Japanese Public Bathing Explained

Ever wondered why Japanese cultures has such an affinity for bathing, whether it be at an onsen (hot spring) or sento (public bath house)? Take a trip with me in this brief history of bathing in Japan.
Special Thanks
🗲 Andrew Marston - See his tourism videos at Japan Guide / @japanguide
🗲 Chris Okano - See his vids at / okanochris
🗲 Jess and Hai from Notes of Nomads - See their vids at / notesofnomads
🗲 All my Patreon supporters for giving me the time to work on vids like this
🗲 And to my wife... because she loves it when I credit her
🗲 For fair use for enabling me to use footage from movies and tv
🗲 To all those that allow use of their work through Creative Commons
Info Sources
🗲 Learning from Shogun - www.columbia.ed...
🗲 Skinship - en.wikipedia.o...
🗲 Sento - en.wikipedia.o...
🗲 Onsen - en.wikipedia.o...
🗲 Miasma - en.wikipedia.o...
🗲 Black Death - en.wikipedia.o...
🗲 Last splash: Immodest Japanese tradition of mixed bathing may be on the verge of extinction, Japan Times - www.japantimes...
🗲 Public Bathing - en.wikipedia.o...
🗲 Misogi - en.wikipedia.o...
🗲 More Than a Bath: An Examination of Japanese Bathing Culture - scholarship.cla...
🗲 Toilets in Japan - en.wikipedia.o...
🗲 Cause of dysentry - chealth.canoe.c...
Image Sources
🗲 www.scandinave...
🗲 www.hotsprings.ca/
🗲 Nudists_at_Formentera_beach_0240.jpg -
commons.wikime...
🗲 Geysirhöhle.jpg - By Therme Erding, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, commons.wikime...
🗲 London_Board_of_Health_searching_the_city_for_cholera_Wellcome_V0010896.jpg - commons.wikime...
🗲 Sebastian Petrycy "Instructia abo nauka, jak się sprawować czasu moru, Kraków 1613 -
commons.wikime...
🗲 Nuremberg_chronicles_-_Dance_of_Death_(CCLXIIIIv).jpg - commons.wikime...
🗲 Hiroshige-53-Stations-Hoeido-16-Kanbara-MFA-02.jpg - By Hiroshige - commons.wikime...
🗲 The_history_of_Japan,_giving_an_account_of_the... -
No restrictions, commons.wikime...
🗲 Eiheiji08bs3200.jpg - By 663highland - Own work, CC BY 2.5, commons.wikime...
🗲 Hiroshige,_Sugura_street.jpg - commons.wikime...
🗲 Mathhewperry.jpg - commons.wikime...
🗲 Визит_Перри_в_1854_году.jpg - By Wilhelm Heine, Public Domain, commons.wikime...
🗲 MeijiJoukyou.jpg - commons.wikime...
🗲 Torii Kiyonaga, 1752-1815derivative work: Torsodog (talk) - Kiyonaga_bathhouse_women.jpg -commons.wikime...
Video Sources
🗲 Shogun
🗲 Good Morning Call
🗲 Thermae Rome
🗲 Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to (The comic artist and assistants)
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[@ag9899]

I’ve struggled with acne for so long. I went to a hot spring in Osaka and my skin cleared up so much!

[@BltchErica]

Well if that helped you then u can take really hot steamy baths on a regular basis, it's probably gonna have the same effect. Another thing to do would be filling up a pot with water, let it boil, turn the stove off then put a towel over it and stick your face in there. It's gonna open up your pores real good, but it's not the most pleasant experience.

[@xzptz4466]

xLucky Sinz 😂 😂 ill try it

[@yughesyugu2393]

@xLucky Sinz what??😂

[@Exploreeee]

I'm guessing it might be because of the sulfur content that help with your acne. Natural volcanic hot spring do have sulfur, and sulfur is good for clearing acne. My mum suffered from acne for years and tried finding treatment for it, even doing minor surgery, but what eventually help significantly was this cheap bar soap that contains sulfur. Bar soap specificly made for acne skin.

[@freshmilk7122]

@xLucky Sinz that's kinky

[@Athrun000]

Taking off your shoes in your own home is sensible. I don't understand why people wear shoes within their home..!!

[@fibihernandez1119]

I’m American and I don’t even wear shoes or socks in my house

[@Asteroid_Jam]

I do that but I can not convince my family to do it. They do not want to step on dirt. Then I try to explain wearing shoes is why dirt is in the house.

[@fibihernandez1119]

Rex exactly!

[@lenkngomez8451]

Furbbles stuff depends if your house is carpet or wooden, people wouldnt want to get dirty all the time

[@faekz]

I have Japanese girlfriend but I was forcing people to take off their shoes when they go in my house before. It keeps the house cleaner. I clean way less

[@chees5109]

Can you imagine a 34 year old man in the 1600s not wanting to have a bath like a 4 year old

[@CologneCarter]

There are 34 year old men in 21st Century who'd do the same.

[@kylehayes6432]

He didn't want to have a bath because he thought it was unsanitary. Not because he doesn't like bathing.

