How to Onsen in Japan
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- In this video I answer some basic first-timers questions about how to go to an onsen (hot spring) or a sento (public bath) in Japan.
Thanks to Ibaraki TV who invited us and sponsored our visit. To learn more about Ibaraki, please visit:
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Sources
Natural hot spring scandal and onsen rules www.japantimes...
What is an onsen www.jph-ri.or.j...
More about secluded hot springs and circulation technology www.hitou.or.j...
Kanji that's good to know tattoo-friendl...
History of tattoos tattoo-friendl...
Onsen on period savvytokyo.com...
Onsen while pregnant donnykimball.c...
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Timecodes for all the sections!
0:40 - Definitions
4:07 - What to bring
5:48 - Tattoos
9:13 - What to do
12:50 - Getting in
14:35 - Talking
15:37 - Dont's
16:13 - Should you wash off?
17:26 - Exiting
18:28 - What is pricing like?
19:03 - Do you need to book one?
19:34 - How long do you stay in?
20:42 - What is the reaction to foreigners?
21:52 - What about washrooms?
22:09 - Do people go in groups, like in animes?
23:11 - Are their weddings at ryokans?
23:25 - Consequences of peeping and females staff on the male side
24:41 - Do people look at eachother's stuff?
25:04 - Can you onsen while pregnant?
25:42 - Can you onsen while on your period?
25:59 - Are children allowed?
26:47 - Body hair! Is it acceptable?
Hey Everyone! I received a lot of questions about how to onsen, so here's all the answers I could get to. It's a long video as I was trying to answer every, single different query someone might have.
Hey Greg, coming from Germany, I found Onsens very interesting, traditionell South German baths are very cold and you have to swim a lot, in order to stay warm, these traditional baths are called "Felsenbad" and they are most common in the Frankenland, the region of Germany that is known for having the best traditionell food (Genussregion Franken), seriously I think there's no place in the world, which has better food, you just have to try "Ziebeleskäs" and "Kloß mit Soß" and of course you have to go to a Keller and trink some typical German beer to your "Kloß mit Soß". Anyway when you go to a Felsenbad, you may get shocked how cold these natural mountain springs are, when it's about 100 °F outside the water should be about 53,6 °F max.
If you go to one in the Frankenland, you often can eat traditionell food right there (I would suggest going to the Felsenbad Streitberg, it's small and not to known and serves some of the best Ziebeleskäs in the region.)
It's not forbidden to jump into the water, but you have to do it at the marked spot, some people say it's better to jump into the water, because if you try to use the stairs you will first touch the water with only your feed and after feeling how cold it is, it will be difficult to go in, normally that's why when you shower (you have to shower) you first shower warm and than cold and before completely going into the water you first stand with only your feed and your ankles in the water, to assimilate to the temperature, most people use this method, so there always will be a few people standing on the staircase which leads into the water.
I hope you found it interesting to read how traditional bathing is in Germany.
I was just looking into this 2 days ago, thank you.
Very good video, I loved how you explained every question I had haha
I feel too far to onsen 😅
What about babies? 👶 I guess it's too hot for them? And they also poop and pee whenever
As soon as kids are able to walk I've seen them in the onsen. So from like one years old and up.
Did i just watch a 27minutes tutorial on how to take a bath?...
27m tutorial on how to take a JAPANESE bath. big difference!
yeah, im not sure why there's a tutorial on that. here's my instructions:
1. go into the dressing room, get naked. (there's lockers and a key. use your common sense to pull it out and save the key. sometimes, there's baskets in the dressing room for your clothes but i dont really use 'em if there's a lot of people)
2. go into the bath area, wash yourself.
3. go into bath and figure it out yourself. there's different types of temperatures and areas depending on where you go.
4. you're a big boy, you can do the rest.
at times, you might need to bring your own towel or pay for one. DONE
I don't even take 26mins for a bath
When I visited an onsen in Kyoto, an older gentleman asked if I knew the 'routine' of an onsen. I did not and he proceeded to walk me through what to do. How nice of him to show this foreigner. Can not wait to go back!
