Japanese bath house

There are two types of bath houses in Japan: onsen and sento. While there are obvious similarities between the two — they're both communal hot-water baths and visitors must adhere to certain rules of etiquette — there is one significant difference: onsen are filled with natural volcanic spring water, known for its rich and healing mineral content, while sento simply use heated tap water although some do add minerals and infusions to the water. Rooted in Japanese tradition, bath houses are still very much a part of daily living here, although sadly we're seeing more and more closing down since modern homes are now equipped with baths. Still, no-one's going to dispute the absolute heaven of stepping into a steaming healing bath, especially in the middle of winter. Which is why we've rounded up 10 of our favourites for you — nine of which are onsen, the other a sento — and divided them into price categories. Best thing is, unlike Western spas, a small entrance fee lets you stay in the bliss long past the skin-wrinkling stage.

It may come as a surprise to learn that communal bathing is as much a part of Japanese culture as raw fish or landscaped gardens. Girls of years-old and younger and boys of 8-years-old and younger may enter baths of either gender. Here is our expert guide to public bathing like a pro. On entering a public bathing facility you will be required to take off your shoes and change into slippers or flip flops these will be provided or you can bring your own. You can store your shoes in the shoe lockers that are located at the entrance.

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Getting hot and steamy is deeply rooted in the Japanese culture, and public baths are still as popular as ever. Although you can find them indoors, most of them are outdoors where you can be at one with nature. All public baths have specific rules that you have follow, some of which may surprise you. Nobody is allowed to wear clothes in the Japanese baths— not even an itsy bitsy bikini. Embrace it!