[@superstar2446]

@@CologneCarter 😂😂

[@AuroraPolkka]

Pink and Proud no lol

[@kylehayes6432]

Also yes I can. Bathing regularly wasn't even a thing until say the 1700s when people started to realize the health benefits of doing so. Not to mention the advent of indoor plumbing in the 1900s. Most people bathed so rarely that by the time they had a chance to have a bath they would gladly jump on the opportunity. So yes I can imagine someone in the 1600s not wanting to bath.

[@i8jellydonut]

I just realized there is always a bathhouse episode in anime!!!

[@lucasfreer7838]

I would've thought that's because of "fan service"

[@AshlynnAspires]

It’s called fan service.

[@soundlesspeal]

just like the beach episode

[@i8jellydonut]

and it’s always a filler episode lol

[@oscarrollins1364]

Not death note

[@kentokyo]

While we are so comfortable being naked with strangers, most of avoid talking to strangers. It seems Americans are very comfortable talking with strangers in public, they hate the idea of being naked with strangers.

[@majormononoke8958]

It is called the image of masculinity...

[@FreezingTheMind]

Truthfully, it depends on where you live in America. I live in New York, and very rarely do people want to chat and meet other new people. Its common for young adults to be on their phones almost 24/7 and in my psychology class, the young women agreed that they hate looking up when walking in public, to avoid making eye contact with someone else. This is how bad some people are. However, I went to Arizona, and many of the shop owners talked very slowly, and enjoyed conversation. It was very pleasant to be honest. You are right, but it very much depends on where you are in the United States.

[@maccychee3858]

In the southern part of the United States, usually people are pretty friendly. But we still have assholes down here so yeah...

[@alphasiera1757]

Hi. I wonder if onsen is still a thing in japan. I mean if younger generation still use them

[@romancorey6796]

Yeah that’s true. As an American a lot of people talk to strangers but the thought of bathing with them is just creepy.

[@strangekittyca]

I'm from New Zealand and we (the native Maori) also bathe in the hot springs. Some are commercialized now, but the private/tribe owned ones are usually naked and mixed gender.

[@andromedablue]

@nionvox I wish Australians were so opened to this idea ;) is it open to the general public?

[@g0ush1e]

I’m from New Zealand too :)

[@nippononna]

I think it's a custom for people who live in countries of "the ring of fire" to love bathing...

[@yuzu6061]

im from nz but im not native maori and have never done this heh

[@ccredmansvids]

@S Ali so there aren't pervy natives? i somehow doubt that.

[@Papakawa]

Two dudes chillin while bathing 5 feet apart cuz they're not gei

[@Stagprince1000]

Yeet

[@gabrielamorari07]

@Guinevere Schuck yeahh😂

[@gabrielamorari07]

Yasss

[@Melly_The1]

who else read it in tune

[@toprakoktem8197]

İngilizce konuşabilen bir mümin kardeş daha buldum, baya iyiymiş.

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Because not everyone reads the description, going to do a shout to all those that helped put this video together. Andrew Marston, a.k.a Mr. Fancy Graphics Man, Chris Okano the half-naked-full-of-onsen footage man, and Jess and Hai assisting with the stills. Check the description for links to their channels.

[@ChimchangaGod]

Always hyped when I see you put out a new video. Helps people in the west get a much better understanding for Japanese culture.

[@donalr9742]

Life Where I'm From SOME Europeans! Thanks for saying SOME most people are like I CAN GO TO ANY BEACH IN EUROPE LIKE THIS. But I’m from Ireland. And if you do that the An Garda Shiaconna will get you like so quick. So uhm anyone who thinks we’re all FREAKS not really all of us. And also I don’t think you need to change this but.... Not all European countrys are in the EU sooo

[@amino2amines]

may i know what is the name of the movie of the ping pong? in 7:47

[@meenakhan4697]

Life Where I'm From you are the best

[@philsoldierX78]

Just like your video about the homeless this was fascinating as well. There are reasons I don’t go out of my way to learn some things but why the Japanese have such bath houses always made me envy the Japanese people. Same with when I learned of Bidets. I can’t recall if you’ve made a video on bidets but I found those to be interesting because 1. It’s cleaner than toilet paper. 2. Idk why Americans don’t use more of them. Makes me want to own one myself. Now back to bathes. Ima shower guy myself but if I had the time I’d enjoy a bath once in awhile. Keep doing what you do~

[@LodanSD]

I'm 6'7", I wish I had a bathtub big enough for me to bathe in...

[@squishyvish]

"The life of the Dutch."

[@flyingcroissant8555]

@DyedBlue r/iamverysmart

[@FishyDaGamer]

When I went to my grandmas house in Japan, (I’m still only kid but tall for my age) the bath was really short. But the thing is it was kinda deep so I can bend my knees without getting out of the water lol

[@DeVonol]

My bathtub makes me feel like a giant

[@robertcoylestein1292]

Damn! I mean damn!

[@GaijinGoombah]

7:19 I hit up Uedo Onsen Monogatari every year when I visit.

[@aliciabelluwu]

Gaijin Goombah Media oh, ur here too uwu

[@AeRUBIKCubing]

I read this as "I hit up the Monogatari girls every year when I visit." Please kill me

[@Trucidox]

HEY!! my favorite cultural theorist :) I tried to go earlier this year but was turned away at the door. My wife has a small tattoo on her arm. We ended up going to Jakotsuyu (Asakusa) Onsen, not sento . It was much smaller but still very nice, bonus it was tattoo friendly.

[@Sonnenblume997]

Hello!

