Standing outside a Japanese bath house wondering if you're about to break ten rules you've never heard of? This guide walks you through the whole thing — literally.
THE 13-STEP WALKTHROUGH
From spotting the entrance to the after-bath coffee milk: an interactive, step-by-step first-visit guide you can read on the plane or follow right there in the lobby. Includes the two kanji that really matter — 男 (men) and 女 (women) — so you always pick the right door.
86 IN-DEPTH ENTRIES ACROSS 9 TOPICS
• Onsen or Sento? — what each one is, what it costs, when to go
• Before You Go — the two-towel system, what to pack, what to skip
• The Changing Room — lockers, the no-camera rule, the modesty walk
• Wash First — the golden rule of Japanese bathing, done right
• In the Bath — towel on the head, hair up, how hot is "hot"
• Bath Types & Sauna — rotenburo, the electric bath, the sauna circuit
• Tattoos — the full playbook: friendly baths, cover stickers, private baths
• After the Bath — drying off properly, the coffee milk ceremony, yukata rules
• Health & Safety — heat, hydration, and when to sit one out
Every entry states the RULE, DON'T or TIP up front, then explains the why — so the customs finally make sense instead of feeling like a minefield.
32 BATH HOUSE PHRASES
Every phrase in English, Japanese script and romaji — with a full-screen "Show this" mode. Need to ask about tattoo policy or reserve a private bath? Just show your phone at the front desk. It works every time.
MADE FOR YOUR TRIP
• Works 100% offline — remote mountain onsen towns included
• No account, no tracking, no ads
• Save entries you'll want handy at the bath
• Search everything instantly
The bath is the best part of Japan. Walk in like you've done it before.
