When planning a trip to Japan, most people think about the food, the temples, or the transport system—but there’s one part of daily life that deserves just as much attention: the Japanese bathroom.
Very different from what we’re used to in the West, the bathroom in Japan is designed as a space for both cleanliness and relaxation. Whether it’s modern or traditional, in a hotel, an apartment, or a ryôkan, the Japanese bathroom follows specific customs that are worth understanding to avoid any cultural missteps.
Japanese bathrooms, public baths and onsen : what’s the difference?
Before diving into the details, it's important to get familiar with Japanese bath-related terminology. Several words describe bathing areas, but they don’t all refer to the same thing:
| Terms | Meaning |
| Ofuro (お風呂) | A bath (can be private or public). Also the general word for “taking a bath.” |
| Sentô (銭湯) | A traditional public bath. |
| Onsen (温泉) | A natural hot spring bath, often located outdoors. |
| Furoba (風呂場) |
The bathroom area inside a home or hotel. |
In this article, we’re focusing on the bathrooms found in accommodations: hotels, apartments, or ryôkan.
How do people bathe in Japan?
One of the most unique aspects of Japanese bathrooms is the clear separation between washing and bathing. Unlike in the West, you do not wash yourself inside the bathtub, that happens beforehand.
Step 1: wash before entering the bath
You begin by sitting on a small plastic stool, usually placed in front of a wall-mounted shower head or low faucet. A small bucket or basin may be used to help rinse off.
- Wet your body
- Lather up with soap
- Rinse thoroughly
- Clean the shower area if needed
This step is non-negotiable: you must be completely clean before getting into the bath.
Step 2: Relax in the Ofuro
The ofuro is a deep soaking tub, typically filled with very hot water (104°F–107.5°F / 40°C–42°C). It’s designed for pure relaxation—not for washing.
In Japanese homes, the same bathwater is usually shared by the whole family and only replaced if it becomes cloudy.
What does a hotel bathroom look like in Japan?
Modern Japanese hotel bathrooms are often “unit baths”: prefabricated, waterproof modules that combine all essentials in a compact, efficient space:
- A sink with a mirror
- A deep, short bathtub
- A shower (often above the tub)
- A toilet in the same room (usually electronic)
Everything is designed to manage moisture effectively while maximizing functionality in a small footprint.
What about in a ryôkan?
The experience in a ryôkan (traditional Japanese inn) varies depending on the level of luxury.
Private bathroom
- In modern rooms, you'll usually have your own private bathroom, either in Western or Japanese style.
- In upscale ryôkan, you may be treated to a semi-outdoor ofuro with a view of a Zen garden or the ocean—an unforgettable way to unwind.
Shared bath
More traditional ryôkan often offer shared baths, separated by gender:
- You wash thoroughly in the designated washing area first
- Then soak in a large shared bath, typically made of wood or stone
You'll find amenities like towels, cotton yukata robes, and hygiene products readily available.
Don’t miss our guide on how to enjoy your first onsen experience!
Staying in an Airbnb or local home?
Japanese homes and vacation rentals usually feature compact but smartly designed bathrooms, often with these features:
- Deep soaking tub
- Handheld or wall-mounted shower
- Electronic control panels to:
- Set the water temperature
- Automatically fill the tub
- Keep the water warm
- Schedule the bath to be ready at a specific time
If the place is small, the bathroom will feel similar to a hotel unit bath.
What toiletries are provided in Japanese hotels?
Even budget hotels in Japan are known for offering a surprisingly complete set of toiletries.
Provided in the room
- Body wash
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Towels
Available at the front desk
- Toothbrush + toothpaste (rarer)
- Razor + shaving foam (rarer)
- Comb
- Cotton swabs
In high-end hotels, you may also find extras like moisturizing lotions, facial toners, or beauty masks.
And if you forget anything, konbini (convenience stores) and drugstores are never far away.
Traveling with kids or as a family?
Japan is well-equipped for families, even in the bathroom:
- Child-sized stools
- Products for sensitive skin
- Family-sized tubs in some ryôkan
- Baby bath accessories available in specialty stores