Onsen is one of my most memorable memories from Japan. I have never felt so relaxed in my life doing anything else and this is not an exaggeration. I think being in Japan also added to the whole experience since I was the only non Asian person in there. It was very special to feel I was soaking in the culture of onsen as well.
It is also INCREDIBLY cheap compared to regular Spas from other countries. Even the one I went that was kind of a more upper level one was only like 20AUD at Night and you could soak in all the different types of “pools” for as long as you wanted. It is also a lot more quiet than other types of Spa, and also cleaner considering you soak clean and naked. In Australia something like that experience would cost you hundreds of dollars.
In general I left wanting every city in the world to have the onsen experience. For example, after a hard day at work or just a crappy day, I have the regular memory of wanting to soak at an onsen, but it is impossible! :(
I really hope whoever is reading would try onsen/sento when they visit Japan if they haven’t done so already.
Going to one onsen in Kyoto changed my life. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. If you are shy, go later at night, less peeps :)
If you do have a question, I would ask the front desk person beforehand or maybe someone in the changing room. People are nice enough to help you out :).
FYI: I wear glasses & take them off so can’t see crap when I walk into the steam filled rooms so be careful!
Time of day really depends, though. Basically between about 6-8 pm, it's usually absolutely packed with kids because most Japanese people bathe at night and kids usually go to bed around 8 pm. People will go to the public onsen, eat dinner, have a bath and then go home (or the other way around). At least where I live (out in the countryside) the least crowded time is about 10 am (which is when the onsen first opens near where I live). Only older people show up and usually only a few. The other thing is, if you want to avoid people, avoid going during a public holiday. Frequently the baths can be so full you wonder if there is actually any water in them!
9:39 "A man should always hold his head up high". Something my father taught me when he was still around. It just so happens that this saying is helpful for remembering the 男 kanji. Also this is a perfect freeze frame.... sorry Greg.😅 *edit* Also I noticed you seem exhausted while filming this video. I hope everything is ok.
Thanks for the instructional introduction to onsen. Next week my family and I are going to one in Matsuyama, and this video helped us to review some basic onsen etiquette. Now, we won’t be some awfully silly tourists at the very least. 😅👍
I'm glad that there's private/rent ones!! I want to go to an onsen at some point in my life, but I'm transgender (ftm) so I probably would make people in the public one very uncomfortable, so a family one sounds preferable.
I asked him the same question last video, so I'm glad mentioned it in here! (Same boat as you, btw).
Not trying to be mean or anything but considering it’s japan would you even be allowed in the guy side?
@@callummandragore9004 That's a totally fair question, and honestly it's one I've asked Google many times. From the waist up I look male (even when shirtless, etc) but... in a public bath... definitely a confusing one to work out where I'd go.
Takoto the Pigeon i have tattoos and scars so i’m definitely going to a private one with my friends when we go back this autumn
they highly emphasise that you should prioritise the comfort of others before yourself that was the reasoning behind the question tbh
I would be scared of getting kicked out if a client complains about it to staff that would happen instantaneously and i’m pretty sure getting kicked out of an establishment is upsetting for anyone not to mention the boost in dysphoria afterwards
Last i knew of japan is quite conservative in regards to gender and they are quite strict on the gender segregation in onsen
konyoku were even banned in some places when i last went to japan, not sure if it’s still the case though
You would definitely need to talk with the owners of the onsen you visit beforehand to ask about this
Hope that a youtuber who lives in japan would cover this
@@callummandragore9004 Probably after I've had phalloplasty. But until then, there's still quite a difference below the waist, unfortunately.
Though, I have heard some guys have used the small washcloth to cover themselves, and then once they're in the water (depending on depth, lighting, etc) no one can see down clearly enough. I'd still be to nervous of someone catching a glimpse and saying something, though.
20:40 and 26:47 As a very white man with a super hairy body who's average height for an American (and thus tall for a Japanese person), and a major beard who went to a sentou in Osaka last November, I can answer this real well, at least from the perspective of being very obviously foreign.
