolerated from children though.