Steam, tattoos, wooden buckets and why you wash before you soak.

Bathing is where Japan's rules of cleanliness, community and calm are most visible, and most tourists get it wrong on their first visit.

By the end

You will walk into any sento or onsen in Japan knowing exactly what to do, what to say, and why everyone is so quiet.

Who this is for

Anyone curious about Japan's bathing culture — whether you're flying next month or just want to understand the country without leaving your chair.