About 90% of Japanese people bathe daily. On weekends, they go on hot spring trips, and after work, they stop by saunas. Why do Japanese people love hot springs and saunas so much?
There are deep cultural and social reasons beyond just a habit of cleanliness. Japan's history, geography, social structure, and the values of Japanese people—all these factors combine to create a unique "bathing culture nation" unlike any other in the world.
In this article, we will explain in detail the 10 reasons why Japanese people love hot springs and saunas. By reading this, you'll understand why Japan's hot spring and sauna culture is so rich.
Reason 1: Volcanic Japan - Abundant Hot Spring Resources
One of the World's Leading Hot Spring Nations
Over 27,000 Hot Spring Sources There are over 27,000 hot spring sources across Japan, which is among the highest in the world.
Pacific Ring of Fire The Japanese archipelago is located on the "Pacific Ring of Fire," with about 110 active volcanoes. This geological feature creates abundant hot springs.
Easy Access
Hot Springs Everywhere
- Hot springs in all 47 prefectures, from Hokkaido to Okinawa
- Authentic hot springs just an hour's drive from urban areas
- Hot springs as part of everyday life
At the Core of Culture
Abundant hot spring resources have placed "bathing" at the core of Japanese life and culture. Hot springs are not something special but are integrated into daily life.
Reason 2: Cleanliness Culture - The World's Highest Hygiene Awareness
The Habit of Daily Bathing
Statistics
- About 90% of Japanese people bathe daily
- A very high percentage even by global standards
- Not just showers, but soaking in the bath
Strong Commitment to Cleanliness
Cleanliness in Public Spaces Japan is known as one of the cleanest countries in the world. The foundation of this cleanliness culture is the habit of bathing.
The Concept of "Misogi" Under the influence of Shinto, the concept of "purifying oneself with water" is deeply rooted in the Japanese.
Hot Springs and Saunas as Symbols of Cleanliness
Hot springs and saunas are recognized not just as places to wash the body but as sacred spaces to "purify" the mind and body.
Reason 3: The Culture of "Naked Relationships" - Social Equality
The Meaning of Being Naked
Shedding Social Status In hot springs and saunas, everyone is naked. There:
- CEOs and regular employees are equal
- The wealthy and the common folk are the same
- Age doesn't matter
Speaking Honestly By being naked, social masks are removed, and relationships where people can speak honestly are formed.
Important Even in Business
"Hot Spring Meetings" There is a culture of conducting important business negotiations and meetings during hot spring trips. People open their hearts in hot springs and build trust.
Relationships Between Bosses and Subordinates By going to hot springs together, bosses and subordinates create relationships that transcend workplace boundaries.
Reason 4: Stress Society and Places of Healing
Japan's Work Culture
Long Working Hours Japanese people work long hours by global standards, creating a high-stress society.
Perfectionism The high quality standards and perfectionism in Japanese society create mental pressure.
Hot Springs and Saunas as Escapes
Release from Daily Life
- Escape from work
- Detach from smartphones
- Free from social roles
Digital Detox In hot springs and saunas, smartphones can't be used. This enforced digital detox brings peace of mind.
The Bliss of "Totonou"
The "totonou" experience in saunas is the ultimate stress reliever for modern Japanese people.
Reason 5: The Sauna Boom from the Late 2010s
Background of the Sauna Boom
Influence of the Manga 'Sado' The manga 'Sado' by Katsuki Tanaka (2015-) popularized sauna culture among the general public.
Dramatization The 2019 dramatization led to an explosive spread of saunas among the younger generation.
Verbalization of "Totonou" Expressing the blissful feeling of saunas with the word "totonou" made the experience shareable.
Sauna Boom Among the Younger Generation
Mainly in Their 30s and 40s
- A generation at the peak of their careers with high stress
- Sharing information on social media
- The identity of being a "sauna enthusiast"
Increase in Female Sauna Enthusiasts The number of women-only sauna facilities is increasing, and female sauna enthusiasts are rapidly growing.