For the most part, they don't care, and go about their business. Some may glance at you, but no one was afraid or upset, just keep in mind that seeing people like you there is uncommon, so they'll probably take note of it, but otherwise, it'll be typical "you mind your business and I'll mind mine." As was said in the video, some may decide to chat with you and ask questions, like one guy did for me, but it was all pretty normal conversation stuff, especially considering that, again, foreigners are uncommon. Just typical questions like "Where are you from? Are you here on vacation? How's the trip?" Nothing offensive, but nothing terribly interesting either. The staff was helpful and polite as you'd expect from any Japanese business, and were very understanding and helpful when my partner realized their phone was missing on the way out (we found it in the end, all was well). Basically, pretty much what you'd hope for out of the experience. No one seemed to care about my beard, though to be fair, I keep it pretty well trimmed and such, and to be safe, I followed the "no head hair in the water" rule by assuming by beard counted for that as well.
true. they are friendly.
I went to an Onsen way out in Okutama which is in rural Tokyo, I have a big tattoo on my arm which I can't cover up, but I didn't tell anyone about it when I went in and I don't think I got any dirty looks from the locals. Hopefully that's a good sign on the views of tattoos :)
Hopefully they didn't think you were a Yakuza
Best way to go to the Onsen is to visit directly from your construction job while your mussels are still sore. Walk in and yell bonsai while cannon balling center Onsen. Then after all the grime loosens and adds a rich color, position yourself directly under the water fall for a cool relaxing flow of mineral water. If that doesn't make you new friends, offer to tell some really funny racially charged Japanese jokes to let them know you are now one big happy community and you fit right in. Don't forget to snap a wet towel on a behind or two back at the shower room.
Looking forward to visiting next week after 16 years. I hope to get to a couple of Onsen and Sento as I only managed once back then!
Is there a co-ed area where men and women and both congregate? If so, is there a pair of shorts and a tee shirt provided?
I got a question Out of curiosity. What If You get an unwanted errection while showering or in the bathtub? Is that considered normal or a Problem?
Great video Greg! Once you go to an onsen, I bet you’d want to go again 👌
Okay so like what’s the procedure if the onsen place has food and stuff before the changing rooms? Should you rent a yukata, do your bathing for 20 min or so, dry off, put on the yukata, have some food and drinks, then go back to the changing room and re-enter?
If that’s what you do, do you leave your main clothes in the locker or should you take it out and with you while you’re outside of the bathing area and then put it back in?
I wish it hadn't been so hot when I came. Too hot for onsen. :(
This is the advantage of traditionell South German baths, when it's very hot outside it is even more enjoyable to visit the Felsenbad. But be warned you may get shocked how cold these natural mountain springs are. (when it's 100 °F outside the water should be about 53,6 °F max)
The best ones you can find in the Frankenland and most of the time they also serve traditionell German food, you should try Ziebeleskäs.
Hi, I love your channel. I also love the regular life where I'm from channel. I love learning about different cultures but it's awsome that you go more in depth on this channel. Much love from the U.S.A.! ❤😀
Of course Japan has a law that defines hot springs 😆👌
It's not interesting to watch this face, you had to show how to do it(
It's a cultural thing, but I'd be embarrassed to show myself stark naked in front of other people. A loin cloth would suit me just fine.
First gotta let you know that both your channels are great and very well done! We are going to be visiting Japan in April and your channels have been instrumental in helping us plan! Curious to know if you have suggested Sento/Onsen spots in Osaka or Kyoto? Wife and I both have tattoos bigger than a credit card, so someplace with the private option, please. Thanks so much for all you do!
I have been to an onsen where they have smaller, 1 person baths next to the big bath. I did not understand what the sign said so I went in one with someone else.. Embarrassing.
Quality education, rigorous lecture. Thanks!
Um what about male and female pubic hair etiquette? Are japanese people clean shaven there or hairy is fine for the baths?
@@LifeWhereImFromX Thanks for the confirmation!!!!
Hairy pubic is fine to do onsen bath.
Wow, this is INCREDIBLY informative!!! Thank you!!
This was super informative! Thank you for explaining the onsen step by step!
I wish you had said something about mixed onsen!
Great video as always! Some answers that I was looking for before my first onsen experiences especially the body hair question.
