Hot Springs - How to take a bath - Hakone - General Tips & Advice Reviews

There are many hot springs all over Japan and they are worth a visit as its a great experience however, at first many people may find it daunting to get naked in front of strangers.

It's really worth the experience I recommend being brave and just do it.

Here are a few tips on how the process works.

* First you enter the change area and there is a basket and or coin lockers to put your towel and clothes in. If you stay in a traditional japanese style inn (Ryokan) you may already only be wearing yukata (cotton robe)so you place your things in the basket or coin locker.
* There are no swimming suits allowed however some people take a small hand towel known as a modesty towel used for privacy.
* Next you enter the washroom area you will see rows of taps and small stools as well as a washbowl.
* You sit on the stool and in front of you will find body wash, shampoo and conditioner. So you wash off using the tap and bowl or sometimes its a shower head and tap so you can use either. You mostly have to clean your body its not necessary to wash your hair if you dont want to. Make sure to clean up your area.
* After you have washed off and rinsed down you can enter the hot spring bath the water tempertaure is normally between 38 degrees to 44 degrees. At first it can be very hot so enter slowly and dont move around too much the more you tend to move around the hotter it seems. If you start to feel too hot you can exit and sit on the side half in and half out this is okay.
* When you have soaked enough and want to leave don't wash yourself down again if you want the water and the minerals to help your skin.
* Exit the wash area and go back into the dressing area to dry off and put your clothes back on.

*** NOTE - in most places there are hair dryers, chair and mirros provided, brushes sometimes so if you washed your hair you can dry it here.

Taking a hot spring bath is a great experience and I highly recommend doing it.
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