Looking for a quintessential Japanese cultural experience apart from just sightseeing and sampling local cuisine? How about having a rejuvenating onsen bath? Well if you have not heard of it before, then it is time you do! The onsen bath is a kind of traditional hot spring bath where you can enjoy hot and healing waters. If you are heading to the capital and looking to enjoy this revitalising experience then consider staying at Shinjuku Tokyo serviced apartments and make your way to one of these baths. Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo is one option to consider when it comes to such accommodation in the city.
So you need to keep in mind some things before heading to an onsen bath. Firstly, most of these establishments require you to strip completely when you actually get into the bath. Wash cloths can be brought up to the bath area generally but not into the water. Some onsen baths are for both men and women, though others have separate sections or times of the day for each.
Once you get there make sure to follow certain steps and etiquette. There is usually a special section to keep your footwear and separate changing rooms or cubicles. If clear signage is not present or if it is in only Japanese writing keep this in mind; rooms with a red curtain are for women and those with a blue curtain are for men!
Remember at the bath itself you cannot use soap since it will pollute the waters which are considered pure. Since you cannot bring a wash cloth or towel into the bath, keep it by the side, though some are in the practice of putting it on their head. Apart from that, just sit back, relax and let the soothing waters of an onsen bath leave you feeling refreshed and restored.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
