Let the warm water wash over you and allow your thoughts to drift back through the thousands of years of bathing traditions that have led us here. The Japanese cleansing ritual is a moment of relaxation and mindfulness in which your body is washed clean before your soul can exhale in the warm baths. 

The Japanese ablution rooms are within the changing rooms, before you enter the Japanese baths. Wooden stools and pails are lined up in a row in front of taps with hot water. You take a towel and two small washcloths in with you. You then lay one of the washcloths on a stool, sit down, fill the pail with water and pour it over you, over and over again. This is your time, a moment for reflection and contemplation, or quite simply a pause from everyday life. Traditionally, you’re naked during the ritual, but you’re free to decide for yourself whether you’d rather keep your swimwear on.

When you begin to feel your tension releasing and your mind winding down, it’s time for the washing itself. Everything you need is right in front of you. Lather your whole body with soap and a damp washcloth, slowly and mindfully. When you’re finished, rinse yourself with water from the pail as before. Rest the pail on the stool when you’re done.

Now your body is cleansed, it’s time for your soul to be purified in the hot springs in the changing rooms. After that, you’re ready to don your swimwear and go out into the bathhouse. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, as it’s a warm environment. 

An authentic experience - learn how to bathe in Japan

When booking and checking in, you will receive information about the times for our bath introduction where you will learn the Japanese bathing ritual. If you are a new guest, we recommend that you take the time for this introduction to the Japanese bath to have a really good experience.

Read more here about the activities we offer at Yasuragi.