Why do Japanese people love bathing so much? Why do they bathe every day? Why are hot springs considered special?

To answer these questions, one must understand the long history of Japanese bathing culture. Cultivated over more than 1000 years, this culture forms a core part of Japanese identity.

In this article, we will explain in detail how Japanese bathing culture has developed from ancient times to the present day and why it has been passed down as such an important cultural practice.

Ancient Times: The Beginning of Bathing

Jomon and Yayoi Periods (10,000 BC - around 300 AD)

The origins of Japanese bathing culture date back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence shows that ancient Japanese people bathed in some form.

Discovery of Natural Hot Springs In Japan, a volcanic country, natural hot springs emerged. It is believed that ancient people noticed the healing effects by observing animals entering these hot springs.

Kofun and Asuka Periods (300 - 710 AD)

Mentions in Nihon Shoki and Kojiki Japan's oldest historical texts, 'Nihon Shoki' (720 AD) and 'Kojiki' (712 AD), already contain references to hot springs.

• Dogo Onsen: Said to have a history of 3,000 years
• Arima Onsen: Believed to have existed since the age of the gods
• Shirahama Onsen: Records of ancient emperors visiting

Buddhism and the Development of Bathing Culture

Nara Period (710 - 794 AD)

The Introduction of Buddhism and Bathing With the full introduction of Buddhism to Japan, bathing culture saw significant development.

Construction of Bathhouses Bathhouses were constructed in temples. These were:

• Places where monks bathed as part of their training
• Based on Buddhist teachings that 'cleanliness brings one closer to Buddha'
• Later opened to the general public

Charitable Bathing at Todai-ji At Todai-ji in Nara, 'charitable bathing' was provided not only to monks but also to the sick and poor. This can be considered the beginning of public baths in Japan.

Heian Period (794 - 1185 AD)

Noble Bathing Culture In the Heian period, bathing became a refined culture among the nobility.

Yudono Noble residences had 'Yudono' (bathrooms), but unlike modern times, they were more like steam baths.

Beginning of Onsen Worship Hot springs were revered not just as places for bathing but as sacred sites for healing illnesses.

Edo Period: The Golden Age of Sento Culture

Edo Period (1603 - 1868)

The Edo period was the time when Japanese bathing culture flourished most vibrantly.

Explosive Spread of Sento

Edo Sento

• At its peak, there were about 600 sento in Edo (now Tokyo)
• Essential facilities for the everyday life of the 1 million residents of the city

Structure of Sento

• Tobanduro: Early style of sento
• Zakuroguchi: Low entrance (to keep steam from escaping)
• Medicinal Baths: Special baths with medicinal herbs

Social Role of Sento

Place for Communication Sento were not just bathing facilities but community centers.

• Places for exchanging information
• Social venues
• Places for business negotiations

Place of Equality By being naked, samurai, merchants, and craftsmen became equal regardless of social status. This was the beginning of the concept of 'naked companionship.'

Birth of Sento Painters The profession of 'sento painters,' who painted murals of Mount Fuji and other scenes on sento walls, emerged.

Development of Hot Spring Areas

Establishment of Toji Culture In the Edo period, 'toji' (hot spring cure) spread among the common people.

What is Toji?

• Staying at hot spring areas for weeks to months
• Recuperating from illnesses or injuries
• Enjoyed during the agricultural off-season

Onsen Rankings Like sumo rankings, 'onsen rankings' were created to rank hot springs. This was a precursor to modern onsen rankings.

Meiji Period: Modernization and Bathing Culture

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Encounter with Western Culture With the Meiji Restoration, Japan rapidly modernized, and bathing culture also underwent changes.

Prohibition of Mixed Bathing Mixed bathing, common until the Edo period, was banned in 1868 as it was considered embarrassing for a 'civilized country.'

Public Health Perspective Bathing became important not only for personal enjoyment but also from a public health perspective.

Development of Onsen Medicine German onsen medicine was introduced, and the effects of hot springs began to be scientifically studied.

Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)

Development of Sento Architecture Influenced by Taisho Romanticism, sento architecture became artistically refined.

Golden Age of Tile Art The mural paintings of Mount Fuji in sento were established during this period.

Showa Period: Economic Growth and Bathing Culture

Early Showa Period (1926 - 1945)

War and Sento During World War II, sento were indispensable to people's lives. For those who lost their homes in air raids, sento were the only places to bathe.

Late Showa Period (1945 - 1989)

Rapid Economic Growth With Japan's rapid economic growth, bathing culture also underwent significant changes.

Spread of Home Baths From the 1960s, baths began to be installed in homes.

• 1965: About 20% penetration rate
• 1975: About 70% penetration rate
• 1985: About 90% penetration rate

Decline of Sento With the spread of home baths, the number of sento decreased.