Sauna as Wellness
Saunas are recognized not just as relaxation but as a "wellness" activity that enhances physical and mental health.
Reason 6: A Place for Communication
Center of Community
Role of Public Baths Since the Edo period, public baths have been the center of community.
- A place for exchanging information
- A place for neighborhood interactions
- Cross-generational exchanges
Bonds with Friends and Family
Hot Spring Trips
- A staple for family trips
- Short trips with friends
- Opportunities to deepen bonds
Sauna Companions Communities of sauna enthusiasts are being formed.
Reason 7: Purpose of Tourism and Travel
Popularity of Hot Spring Trips
A Staple of Domestic Travel The most popular domestic travel destination for Japanese people is hot spring trips.
Enjoyment of the Four Seasons
- Spring: Cherry blossom viewing baths
- Summer: Hot springs in cool resorts
- Autumn: Hot springs with autumn leaves
- Winter: Snow-viewing baths
"Onsen Town" Culture
Walking in Yukata in Onsen Towns
- Picturesque townscapes
- Touring souvenir shops
- Footbath strolls
- Onsen manju (sweet buns)
The experience of the onsen town itself is a special pleasure for Japanese people.
Reason 8: Rising Health Consciousness
Medical Benefits of Hot Springs
Culture of Therapeutic Bathing Historically, hot springs have been used as places for healing illnesses.
Scientific Evidence Today, the health benefits of hot springs are scientifically proven.
Health Boom of Saunas
Interest in Health
- Promoting blood circulation
- Enhancing immunity
- Relieving stress
- Improving sleep quality
Anti-Aging The anti-aging effects of saunas are gaining attention.
Longevity in Japan
One of the secrets to the longevity of Japanese people is believed to be in their hot spring and bathing culture.
Reason 9: Culture of Sensing the Seasons
Harmony with the Four Seasons
Seasonal Enjoyments
- Yuzu baths (Winter Solstice)
- Iris baths (Tango no Sekku)
- Mint baths (Summer)
- Chrysanthemum baths (Choyo no Sekku)
Feeling the Change of Seasons with the Body
Hot springs and saunas are important places for Japanese people to feel the changes of the seasons.
- Fresh greenery in spring
- Coolness in summer
- Autumn leaves in fall
- Snow in winter
Reason 10: Spread of "Totonou" Culture
What is "Totonou"?
The blissful state of relaxation achieved through sauna, cold plunge bath, and outdoor air bath.
Why Did It Spread in Japan?
Power of Verbalization By putting the feeling into words, the experience became shareable.
Spread on Social Media Many people share their experiences with the hashtag "#totonotta".
Birth of a Common Language "Totonou" has become a common language among sauna enthusiasts.
Compatibility with Mindfulness
The "totonou" experience is akin to meditation and mindfulness. It provides the "focus on the present moment" experience that modern people seek.
What Do Hot Springs and Saunas Mean to Japanese People?
Part of Life
Hot springs and saunas are deeply rooted in Japanese life. They are not special entertainment but part of everyday life.
A Sanctuary for the Mind
In a stress-filled modern society, hot springs and saunas are places to find peace of mind.
A Place to Build Social Bonds
By bathing naked, people build relationships that transcend social barriers.
A Means to Maintain Health
Not just entertainment, but an important habit for maintaining and enhancing health.
Cultural Identity
Hot spring and sauna culture forms part of the identity of Japanese people.
Conclusion: Hot Springs and Saunas as the Core of Culture
The reasons why Japanese people love hot springs and saunas are not due to a single factor. The geographical condition of being a volcanic country, over 1000 years of history, cleanliness culture, social structure, stress society, and the modern sauna boom—all these are intricately intertwined.
For Japanese people, hot springs and saunas are:
- Places of relaxation
- Places to build social bonds
- Means to maintain health
- Ways to feel the seasons
- Places to escape stress
- Time to reflect on oneself
And above all, they are places where one feels "being Japanese."
By understanding this deep cultural background, the experience of Japanese hot springs and saunas will become richer and more meaningful.
Hot springs and saunas are the spiritual home of the Japanese.
