Facts about Japanese Bathing Culture, Tourists Should Know
- Rocketnews24
VIVA – Bathing is a routine that must be done every day to keep the body healthy and fragrant. In Indonesia, the majority of people take a bath twice a day. But apparently, the bathing culture in each country is different, especially in Japan.
In Japan, bathing is not an activity that needs to be done every day. Japanese people rarely even take a shower in the morning before doing activities. For them, bathing is considered a cover for their daily activities, so it is more common to do it at night.
So, here’s an explanation of the bathing culture in Japan that tourists should know.
1. Shower Only for Night
Unlike the bathing culture in Indonesia, Japanese people only take a bath at night. The Japanese consider showering as a cover and done at night. Besides, they also don't have much time in the morning.
2. Have a Long Ritual of Bathing
Tempat pemandian air panas di Jepang
- Koreaboo
When bathing, the Japanese follow a special ritual that has a series of steps. First, they took a bath to wash away all the dust and sweat, and only then did they enjoy a long and luxurious bath.
They even add herbs to the water which relaxes the body cleans the skin and calms the mind.
3. Use a Small Towel on Head While Bathing
The Japanese are also used to putting a small towel over their heads when bathing. This towel turns out to have a function. In winter, they enjoy warmth to balance body temperature due to differences in outside temperature and warm air temperatures.
That way blood pressure remains stable. On the other hand, in the summer, soaking in warm water for too long can cause blood to flow to the brain. So, to neutralize, use a cold towel on the head.
4. Japanese Loves Bathing in Sento and Onsen
In Japan, the terms Sento (public bath) and Onsen (natural hot springs) are also known. They love being in those places.
Instead of being considered rude, Japanese people are happy and feel happy when invited to bathe together in a sento or onsen. This is a symbol that they are accepted openly.
5. Japanese People Don’t Bath Use Bucket and Dipper, but Use Ofuro
Ilustrasi mandi.
- Freepik
Most Japanese bathrooms are designed to have ofuro (Bathing place). The shape is like a bath-up in general. Ofuro is what the Japanese wear for night baths and baths. For information, they take a night bath with warm water, including when bathing.
Before bathing in ofuro, they will first clean the body with soap and rinse it with water that comes out through the shower. Only after that, they will soak in warm water that has been accommodated in ofuro.
6. The Ritual Bathing in Japan is Important for Shinto Believers
It is what makes the procession of bathing in Japan has a religious meaning. In Shinto belief, they not only cleanse the body but also need to purify the soul and mind before they can come into contact with God.
