There are some important rules for foreigners when using a Japanese hot spring bath or Onsen. If in doubt watch what the locals do. and follow their lead. No responsibility is accepted fro wrong advice.
1. REMOVE YOUR SHOES BEFORE YOU ENTER
Remove your shoes before entering the hot bath as they will float and and disrupt the swimming and your shoes will never be wearable again. Japanese hot springs have tatami mats in the change rooms and you take your shoes off at the entrance BEFORE you enter.There will be a place to store them and with a little luck you will find a better pair than what you left when you exit.
2, ENTER THE CORRECT CHANGE ROOM
With a little luck male change rooms have blue curtains and female red but each will have the appropriate kanji for males and female. some even may have the words in English but do not count on. if in doubt flip a coin and if you hear a loud scream you know you have goofed.
Male
Female3. TAKE OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHING
Remove all your clothes and put them in the basket provided and a locker if provided. The only thing you take into the Onsen is you and a wash cloth. Walking around in your underwear in the Onsen is a big NO NO. I have seen it happen.
4. SHOWER FIRST AND BE TOTALLY CLEAN
You will find an array of small stools and buckets and usually no shower so you sit on the stool, not the bucket and soap everywhere and then use the bucket to wash away the soap.
Make sure there is no residual soap as the locals will know who caused the soap bubbles in their hot spring and it may not be nice what happens.
5. PUT YOUR TOWEL ON YOUR HEAD--DO NOT USE IT TO BE MODEST
Your wash cloth should not enter the water and you cannot leave it where you washed so forget your permanent or hair style you had earlier and stick it on your head or place it on the side of the bath where they are standing.
7. IF IT IS TOO HOT
Test the water before you enter as they can be hot. It is not appropriate to swear loudly if you slip in find it too hot or scream a blood curdling noise because your most sensitive parts have been boiled.
8. SPECIAL RULES
Some Onsen's may have their own special rules but it will usually be in Japanese so watch what the locals do. It is generally inappropriate to do a belly flop in to the pool or swim under others and upend them particularly if you do not know them. it is also inappropriate to swim under the wall , if there is one to the area occupied by the opposite sec even though possibly tempting. Rubber ducks and rubber tubs are generally frowned upon. If there is a n urgent need exit the pool, find the toilet and ash again before entering.
Always allow others their space and do not sidle up to someone for a chat. Never talk about Hiroshima or the fact you hate raw fish.
9. AS YOU EXIT
Stick your towel on your head and then place it in the basket provided. Dress in your own clothes and not others even if they look better.
No comments:
Post a Comment