[@mcxopjesh]

Funny enough, I was thinking of you watching this.

[@WarOnCOD]

Wow Greg, the way your channel has progressed...I absolutely love these documentary style videos. My wife is Japanese and your videos help me understand where she came from really well. They also help me understand her a little better too. So thank you for making these :)

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Thanks for watching!

[@blakegaley3930]

@@LifeWhereImFrom nugget

[@lisilein2]

Mixed gender bathing really does seem perfectly sensible to me (I'm European). But even here showering naked, even in an all women's shower room at the local pool is getting less and less practiced. It really feels like people sexualize everything these days or just feel awkward about their own bodies.

[@YuubiTimberwolf]

Yeah thats true, comming from germany, i grew up with the same thing. After visiting a FKK Sauna (naked sauna) with friends, it changed, people there were not rude but rather nice and still at a comfortable distance with (much younger) my friends and me, giving us important warning about how long to stay in a sauna room since we never did it before. Felt pretty comfortable there as a woman and would love to do it anytime again!

[@b2kzangelalwayz]

If women are told in my country (US) that the absence of clothing makes you more susceptible to crime, do you think we would ever consider nudity in public as an acceptable social activity? It’s not “people” who sexualize things, it’s rapists, assaulters, pedophiles, etc.

[@Passions5555]

I think the rise of obesity in the west is another contributor to people just not feeling secure with their bodies and not wanted to bare themselves in front of people. Also obviously not all, but a lot of westerners can be awfully immature and verbally abusive toward nudity and sexualize everything.

[@hannekehartkoorn5987]

How on earth can you get clean under a shower when you are wearing a bathing suit?

[@therealest1745]

I won't lie but the western area ESPECIALLY AMERICA IS PRETTY MESS UP AND THE MOST OF THE PEOPLE THERE ARE UNHEALTHY AND MENTAL

[@dosvecesjaime]

Bathing in an onsen was my absolute best e perience from Japan. And I love the food, the cities, the landscape, but this was something very different that taught me to contemplate other people’s and my own nakedness in a new way.

[@catherine6212]

Embrassable People : *AHHHHHHHH* Japan : Why are you running?

[@kylehayes6432]

Embarrassed people* Embrassable isn't a word, and it's even spelled incorrectly lol.

[@kylehayes6432]

Or you can even say modest people, or prude people.

[@gynandroidhead]

Being modest and being a prude aren't necessarily the same.

[@andreaparsons2120]

Separating baths and toilets makes more sense

[@anahiyanez5810]

Personne Ici you can do this you know? There’s lots of houses that have it separated, or you do it yourself

[@CC-gv1yd]

Ahh just reminded of something.

Its the worst, My house in Japan has separated toilet and bath. I dont live in Japan so, I dont like it.

[@arjanluhar]

4:20 This dude is trying really hard not to look down lmao

[@OneironauticalOne]

God level eye contact skills.

[@nonchalantree6604]

lol 420

[@islandbreezy441]

LMAO 😂 so true

[@anonymousstout4759]

What movie is that?

[@treenut5046]

*looks down* oh I have a small one

[@ParaParaFanatic]

Don't forget many Onzen don't allow you have to enter if you have tattoos. So you don't get mistaken for being part of the Yakuza is one of the reason or maybe the only reason.

[@samfeikema9447]

If you're westerners, they will require you to put a patch over the tattoo. Much like a water resistant bandaid.

[@bry7487]

You'd have to hire a private one if you're heavily tattooed. My husband and I can't cover ours, full sleeves and all, but what's worse is my husband has a full traditional Japanese leg sleeve that has to stay covered in Japan. They don't like tattoos aa is, but I think they'd be pretty unhappy with his tattoo.

[@katiea.8726]

Bry i think it’s bc tattoos are associated with the yakuza

[@gumi_524]

In fact, Japanese people do not think of foreigners as yakuza when they see their tattoos. But there is no good way to exclude only tattooed yakuza. Also, it is a difficult problem because if tattoos are allowed, yakuza will gather as one of the few bathhouses where tattoos are allowed.

[@yyy222y2]

4:42 "Peeping Tanakas"? EXCUSE YOU!

[@jennatmisty9275]

222th like

[@thefernprince]

oml how many ppl have they insulted with this lol

[@sandwich3290]

Btw the anime that appeared in 5:38 is called, "The Comic Artist and His Assistants". Thank me later.

[@Faisal-dl8vi]

I’ve been searching in the comments for this.. thank you 🙏

[@ohyeahyeah6974]

sup my bro

[@imretiringbrb]

@@Faisal-dl8vi THANK YOU

[@leslieleonardo6160]

thank you omg

[@QueenCloveroftheice]

That anime sucks. No one will thank you for that lol

[@Aedony]

I'm from Germany. We like getting naked together in the sauna. That... sounds weird. Well, still the truth.

[@Zeptus1488]

Aedony Ist eigentlich überall anders, aber größtenteils schon, ja.

[@swapna33]

Aedony I am learning German

[@stefaniaogun9268]

Keerthan Swapna ich auch in den shule

[@Sketchkat]

Can vouch for this - I’m English; was fortunate enough to visit a hotel with a spa and sauna in Sühl... my partner at the time was horrified to find naked people everywhere, he went to complain to the management because he wouldn’t listen to me explaining that it’s common practice, we should be respectful... Glad I’m not with him anymore xD

[@itsthatbeeguy]

Conan taught me that.

