Top Tub Tips and Tattoo Taboos At Japanese Baths

Above, a public bath in a business hotel.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

First time visitors to Japan, or people who've been there but never participated in a public bath or onsen, should be mindful of the rules of soaking in Japan.

RocketNews24 has posted an article of "Top Tub Tips and Tattoo Taboos At Japanese Baths."

It begins with:

There is nothing quite as relaxing as slipping into the warm water at a Japanese hot spring. But as you get ready for tub time, you should be aware of the finer points of public bathing in Japan. Besides leaving your rubber ducky at home, we have compiled a list of key bath tips to ensure the best soak of your life without having to hear someone nag about the “lack of proper bathing manners these days.” 

And since one of the more frustrating points of the Japanese bathing experience is a blanket ban on tattoos, we will also provide some context on why exactly your tribal sign tramp stamp is so unwelcome. 

Whether you are going to an actual hot spring or a public bathhouse, here are nine things to keep in mind before entering the world of bathing in Japan.

To read the full article, go here.