My fave channel uploaded a videa yes ofc i am happy
You are such a Polite Person. Keep Up The Good Work :)
3:18 12:28 14:36 20:35
Do you wear a towel in the sauna? The one I went to had towels on the benches but no one was there so I didn’t know... I ended up just standing lol
Thanks for the upload Greg! Was kinda wondering if this would end up being a Patreon exclusive but thankfully its out for all of us :)
Speaking as a woman, I've never seen anyone do anything "modest" with towels.
q: can you go to an onsen as a couple? it would be strange to separate there, being on holidays.
Super informative, thank you!
Onsen is so relaxing - especially outdoor, natural hot sulfur spring. Americans take some time to get used to being naked in public but it's very natural and lovely once I got used to it. Beautiful ancient Japanese tradition.
I can imagine Americans being uncomfortable being nude in Japan ... circumcision is not common in Japan but is so In America ... awkward!
Hello Greg, I´m curious about onsen and disabled peoples. In my personal case I´m wearing glasses ( can handle without the glasses also not so big ones ) and hearaids.
The big concern because of hearaids is I´m not understand so much or only near my ear w/o my hearaids. And I don´t use normally the hearaids in the baths because of the possible damages through the water. ( is just like old smartphones, which wasn´t waterproof than the actual ones. and the microelectronics can get some damage.)
About disabled generally was in my mind with those, who are using protheses or sitting in the wheelchair. As far as I saw the videos, there was not many facilities who can provide them or are much as possible barrier-free to use.
Hi, thanks for taking the time fir this vid, really useful.
What about private couple onsens ? how exactly would i go about getting such ? the wife and i really want to try this but as a couple.
When I lived in Germany they too did quarter slots (we, back then they used marks) on bathroom stalls, mainly the portable ones, lol. Those were not refundable lol
16:53 天然温泉を謳っている場合は蛇口やシャワーから出てくる湯も温泉だと考えていい。その場合温泉を洗い流したいのなら水だけを浴びるしかないよ。
Hakone is a good place for onsen. you can reserve previously private one with garden.
Thank you for the video!
But I got a question(if these were answered and I just missed these sorry to bother! ): is alcohol allowed in onsens? Maybe in the private ones? While watching this I kept thinking "Would be really nice to go with a friend or two and enjoy a few beers while relaxing"
As far as I know, it's not recommended to drink and onsen. Privately, especially in your own room, I suppose you could do what you want. But generally the only drink I see in places are water fountains, after bottles, and unsweetened tea. But since some people will eat a meal before and drink, there must be people that go in after drinking.
I think Greg's reply is correct -- don't drink in the bath. It's actually pretty dangerous because the blood vessels move closer to the surface of your skin when you drink so you can heat up too quickly. However, *after* the bath there is usually a tatami room where you can order a beer and relax. I have a beer virtually every time I go to the onsen! Some of the older, neighbourhood public baths are only for bathing, so there are no facilities, but you can always go to the izakaya :-) These days onsens and super sentos have a lot of facilities so that you can spend more than 500 yen :-)
@@LifeWhereImFromX Thanks for the answer :)
@@urouroniwa Thank you for the answer too! However drinking at a hottub isn't dangerous practically. We do that here in Finland all the time and no one ever experiences anything :D Also we drink in our saunas too. Maybe in theory might be a bit dangerous, but not in real life.
2:25 is that manainoyu Chiba New Town? I was there when I went to Japan earlier this year! I just landed in the morning and I went to this place to relax before heading into the city.
Natural hot springs prices, wasn't mentioned.
As long as you know the rules, is it ok if you don't speak Japanese?
Thanks Greg 👍 I really appreciate you answering my questions. I love your channel
Hi Greg, I have a friend that has tattoos and I really want her to also experience Onsen when we arrive in Japan next month. You mentioned you would put up some sites where it's ok to have tattoos but I don't seem to find it. Could you help ?
Sorry, forgot to add it to description: tattoo-friendly.jp/
Is there any that allow u to go in swim wear
I want to go to a super sento that looks amazing!! X
Louise marie Brown It’s also fun for Japanese! But sometimes there’s many people (holidays and weekends),so you may feel awkward. If you go there, you have to go weekdays 🧖♂️🧖♂️
(Excuse my poor English 🙇♂️)
@@OoO_OoO304 your English is perfect 😊👍🏼 hmmm super busy and knaked, I don't think I would like to have my bits out, maybe a private one, in England this is more of a luxury thing, privare rooms to be pampered, or you pay someone for a facial and massage, swimming baths you swim and can go in to the sauna steam room too xx
It was one of the worst experiences of my travel to Japan. You see, I'm actually blonde down there... and pretty hairy which makes it even more noticeable.
