Japanese Bath Culture

Experience Bathing Like the Japanese

In Japan, bathing is about getting clean before entering the bath, unlike in some other cultures where one bathes to become clean. In this land of the rising sun, water is a symbol of purity, and they have elevated daily hygiene into a central and pleasurable part of life. Now you can try following the ritual that the Japanese have cultivated for centuries.

In Japan, there are over 20,000 hot springs that are often rich in beneficial minerals. Bathing in the Japanese ofuro お風呂 entails giving yourself time. Time to leisurely sit down on a small stool with a washcloth, soap, and a small basin by a low faucet. The act of pouring water over oneself is best repeated for a long while. Then you wash with the washcloth, taking time to soap yourself up.

After washing, you immerse yourself in the bath. The hot water awakens a feeling of being alive. In Japanese homes, the whole family bathes in the same bathwater, hence the importance of being clean before stepping into the bathtub, traditionally made of cedar that smells fresh and reminds one of nature. As you sit in the tub with hot water up to your chin, you can lean back and enjoy the memories of the day in the present moment. A moment where body and soul unite, providing deep relaxation.

Before starting your wash in the Japanese bath at Yasuragi, you'll participate in a bathing introduction. It opens your senses and provides you with the best conditions to experience the Japanese bath culture as genuinely as possible.
 

Naturally Warm Springs

In Japan, due to volcanic activity, there are over 20,000 hot springs that are often rich in beneficial minerals. This type of spring has been considered to have miraculous powers in most cultures. Perhaps not surprising given that water is the essence of life (and the fact that we humans are made up of 60% water). For this reason, water has played a significant role in all the world's myths, especially in Japan where, according to the ancient Shinto religion, purity and reverence for nature are paramount. Water is seen as a symbol of purity.

The Japanese have truly elevated daily hygiene into a central and enjoyable part of life. Forget about quick showers!

Bathing in the Japanese ofuro means giving yourself time. Time to quietly sit on a small stool with a washcloth, a bar of soap, and a small basin by a low faucet in a room designed to withstand splashing water. You begin by finding the right water temperature and filling the tub before pouring water over yourself. The ritual of pouring water over oneself is best repeated for a long while. Experience the ritual that the Japanese have cultivated for centuries yourself.

Once you've unwound, you start washing with the washcloth. Start with your feet, take time to soap and massage these loyal companions. Notice if there's anything hard or tense that needs attention or just offer them a grateful thought for carrying you through life. Proceed in the same manner from toes and fingers towards the heart. Save the heart for last.

If you have a willing neighbor or friend nearby, you can ask for help with your back, and of course, offer to return the kindness.

Once your body is clean and soft, rinse off all the soap and tidy up your washing area. It goes without saying that cleanliness and tidiness are essential; nobody enjoys someone else's dirt.
 

Religious Background

The next step is descending into the actual bath. In Japan, people get clean to bathe, unlike in some other cultures where people bathe to get clean. The water is often so hot that for a Westerner, stepping in almost feels impossible, but once you've done the impossible, a feeling of being alive sets in.

"When we sit in our tiny tubs with water up to our chins, we feel alive again; it's the warm water that makes us savor our memories here and now." Isamu Noguchi, sculptor 1904-1988. Bathing plays a central role in the lives of the Japanese since ancient times. Not only Shinto but also Buddhism placed great emphasis on the purification of body and soul. The origins of public baths are said to be bathhouses built to wash Buddha statues at temples in the 6th century, after Buddhism spread to Japan from China. Soon monks, the sick, and the less privileged also had access to the baths. Financing the baths was considered a good religious deed among the well-off. Similar thoughts exist in Islam, which also advocates cleanliness of body and soul.
 

