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In many Ryokans, you can choose where to bathe,
private bath in your room or big shared bath. You
may not be familiar with bathing with unknown
people at shared bath, but soon you'll like it!
It's worth something to try the best Japanese way
to relax. Here's a brief guide to enjoy shared
bath.
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Usually a small rectangular towel is placed
with Yukata (cotton robe) or near the basin in
bathroom in your room. Pick it up and leave your
room in Yukata. Hot spring water may ruin your
jewelry/silver/gold so leave accessories in your
room.
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Shared bathroom is usually located on the first
floor or on basement. Look for the sign like this:
Inside the NOREN, split curtain, or the door, there
is a dressing room. ONNA-YU is for ladies, and
OTOKO-YU for gentlemen. You'll find baskets on
shelves. Look for an empty basket and put all your
clothes in it. Now you're ready to go into the
bathroom!
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You see a line of water taps, shower and small
stools on the wall in the bathroom. Look for an
empty space, sit on a stool and wash your body.
Wash your body outside the bath tub. Never do it
IN THE
TUB. Bath tub is for soaking your
body and relaxing. Then rince well till no
bubble left. You may just quickly wash body first,
then wash well again after or during bathing.
Japanese don't usually wash teeth in shared
bathrooms. It should be done in your room.
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Now, step into the big bath tub. Water may be
too hot for you, so don't jump in. Slowly soak your
body and just relax. Usually indoor bath is hotter
than outdoor one. Stay there for a while, come out
or sit down on the edge of the tub to take a rest,
then soak again. Don't stay in the tub too long or
you'll get dizzy. If there are several bath tubs,
you may try every tub.
When you decide to finish bathing, go back to where
you washed your body. Lightly rince yourself with
shower and wipe body with your towel.
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Put on your Yukata and take a rest. In some
Ryokans, there is a room to take a rest nearby or
inside the dressing room. You should take a rest
and get cool after bathing.
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You can take a bath anytime of the day and many
Japanese bathes several times in a day in a hot
spring.
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