I think it was a unsually crowded day, because there were japanese guys from all age ranges, I was not expecting that. Anyway, long story short: it was unconfortable seeing that I was the only guy with... blonde pubes. lol
Nobody said anything, but I could tell some funny staring specially from the younger boys. Like they have never seen a hairy chest or bush that was not dark.
I'm not really willing to give it a second try.
That seem confusing all that and so much that I caint remember
Dont guys and girls go together
What about long beards?
Thanks for answering the question.. Love your work & keep up the good work, Greg..
cute
new channel?
I really enjoyed this Greg and thank you for trying to answer the female side too. Your videos always inspire, I have had a son stationed in Japan and now have a nephew and his wife in Okinawa. I always tell them, try the culture, get to know where you are. Sadly they don't always listen. CC was great on this one and the technicalities handled perfectly. Once again, thank you very much.
Learned a lot! Thank you Greg :)
You're a lifesaver, Greg!
Do u have any recommendations for onsen in and close to tokyo?
I'll list a few.
- This one's close to Narita (East of Tokyo in Chiba), so handy goo.gl/maps/Bjngn9Zfex42
- This one's in the Northern part of the city goo.gl/maps/kTdwghNG3qp
- This one's an onsen theme park where you can where yukata's and have a festival like atmosphere goo.gl/maps/8tcR7dTcW6w
- This one is really North of Tokyo in Saitama, but if you have a car, it's nice goo.gl/maps/8VAySRjAcUS2
- This is my favourite onsen town so far, but I've only been to a few. It's a bit out of Tokyo though goo.gl/maps/Z2f8KzwdNzB2
There used to be a really epic one in Yokohama. They've shipped in water from springs all around the country and there's a great view of the bay. Probably still there.
What about shaved body hair, in particular pubic hair? Is that acceptable?
It would be considered quite strange, but not particularly taboo. Personally, I've never seen any Japanese man who trims or shaves "down there".
Are you okay? You seem exhausted.
man, all this time being born in America, raised in America and living in America I realize I am Japanese or I must've been in my past life. So, many of the customs there a natural to me. Never understood being boisterous in public, massive amounts of tatoos. Personally I prefer the sauna first then ice cold shower after. Feels so goood.
A while ago, I was shocked to know that Hakone was not really Onsen because what they got was not hot water but hot steam out of the ground, and they use that steam to warm the water for their baths. However, according to the law that you showed us on this video @2:10, as long as the hot vapor got the certain amount of the chemical components, it can be defined as Onsen though I do not know Hakone's got that or not.
110 is literally how hot it is outside in the summer here
3:13 Shin on the spot! 😄💣💥
I wish to go there in Japan
To find Dragon ball
Great vid! Great work! Always anxious for a LWIF video
Tattoos are like bump sticker on Bentley.
I’m glad you mentioned being transgender when it comes to private onsens. I’m a trans man and I wondered that if I transitioned if I’d be allowed in an onsen. Good to hear that there is a way around it, even if not a perfect one. Same for tattoos. I do hope that in the future it won’t be that much of a problem. I mean, most yakuza do full body tattoos, not silly little flowers or two on their arms, right?
What about trans (pre and post-op top and/or bottom) or intersex people - can they enjoy the public bathing onsens using whichever gender they ID with or are they limited to private onsen?
Just curious, but what happens if you release gas in the bath and/or release pee? 🤗🧐
Were those brother and son because for a second I thought I saw mowgli.
Nice informative video though.✌🏼👍🏼
🤜🏻🤛🏻
GaminRage why would you release pee in a public bath.
sugoi also how could I move from America to Japan? it's ok if wakarimasen
1. Get a college degree, become a teacher.
2. Marry a Japanese citizen. I did. 17 years and going.
3. Study some of the language.
There are tons of youtube channels that can give you details. I love it here in Japan!
Tokyo creative has a video on that question but might be behind a paywall