[@hothotheat3000]

It’s so relaxing, and if you feel shy about it, just hold your head high and imagine the other people marveling at your confidence.

[@shoro9855]

This was when I was a child: Me:I don’t wanna wash! My mum:Get in the bathroom before I give a *dirty* slap Me:Okie ;( (15 minutes later) Mum: AMY GET OUT Me:I live here now

[@The_Harylaba]

I bet you're Nigerian

[@inkheart2007]

My mum is just like this

[@wolfedoggone4964]

Same

[@allisonsapphiranian0915]

For me is 1-2 hrs later

[@Jakium]

Cringe colon spam

[@jadetrussoni5054]

Personally, I can't see myself showering with strangers

[@rinkoshirokane8263]

Jade Trussoni ik I’m very self conscious of how I look but it would be soooo relaxing hot tubs at hotels are good but I can’t even imagine what it’s like at Japan..

[@youbyoubalancedliving9700]

We are born naked. In Japan, no one will stare or laugh of one’s nudity at the bath houses. It’s a health ritual and time to calm your mind down.

[@NoName-pj3yp]

Same, just going to the pool already makes me feel awkward.

[@ultima3542]

@@youbyoubalancedliving9700 Unless you're a gaijin that is.

[@robertoorrego4374]

@@ultima3542 a what?

[@katebarton1018]

When I went to Japan I’m 8th grade for a cross cultural research trip with my class every night my friends and I would shower together then sit in the pool and talk, might sound weird but it was a good bonding activity

[@moisesm9602]

@鍾益飛 I don't think he's from America because what kind of school is like ok let's all go to Japan

[@nabukuma]

As a westerner, I could only use my hotel’s onsen at 3am when no one was there :P

[@ilo3456]

Why? I wouldn't really care to share a bath with other dudes

[@bobbiusshadow6985]

CPU me neither, it's quite normal actually

[@lucasriddle5538]

Bobbius Shadow because people live their life exposed to different environments and because of this, they find different things weird.0

[@LemonSnake1111]

As a westerner, I believe your referring to the p00l-

[@harrymcnicholas9468]

My joke man goes with his pals to play golf. At the end everyone took a shower together but not him. Finally one of the guys asked him. Why won't you take a shower with are you too damn good for us? No I am embarrassed by the size of my Johnson. I would be embarrassed to show it in a shower. Well, how many times do you use it a week? Oh I guess 9 or 10 times a week. How would you like to trade it for one that looks good in the shower?

[@jaidenirving4738]

"In Japan we feel no shame about our bodies. Everything is normal and natural and necessary." YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@uwumachine2658]

There is nothing normal and natural about me practically being in the body of a seal

[@dreamstudios237]

@@uwumachine2658 I know this isn't a nice thing to say about ur sled but the way u worded it sounded so funny

[@inkheart2007]

In my culture men aren’t allowed to even hold a ladies hand unless they’re married so going in a bathe with someone is the weirdest thing I have ever heard of

[@armandomanuli3604]

@@inkheart2007 May I ask where you are from?

[@noone-io4yj]

All my brain is thinking of is anime.

[@jaykay6249]

5:50 That anime though.

[@drojf]

wouldn't have guessed LWIF would watch that anime...maybe he just googled for 'onsen anime'. EDIT: noticed that the video is made by multiple people, which may explain it.

[@ghadimohammed175]

Can u tell me the name of the anime

[@ghadimohammed175]

くらせいの「この本が読みたい！」 oh I didn’t see that 😅 thanks ❤️

[@amoschan9531]

Jay Kay what anime is this

[@anaj835]

Girls HATE mix bathing WE HATE IT WITH OUR LIFE'S

[@Ashley-nj9jw]

I recently went to onsens in Japan and it was a amazing experience. I loved the natural spring water onsens! Recommend people try it if they get the chance

[@LiquidSaturday]

"Dinner and a hot spring" sounds like the Japanese motto of YMCA.

[@zakkhan7012]

I love almost everything about japan 🇯🇵 it’s just so classic

[@sakura1076]

Never been this early..! Love your videos ❤

[@Himanshu.Harleyx440]

CraftsN Doodle n you are lovely too

[@frogz5493]

Me: it can help menstrual pain? Also me: *moves to japan*

[@cock-a-doodle-do7387]

what

[@mayuaoki2285]

If u have menstruation pls dont go inside the bath.

[@strawberrydaily3625]

I- uhh

[@keirageringer7652]

@@mayuaoki2285 why?

[@yoyo-vt8fn]

keira geringer There will be blood gushing out you in clumps, Imagine trying to bath in someone else’s period blood

[@levithelevite315]

Ohhhhh so that’s what that emoji is, a bath or hot tub ♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️

[@finn3721]

I think its for coffee

[@kitteny27]

Lucifer lolll

[@mikael2004]

"Credits to my wife because she loves when I credit her" made me laugh so much :'D

[@JennyAnimation]

I like this video before watching. I love baths too, and Japanese hot springs are my favorite things in the world

[@chickencake5134]

👋 Hello! I watch your vidoes!

[@perockus2965]

Apparently KZbin has a mind reading algorithm because I was just thinking to myself about this subject and it just popped up.