Connection to Nature

Whether you're bathing at home, in a bathhouse (sento), or in a natural outdoor hot spring, recovery is central. If the hot water is poured into a bathtub, one hopes that the tub is made of cedarwood, sugi, which gives off a fresh scent. Cedarwood is also good at retaining heat and smooth against the skin. In Japan, everyone bathes in the same bathwater, hence the importance of being clean before entering the bath. For this reason, a lid is often placed on the bathtub when not in use to retain heat and not waste water. Sometimes there's a small window in the bathroom overlooking a piece of nature. Whether it's "natural" or arranged doesn't matter much; the crucial thing is the connection to nature, something that fuels the imagination. Yugen is a fundamental concept in East Asian mysticism that deals with our kinship with nature beyond time and space. It's the ability to see the beauty in change, how time moves forward, and new days arise. However, the outlook towards nature isn't always what we call good taste; sometimes it's super kitschy, but it's someone showing care, making the attempt touching instead, lightening the mind and leading the thought further. Time easily slips away, taking all stress with it. Regular recovery is a fundamental need for us all, and it's no wonder that one feels good from a treatment where both body and soul are in focus and well taken care of.
 

Sento, Public Bathhouses

Even in the cities, there are hot springs around which public neighborhood baths have grown. Unfortunately, they've often fared poorly, not only due to wars, earthquakes, and fires but also because the springs have run dry with the blasting work for new buildings. 

Sento are the public bathhouses supplied with regular tap water. Since there was long a fear of fire risk during earthquakes, bathrooms were lacking in homes, and neighborhood baths were common until the 1960s. In most cities, you can still find a sento, which serves as the central meeting place in the neighborhood. 

Bathing at bathhouses has been an integral part of upbringing and socialization for many Japanese. Nowadays, much like in other parts of the world, the American-style with bathrooms in each home is standard, dealing a death blow to many sento. 
 

Naked Communication

However, many onsens thrive. The Japanese term onsen means hot spring. However, the word is often used to describe the facilities, hotels, and inns located near the hot spring. Yasuragi Hasseludden can be described as an onsen (even if the hot water isn't warmed by volcanic activity but rather by geothermal heat).

Onsen is a vital part of the tourist industry in modern Japan. Here, the Japanese go with their partners, family, and even their company to relax and leave everyday life behind for a moment. The Japanese speak of the benefits of naked communication, hadaka no tsukiai. The relaxed atmosphere that arises between people in the relaxing environment that an onsen provides. At Yasuragi Hasseludden, people from all walks of life come to meet in this relaxing way, both privately and with their business associates.

What is a Spa in Japan?

Japanese spa culture has a long history deeply rooted in the country's traditions and philosophies on health and well-being. Here are some key aspects of Japanese spa culture:

Onsen and Sento
Onsen are hot springs or thermal baths, while sento are public bathhouses. Both these places are essential within Japanese spa culture. Bathing in hot springs is considered cleansing and healthy, and there are many onsen resorts throughout Japan.

Traditional Treatments
Traditional Japanese spa treatments include various forms of massage, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy. Shiatsu massage, a form of acupressure massage, is particularly popular and originates from traditional Chinese medicine.

Zen Philosophy
Zen Buddhism has influenced Japanese bath culture by emphasizing presence and awareness. Many spas in Japan strive to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere that promotes inner peace and harmony.

Tea Rituals
Tea ceremonies are part of traditional Japanese culture and emphasize the ritual of tea. Some spas include tea ceremonies as part of their services to enhance relaxation and overall well-being.

Scenic Surroundings
Many traditional onsens are located in picturesque areas such as in the mountains or by the coast. This location provides an opportunity for guests to relax and enjoy nature while receiving spa treatments.

Kampo and Herbal Medicine
Kampo is a form of traditional Japanese herbal medicine used to promote health and balance in the body. Some spas incorporate kampo principles into their treatments.

Japanese spa culture, much like at Yasuragi, emphasizes the holistic nature of body and soul and the importance of achieving balance and harmony. Whether it's a visit to an onsen or a modern spa, Japanese spa culture aims to create a holistic experience for guests.

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