May I ask, what things do you need to bring when taking a bath in hot springs in the past? What notes of attention are there? About meals, can we take multiple baths? Without leaving the scenic area, do we need to bring food?

When visiting an onsen (hot spring) in Japan, it’s customary to bring certain items and pay attention to some important notes. Here are the essentials:

What to Bring:

  1. Yuhari () or body soap for washing before soaking
  2. Shampoo and conditioner (if you plan to wash your hair)
  3. Extra towels and a changed set of clothing for after bathing
  4. Hairpin or shower cap (optional) if you have long hair
  5. Small bag or towel bag for carrying personal items

Important Notes:

  1. Shower before entering the onsen hot water pool.
  2. Remove all jewelry, glasses, contact lenses, and makeup to avoid losing them in the water.
  3. Do not enter with tattoos (onsens often have a no-tattoo policy). Consider covering your tattoo or using clothing/handkerchiefs as cover-up material.

Meals:

  1. Onsen facilities usually do not provide food services. You may want to pack some snacks and water for the visit.
  2. If you’re staying overnight at an onsen ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, meals are typically included in your package.
  3. As for eating while soaking in the hot springs (which is possible but less common), it’s best to eat before or after bathing to avoid making others uncomfortable.

No Exit Areas:

  1. Pack some food and water if you’re planning an all-day visit without exiting the onsen resort area.
  2. In this case, consider purchasing snacks or meals at a convenience store or small restaurant within the onsen area.

Remember to respect local customs and etiquettes when visiting Japan’s hot springs!