[@ixoraroxi]

I have notice that too! If I think about something and it pops pretty soon on KZbin, no searching, no cookies, no voice before that!

[@kadirlofca]

When you think about it, it becomes more apparent. If you haven't have thought about it, it wouldn't have a significance.

[@marcopothuizen]

Thanks for this beautiful video. No annoying background music and a pleasant voice.

[@AsserKortteenniemi]

In Finland we have kind of a similar thing with saunas as "naked association". In sauna, no matter your education, social background, ethnicity or any other trivial matter, everyone are equal.

[@avorotcivanin]

We have something similar in Russia - the Banya. Traditionally they were where people bathed, healed, relaxed and socialised. As far as I know Russia didnt have most of the pandemics the rest of Europe did because we actually bathed.

[@generalkitten2100]

Sauna!

[@charliechuckles2218]

It’s hard to spread disease in a frozen wasteland, Vladimir.

[@AnonymousFREEZEpOp1]

Well considering Russia isn't apart of Europe they probably weren't exposed as much to the illnesses that happened in Europe. But I'm sure bathing definitely helped too.

[@charliechuckles2218]

Lainey B Russia might not have had the trade that Western Europe had, but they’re European.

[@dylanf3108]

Peter The Great didn’t get rid of that when he Europeanized Russia?

[@CaptainAdmiralMango]

When I first went to Japan I was a bit uncomfortable with the thought of bathing naked with a bunch of dudes, but I got used to it, and now I love it. Super relaxing, anyone who's in Japan or thinking of going should definitely give it a try! Sincerely a Scandinavian

[@biggusdickus8819]

Hmm is not uncommon in Scandinavia to be naked at spas which are usually mixed genders.

[@Appelflep]

Wait now are you a guy or girl?

[@sharahokeefe4701]

I just watched a clip of a grown man being forced to take a bath me: Well, Im not that bad tho

[@andrewlee8110]

I’m not Japanese but I totally fell in love with Osen. I’ve tried it countless times in Japan. As Long as you act normally in bath houses, not awkwardly, the locals don’t mind having you around.

[@beaukuebodeaux8159]

I'm from Texas but have visited japan twice now. I have never done a therapeutic bath here in the states or anything near an onsen like bath (unless you include showers after football practice which i don't) but the onsen i tried in Tokyo was by far the best bathing experience I've had. I was super relaxed and felt rejuvenated after my flight (3 hours from south Korea) and day of traveling around the city. it was a bit strange bathing with people I'v never met before but it was well worth it and you get used to it pretty quickly.

[@Rosettia]

2:06-2:23 How mom forced me to bath

[@nejiniisan1265]

lol

[@seiya-chon]

I'm completely the opposite, I loved bathing since childhood.

[@inkheart2007]

Me too :(

[@Rose-bi2rg]

I’m not Japanese but I like their way of thinking in this regard!

[@Maria-m.D]

Same

[@QLTD]

Awesome video as always, thanks Greg!

[@pb7199]

the first time my friends wanted to go to a public bath i didn't join them because i was too shy, but after some friendly peer pressure i decided to go to a hot spring with them and it was honestly one of the best things i've done- we were hiking in the mountains and the hot water felt so nice after a day of working my muscles in the cold winter air. during that trip i went to 3 more public baths. now whenever i go back to japan or korea i like to go to a hot spring or public bath at least once :)

[@gynandroidhead]

There is no such thing as "friendly peer pressure."

[@edwardota1991]

I went to an onsen in Japan once and let me tell you internet: I came out ready to die. I felt completely happy with my life, like my soul was just literally ready to separate from my body because I felt so relaxed. So at peace with myself. I felt revived. Nothing in my life ever regenerated all my energy and took it away so perfectly. And afterwards the sauna hits the spot... oh man, but that sushi and beer afterwards was even better!!! I LOVE JAPAN!!

[@CableFlame]

I had a very similar experience at the hot spring baths in Baden-Baden, Germany. I relaxed so hard that I was exhausted afterward (from all that stress coming out) and slept like a baby that night.

[@stephenchan3162]

Well-researched as always. :)

[@JoachimderZweite]

When I was a seven year old boy in Japan I used to bathe with our two maids. The tub was huge and the maids brought a stool for me to stand on. I am old now and they are probably dead but I have never forgotten them and I hope we meet in the next world.

[@viporal7898]

Lol ”next world”

[@osuiro5206]

How old are you now? And your Name is German so I doubt that this story is true. No offense just curious

[@iloveskiing7904]

I’ve been to japan twice yet never been to an onsen. I just cant see my self, a young teenager, sitting in an onsen with naked adults that I don’t even know.

[@BlownMacTruck]

Ok? Why does this need to be said? No ones forcing you to and it comes off as culturally judgemental.

[@someyeeterontheblock2421]

@@BlownMacTruck I mean it is kind of suspect.

[@char5285]

BlownMacTruck they’re allowed to say that even if it is judgemental

[@BlownMacTruck]

Char Again, so? I can call you an idiot as well. That doesn’t mean it’s appropriate.

[@brister61]

I really enjoyed my visit to a couple of different bath houses when I went to Japan.

[@Kid-dz9zw]

Yea I was wondering why all hentai took place there also.

