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 history of bathing culture that has been nurtured for over 1000 years. This culture forms a core part of Japanese identity.

Ancient Times: The Beginning of Bathing Culture

Discovery of Natural Hot Springs

Japan is a volcanic country. Hot springs naturally gush out all over the nation. It is believed that ancient people noticed the healing effects of hot springs by observing animals bathing in them.

Japan's oldest historical texts, the 'Nihon Shoki' (720 AD) and 'Kojiki' (712 AD), already contain descriptions of hot springs. Dogo Onsen is said to have a history of 3,000 years, and Arima Onsen is believed to have existed since the age of the gods.

Buddhism and the Development of Bathing Culture

During the Nara period (710-794 AD), as Buddhism took root in Japan, bathing culture significantly developed. 'Bathing halls' were constructed in temples, and monks began to bathe as part of their training. This was because the Buddhist teaching considered cleanliness as a way to get closer to Buddha.

At Todai-ji, 'charity baths' were offered not only to monks but also to the sick and poor. This can be seen as the beginning of public baths in Japan.

In the Heian period (794-1185 AD), bathing became a refined culture among the nobility. 'Bathhouses' were established in noble residences. However, unlike modern times, they did not soak in bathtubs but used a steam bath style.

Edo Period: The Golden Age of Sento Culture

The Edo period (1603-1868) was the era when Japan's bathing culture flourished most brilliantly.

Explosive Growth of Sento

In Edo (now Tokyo), there were about 600 sento at its peak. In a metropolis with a population of 1 million, they were essential facilities for commoners' lives.

Sento were not just bathing facilities but also community centers. They were places for exchanging information, socializing, and conducting business. By being naked, samurai, merchants, and craftsmen became equal regardless of social status. This was the beginning of the concept of 'naked companionship.'

The profession of 'sento painters,' who painted pictures of Mount Fuji and other scenes on sento walls, also emerged during this period.

Establishment of Toji Culture

In the Edo period, 'toji' spread among commoners. People would stay at hot spring resorts for weeks or months to heal illnesses or injuries. It was also a leisure activity during the agricultural off-season.

'Onsen rankings,' similar to sumo rankings, were created to rate hot springs. This was a precursor to modern hot spring rankings. People like myself, who visit sauna facilities and rank them, have existed since the Edo period.

Meiji Period: Modernization and Changes in Bathing Culture

With the Meiji Restoration, Japan rapidly modernized, and bathing culture also underwent changes.

Mixed bathing, common until the Edo period, was banned in 1868 for being 'embarrassing for a civilized country.' Bathing also began to be valued not only for personal enjoyment but also from a public health perspective.

German spa medicine was introduced, and the benefits of hot springs began to be scientifically studied during this period.

In the Taisho period (1912-1926), sento architecture became artistically refined, and the painted images of Mount Fuji on sento walls were established.

Showa Period: Rapid Economic Growth and the Spread of Home Baths

In the late Showa period (1945-1989), alongside Japan's rapid economic growth, bathing culture also underwent significant changes.

From the 1960s, baths began to be installed in homes. The penetration rate, which was about 20% in 1965, rose to about 90% by 1985. As home baths spread, the number of sento decreased. In 1965, there were about 20,000 sento nationwide, but by 2000, this number had decreased to about 5,000.

However, in the late 1980s, a new style of 'super sento' emerged. These were larger, leisure-oriented facilities with various baths, allowing for long stays. Additionally, with the economic growth, people began to enjoy leisure time, leading to a boom in hot spring travel.

Heisei and Reiwa Periods: Sauna Boom and Re-evaluation of Bathing Culture

In the Heisei period (1989-2019), day-trip onsen facilities increased, and spa resorts developed. From the late 2010s, saunas became explosively popular among the younger generation.

The influence of the manga 'Sado,' the sharing of 'totonou' experiences, and the luxury of sauna facilities. As a sauna enthusiast, this trend is very pleasing.

In the Reiwa period (2019-present), bathing is recognized not just for cleanliness but as a 'wellness' activity to enhance physical and mental health. 'Onsen tourism,' where foreign tourists experience hot springs, has also become popular.

Unique Features of Japanese Bathing Culture

The Habit of Daily Bathing

About 90% of Japanese people bathe daily. This is a very high percentage globally. It is rooted deeply in Japanese life as a culture of cleanliness, relaxation, and a ritual to mark the end of the day.

Culture of Naked Companionship

By being naked, social status and titles are stripped away, and people become equal as humans. In the business world, 'naked companionship' is also valued. Onsen trips are considered opportunities to deepen trust.

Seasonal Baths

In Japan, there is a special bathing culture for each season. Iris baths in spring (May 5), mint baths in summer, chrysanthemum baths in autumn (September 9), and yuzu baths in winter (December 22, winter solstice). The culture of enjoying seasonal changes while bathing is unique to Japan.

Continuation of Toji Culture

Even today, the culture of 'toji,' where people stay long-term for hot spring therapy, continues. I have also stayed long-term at hot spring resorts for toji purposes several times, and it was a wonderful experience that reset both body and mind.

Differences from Foreign Bathing Cultures

The West has a shower culture, a practical style that is completed quickly. In contrast, Japan has a bath culture where people soak slowly. Public baths are shared, and they also serve the purpose of mental healing.

There are similarities with Islamic hammams (steam baths) and Nordic sauna culture, but Japanese bathing culture has uniquely developed these elements and sublimated them into the form of 'onsen.'

Impact of Bathing Culture on Japanese Society

Bathing culture is one reason why Japan is one of the cleanest countries in the world. Additionally, 'naked companionship' has become the foundation of equality consciousness in Japanese society, and sento have functioned as community centers.

Hot springs have become an important tourism resource in Japan, supporting local economies. Regular bathing also contributes to the health maintenance of Japanese people.

Challenges and the Future in Modern Times

With the spread of home baths, traditional sento continue to decrease. The aging of sento and onsen inn owners and the lack of successors are also serious issues. There are challenges in accommodating foreign tourists, such as tattoo issues and language barriers.

However, efforts to protect historical sento and onsen facilities as cultural assets are spreading. Like the sauna boom, new generations are finding new value in bathing culture. Efforts to promote onsen culture to foreign tourists are also progressing.

Conclusion: A Rich Culture Born from 1000 Years of History

Japanese bathing culture has been nurtured for over 1000 years. Ancient hot spring beliefs, the influence of Buddhism, Edo period sento culture, and the tradition of toji. All these elements overlap to form the rich modern bathing culture.

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

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