• 1965: About 20,000 nationwide
• 1985: About 10,000
• 2000: About 5,000

Emergence of Super Sento In the late 1980s, a new style of 'super sento' emerged.

• Larger and leisure-oriented
• Variety of baths
• Long-stay possible

Onsen Boom With economic growth, people began to enjoy leisure time, leading to a boom in onsen travel.

Heisei and Reiwa Periods: Modern Bathing Culture

Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)

Diversification of Onsen

• Increase in day-trip onsen facilities
• Development of spa resorts
• Nationwide expansion of health lands

Arrival of the Sauna Boom From the late 2010s, saunas became popular among younger generations.

• Influence of the manga 'Sado'
• Sharing of the 'totonou' experience
• Upscale sauna facilities

Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)

Bathing as Wellness Bathing is recognized not just for cleanliness but as a 'wellness' activity that enhances physical and mental health.

Inbound Tourism 'Onsen tourism,' where foreign tourists experience hot springs, has become popular.

Reevaluation of Tradition Old sento and onsen inns are being reevaluated as cultural assets.

Unique Features of Japanese Bathing Culture

1. The Habit of Daily Bathing

About 90% of Japanese people bathe daily. This is a very high percentage globally.

Why Bathe Daily?

• Cleanliness culture
• Relaxation
• Ritual to mark the end of the day
• Enjoying seasonal changes

2. Culture of Naked Companionship

Equality Beyond Social Status By being naked, social status and titles are stripped away, and people become equal as humans.

Building Trust Even in the business world, 'naked companionship' is valued. Onsen trips are seen as opportunities to deepen trust.

3. Seasonal Baths

In Japan, there are special bathing cultures for each season.

• Spring: Shobu-yu (May 5)
• Summer: Peppermint bath (for a refreshing feel)
• Autumn: Chrysanthemum bath (September 9)
• Winter: Yuzu bath (December 22, winter solstice)

4. Continuation of Toji Culture

Even today, the culture of 'toji,' long-term stays for hot spring therapy, continues.

5. Spirit of Hospitality

The 'hospitality' of onsen inns is an important element of Japanese bathing culture.

Comparison with Foreign Bathing Cultures

Western

• Shower Culture: Quick and efficient
• Individualism: Private act
• Practical: Cleanliness is the main purpose

Japan

• Bathtub Culture: Soaking slowly
• Community Culture: Sharing public baths
• Spiritual: Mental healing is also a purpose

Islamic World (Hammam)

• Steam Bath: Similar to a sauna
• Social Venue: Community role
• Religious Ritual: Purification meaning

Nordic (Sauna)

• Sauna Culture: Finnish style
• Social Venue: With family and friends
• Unity with Nature: Jumping into a lake

Japanese bathing culture has uniquely developed these elements, culminating in the form of 'onsen.'

Impact of Bathing Culture on Japanese Society

1. Establishment of Cleanliness Culture

One reason Japan is one of the cleanest countries in the world is due to this bathing culture.

2. Awareness of Social Equality

'Naked companionship' has become the foundation of Japan's sense of social equality.

3. Formation of Community

Sento have functioned as centers of community in local areas.

4. Onsen as a Tourism Resource

Onsen have become an important tourism resource in Japan, supporting local economies.

5. Promotion of Health Culture

Regular bathing contributes to the health maintenance of Japanese people.

Challenges and Future in Modern Times

Challenges

Decline of Sento The spread of home baths continues to decrease the number of traditional sento.

Lack of Successors The aging of sento and onsen inn operators and the lack of successors are serious issues.

Dealing with Foreign Tourists There are challenges such as tattoo issues and language barriers.

Future Prospects

Protection as Cultural Heritage There is a growing movement to protect historical sento and onsen facilities as cultural assets.

Creation of New Value New generations are finding new value in bathing culture, as seen in the sauna boom.

Internationalization Efforts are underway to promote onsen culture to foreign tourists.

Wellness Tourism Onsen are being reevaluated as places for health promotion.

Conclusion: A Rich Culture Born from 1000 Years of History

Japanese bathing culture has been nurtured for over 1000 years. Ancient onsen worship, the influence of Buddhism, Edo period sento culture, and the tradition of toji. All these elements have intertwined to form the rich modern bathing culture.

This culture goes beyond the act of washing the body, deeply rooted in Japanese life as a means of mental healing, social bonding, respect for nature, and enjoyment of life.

When visiting Japan, experience this bathing culture with its long history and tradition. It will be a special experience that touches the heart of Japan.

Japanese bathing culture, born from 1000 years of history, is an intangible cultural heritage that Japan proudly presents to the world.