[@Hers_Childe]

🙄😂😂

[@JV-rd9xl]

that would be so lit to do irl

[@deadby15]

In the Edo era, at yuya(湯屋), female employees also served as prostitutes (yuna/湯女.)

[@TsunaXZ]

@@deadby15 cool

[@naphbot134]

501 amiga that information is... nice to know

[@amyf7977]

Why is a bathing suit gross? 😄 as long as it’s clean? I would love to try a hot spring, but I would be very self conscious about being naked! Also, clean really is beautiful!

[@kaidesu4649]

It probably has to do with the feeling of wet clothes stuck to your body. Though I have heard that it is considered unclean to wear anything at all into the bath because they think it dirties the water. Remnants of detergent used to wash fabrics, the fibers in the material and such is not as clean as a washed and scrubbed body I guess?

[@amyf7977]

kaidesu4649 That’s interesting! A person could be wearing perfume or deodorant though on their skin. You need to rinse yourself properly before you go in and they trust that you will do that, but they could require bathing suits worn be thoroughly rinsed too. Maybe it’s a difference between the options for men and women! Women’s are quite fitted so clinging doesn’t really bother me, but I can imagine it happening more with men’s swim shorts!

[@kaidesu4649]

They don't just rinse, they shower and sometimes even shampoo until they are squeaky clean before entering the bath, much in the same way they do when soaking at home. I think even if it were possible to provide completely sterilized bathing suits for use in the baths the Japanese would still object to it. At that point it's more of an issue of "purity" than actual cleanliness. Japanese really do take their baths very seriously it was(maybe still is) somewhat widespread wisdom that it's bad for you to only shower without soaking in a bath after, that you'd catch a cold if not.

[@amyf7977]

kaidesu4649 Yes, I guess it is the idea that skin only and soaking being the purest way and the way that is best for your health. Maybe they’re right!

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

After trying both I would say it simply physically feels more comfortable without any clothing.

[@beataks8859]

1:37 is old Polish. It says: " Instruction or teaching how to behave during the plague. Which includes: 1. Protection: how to save yourself from the miasma (lit.: plague air). 2. Healing almost all symptoms of the plague if you happen to catch it. Written simply without discourse by PhD Sebastian Petrycy, MD in Cracow in Witold Loba Printery, A.D. 1613. :D The guy was pretty famous, he even has a wikipedia page: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian_Petrycy

[@potrzebnealenie9627]

Beata So Yaay! Nie tylko ja z Polski :)

[@imbiork]

masz rację!

[@DannyTruc]

Who likes good Morning call that was from 7:42 clip

[@ashj340]

Danny Pham - yeah me too, really fell in love with Good Morning Call. Happy season 2 on now!

[@rayhanis]

Yup that's from season 1. I just finished watching season 2 thoo.

[@DannyTruc]

So sad I don’t have Netflix I watch it on my cousin so no season 2 until x-mas 😭😭😭

[@rayhanis]

If I'm not mistaken there's 1 month trial version for netflix. Go install it now ^^

[@DannyTruc]

No it ok but thx any ways because I know my parents won’t let me but thank you 🙏🏻 for the information

[@SaraS-jq1ln]

I LOVE the Shogun movie/series. I watch it often

[@Shark1103]

Great content. I wish you could also make an episode about censorship in Japan, cuz a lot of people (including myself) do not seem to understand what is the meaning of "shame" exactly in Japan.

[@Kjaskar3003]

At first I also thought it weird to be all naked around strangers but I really wanted to visit an onsen still. :) And I enjoyed it sooo much! It was great and I'm really sad that there is no such thing in Germany or anywhere around. I would like to open one myself haha Our first two nights in Japan my husband and I stayed at a ryokan in Kawaguchiko, so we hat our own little onsen outside of our room and it was a great thing to get back to strength after the long journey, but of course that was pretty expensive (but totally worth it!). The second time we visited Japan we went to Oedo Onsen Monogatari and I really liked it :) Next time we'll definitely visit it again and maybe some other ones as well xD We want to travel with my mom, sister and our son next time, but it won't be before 2020, unfortunately. But with these 3 years to wait for the next trip, I have plenty of time to plan everything out and search for nice Onsen on the internet :D Oh and nice video by the way :) I really enjoy watching your Videos ^-^

[@ppskills400]

Your vlogs are so pleasant to watch...I love japan...Its my dream to travel to japan...I love all your vlogs...we have something quiet similar to this in India like spring water bath its religious bathing at place known as vajreshwari ganesh puri do check it out..lots of love from India

[@MidnightBlue105]

Does India also do public bath with no clothes?

[@avengersassemble8492]

but not naked...... just 4-5 dips to clear our sin in holy river.

[@Timenow1]

7:42 I LOVED THIS DRAMA! 😍 Auuuuuuuugh! Arigato!

[@z.d7501]

I once went to an Onsen with my 80 year old grandfather, and I remember his wrinkly willy to this day. The water was pretty relaxing though.

[@thefernprince]

that must be traumatizing

[@gavanscommandblock]

this comment right here officer / 😐 👮‍♂️

[@SumanRoy.official]

4:13 "we have no shame for our body" ok then why censor the good things in hentai.

