What do you need to bring to a Japanese public bath?
A small towel for washing and modesty, a larger one to dry with, and your own shampoo and soap if the bath is a plain sento. Ryokan and most onsen provide soap and towels; cheap neighbourhood baths often sell or rent them at the counter. Dry yourself before stepping back into the changing room.
Where this answer comes from
- Bring your own essentials, or rent Smaller public baths (sento) may not provide soap, shampoo, or towels. Onsen at ryokan…
- Keep your towel out of the water The bath water is shared, so anything that touches your body—including your towel—stays…
- Dry off before re-entering the changing room Use your small towel to pat dry before stepping back onto the changing room floor. It…
Say it in Japanese
Show the card to the staff. The Japanese, how to read it, and the recorded voice.