Steeped in a profound connection to natural and spiritual elements, Japanese bathing culture is as much about relaxation and healing as it is cleansing oneself. This is in turn integrated within both the architectural and aesthetic elements of the bath.
Central to this story is Japan’s geography, with abundant onsen (natural hot springs) pouring forth from the volcanic chains dotting the length of its archipelago. The act of bathing is historically associated with purification rituals related to Shinto, as well as to the Buddhist temples on whose grounds the country’s first bathhouses appeared. Japan’s earliest bathing practices involved enveloping oneself in clouds of steam from the mineral-rich onsen, with full-body submersion becoming commonplace during the early 20th century.
The onsen waters’ widely lauded healing properties are said to include refreshed skin, improved sleep, and relief from numerous physical ailments. This gave rise to numerous forms of au naturel rituals in addition to the traditional bathing experience of a long and calming soak. These have included steam baths (often accented by medicinal herbs), mud bathing, and immersion in coastal sand pits to enhance deep relaxation and wellness.
The practice of communal bathing or hada no tsukiai (literally, “naked communication with others”) became widespread at public baths known as sento. Serving as an important mode for daily social interaction in urban areas, these facilities were particularly popular during the Edo period, beginning with steam and foot baths. Drawing waters from sources other than natural hot springs, sento were constructed primarily from wood, with faucets appearing during the early 1900s.
Following WWII, wealthy households began to enjoy baths inside the home. Known as ofuro, these bathtubs were typically heated via wood-burning stoves. Today in Japanese homes, bathtubs are a standard fixture, some crafted from woods including the exquisitely fragrant hinoki (Japanese cypress)—thereby combining tradition with modern luxury. Since the focus is on the tranquility of the bathing experience, with a separate space provided for cleansing the body beforehand, Japanese tubs are considerably deeper than their Western counterparts.