[@ukkothedwarf1259]

Asking the real questions

[@commandprompt7171]

objection, you sir clearly haven't watch enough hentai

[@jacobmarcelo9805]

"censor the good things" What are you talking about? They don't censor the plot in hentai 😤

[@aa898246]

its required by law

[@sweatshirtguy3424]

@@jacobmarcelo9805 All the good plots between the legs and shoulders though

[@hannahvanmeter2132]

I was talking about onsens to my friends and how they are really good and I was seriously judged ಥ‿ಥ

[@laenaeverwood7453]

Didn't Rome have bath houses?

[@maccychee3858]

They had public toilets too. You could take a dump and catch up with your best friend

[@Wildmoonchildani94]

Justa Peasant as God intended

[@biggusdickus8819]

@@maccychee3858 Then newspaper were invented and you didn't have to chat with strangers at ur public toilet to get the latest and freshest rumors.

[@tamyrlin1986]

I think they were always separated by gender though. Like a Turkish hammam.

[@fotoautomatmusic]

Id imagine so they were in London and England - which the Romans probably brought over. My mum was still using them regularly till the late 1960s as alot of older council flats didn't have bathrooms just a scullery (which Is a wet area where you can fill a tub to wash ppl or clothes, but you'd usually all bathe in 1 tub of the water as it was expensive to fill, so bathing wasn't a daily thing in those days).

[@jeffjeff7780]

I loved the Onsen but was also surprised to learn that Tattoos are not OK at very many bath places. Just something that is good to know before you go.

[@aprilbox3766]

I love hot water too, hot tubs, hot springs, all of it. We just had a local hot and cold pool facility open. $32 US for 1 hour. It also has a Swedish and infrared sauna. I stayed at a retreat house in Hawaii, with just women and it had a outside shower, I loved it. When I was in high school we had a sauna/hot tub bathroom and the whole family often took steams and baths. I also like sweat lodges.

[@Wolfswind003]

I really love onsen. I don't mind being naked anymore or when people bring their young boys to the ladies side. I remember bathing naked in ponds and lakes with (male) friends when we were young children and I was simple too young to think much about it. I guess it becomes as big a deal as you make it :) As a teenager I was very self conscious but the onsen actually helped because you see a variety of body types and not just a photoshopped images of supermodels. Most of the time I see old grannies in the bath and I've even seen a lady with a mastectomy. If there is one thing I wish my country had from Japan I would definitely choose onsen. They are so simple, you don't need anything. It's very natural :) You never have to worry about missing out because you forgot your bathing suit ;)

[@gagatai]

Onsen is like legal drug, once you try , there’s no going back to shower.

[@edi9892]

Honestly, I only realised after watching anime and seeing a road called bathstreet that we used to have similar conditions. It's so hard to imagine, but my grandparents lived without electricity or running water in Austria before WWII. If you wanted to bath, you would have to pump at the well for a long, long time! Then probably the father bathed first, then the mother, then every kid with the same water! I'm so glad that the times have changed. Before the war my grandfather was nothing but a serf, who was paid for his hard work with foodscraps and slept on hay until the Nazis came and gave him living conditions he didn't even dare to dream of, but then he got from the frying pan into the fire. For my female relatives, the times weren't any better. Before WWII, that landlord chased after every skirt and then there was war and occupation...

[@qaz010wsx]

It is the first time i've heard something positive about the Nazis.

[@edi9892]

@@qaz010wsx I'm not here to defend Nazis, but it shouldn't come as a surprise that in Austria 40% welcomed them and 40% disliked them. When the Anschluss happened a few dozen from the opposition were murdered and most of the opposition was less than half-hearted at best. Even high up in Austrian command, they feared not just losing against the German Wehrmacht, but also betrayal from within and the nastyness resulting of it... The living conditions and perspectives of many people were less than favorable and as in many places now, they supported someone that promised to solve their problems by any means necessary... The Nazis did bring a lot of improvements initially to strengthen their support, but from what I know it was all a gigantic Ponsi-scheeme (borrowing money to buy popularity and invest in military programs, conquer, loot and pay back the debts, but at that time they made even more debts and had to loot more...). Lastly, I want to give you a warning: Most of those involved in war-crimes and crimes against humanity were not the monsters you may think, but pretty ordinary people. Some did it for the money, others because they feared what would happen if they claimed the moral high-ground and a very prominent minority actively searched such positions to live out their dark side, that would have been hidden otherwise. In any case, it was not that Germans and Austrians hated Jews more than e.g. Poles, or French, nor that they were born evil, but that they allowed someone evil in power, who happened to hate Jews. PS: two things that piss me off about people speaking about that past (besides the obvious: we would never have done it) are that most forget that Hitler did not just kill 6 million Jews but 18 million people in the concentration camps (homosexuals, gypsies, disabled and obviously people who disagreed...). The other thing that pisses me off, is that people still worship Stalin and Mao as heroes and don't even realise that their bodycount was even higher! The fact that three such monsters could come into power at once (not forgetting allied and Japanese war crimes etc.) is chilling and I'm sure that we haven't learned sh!t from history as today in so many countries wannabe dictators were elected democratically all because their voters are facing tough times...

[@da4127]

@@qaz010wsx Well they are socialist at the end, it shouldn't be surprising that them helping poor people is what made them so popular.

[@jonsnor4313]

People were often not especially rich and had to come by day by day. And then the nazis came and the first thing they did was giving away free food. The nazis were masters of propaganda. That and they kept darker things like kzs tightly under the wraps. Or threatened people to go there if they were against the regime later. Or sent them ther if they mucked up. But the reason why they were welcomed is that they gaveawayfree food, and prospects of a better life. Their darker intentions came out later and went step by step till no one could resist. Also the guy who signed the anschluss an german was fearing for the life of austrians, and is considered a traitor.

[@FreezingTheMind]

Really cool story. We take so much for granted these days; cars, planes, phones, general appliances and so much more.

[@louanneschrenk4084]

I couldn't believe it when I saw Nakashimaya Ryokan! I stayed there for seven nights in 2011! In Gujohachiman. A lovely inn in a lovely town! I recognized those red steps right away!

[@ok-tchau]

I will watch a video about ANY subject if it's this well edited and executed. Congratulations.

[@osananajimi8946]

So cool I love Japan!!!

[@yourdad4898]

4:42 Mineta?? (Sorry it was the only thing I thought)

[@freedomjapanesemarket3502]

My family just got back from our local onsen this evening when I saw this video. Just a couple of things to mention: 1. Middle age or elderly women often clean the men’s bath while it is in use. Today my son and I had a 5 minute conversation with a 70-year-old cleaning lady when we were completely naked - just me and my son, not the cleaning lady. 2. There are a lot of rules on what you can and cannot do in the hot spring. For example, you must wash yourself thoroughly before jumping into the pools, and you cannot let your washing towel drop into the water (keep it on your head or place it on the side of the bath). Ask your local hot spring for their specific list of rules. 3. People with tattoos are not allowed. Ostensibly, this is to avoid your local bath house from becoming a den of iniquity, filled with members of organized crime syndicates. If you have a tattoo, you are going to have to cover it up in most Japanese hot springs. There are more rules but this covers the basics for most local onsens.

[@chriserony]

I'm American and they didn't even have showers at our gym at school. I really think they should bring it back. I went to a nude beach and it was an enlightening experience. We're all just people, we all have bodies. It quiets all the media noise about appearance.

[@Mr.Insomniac]

High school should do shower heads. Which beach did you go? I don't mind getting naked in front of others but if people are staring at me at the beach then I wouldn't feel comfortable

[@Roof5tone]

I feel sorry for the guy in the waterfall. That looks stressful. It is not entirely unheard off of naked bathing here in Norway. And personally I go naked in saunas. But there isn't any great reasons behind it like the stuff you talk about here. Scandinavians just don't give a carp.

[@Hedgpig]

Still, despite their social enlightenment, I probably wouldn't be welcome to do hand stands in the hot springs.

[@IchigoNoShoujo]

I'm from Austria, Europe, and as you said, bathing naked together is nothing weird. The spa's here usually have a naked area for mixed gender. If you want to go to a sauna, you have to go in naked too. However, I've also been to Japanese onsen and have to say: It's a completely different experience. It's like a ritual, and that makes it special. I find it sad though that Japan almost stopped offering mixed baths. For me, that means that "everyone's equal when they're naked" is only half true.

[@crowsrose8789]

Yes! Shogun! Almost no one seems to know it! You don't know how happy me seeing this made me!

[@ronniedepp8583]

Yay! Another one knows this. I watched the series in 1982 on german tv. Actress Yoko Shimado was mesmerizing (and so was her german dub voice!). The series was again published in Germany as a multilanguage 5-disk-BR-set in 2014. Your posting triggered me to finally mailorder it. Thanx.

[@x-train]

An onsen is so nice after a few days of walking around so much as a tourist.

[@AngelBarachiel]

I love bathing too and the Hot Spring. In Germany we call this “Therme“ en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spa

[@zam023]

The Japanese knew that. The movie clip at 6:26, the title of the movie is "Therme Romae"

[@MageThief]

I love sento and onsen. I tend to go to one of these as often as I can. When i lived up in Iwate I went to a gym that had a sento for the gym members. I went there every day, even when I didn't use the gym it self :) In Iwate there is plenty of onsens and there is also mixed ones. I been to one, way up in the mountains and it was so refreshing. When living in Tokyo I had a onsen in the area I lived, so I went there at least 2-3 times a week and during winter 5 days a week. I feel so strange if I have to wear bathing clothes in a pool now.

[@yoo7551]

7:42 lol a good morning call

[@jeremywendelin]

In Oregon USA there are thousands of hot springs and a few bath house. We love it. One of my favorite Hot springs Umpqua Hot Springs has quite a few Japanese tourists visit. It’s a co-Ed nude one as well they seem very comfortable and respectable.

[@chelleynichols7576]

I miss Japan. It is such a lovely country. I I loved the onsens.

[@arat1404]

Bathe naked when alone, bathe clothed when around other folk. I just find being naked around other people a disturbing concept. Kind of evokes this feeling of vulnerability and exposure.

[@jonsnor4313]

A sauna or japanese public bath is a safe space with rules. Its ok to be vunerable there.

[@hamnakhan3656]

Same its really disgusting for me

[@trishayamada807]

Anras Voidlight my husband is from Japan. I have no problem our family bathing together and we do. I though get stared at so no public bathing for me because it made me uncomfortable.

[@Whitebread0101]

"Treat Constipation" Me: TAKE ME

[@Telenaus]

bathing suit i have way to many scars,heck even with the bathing suit afew can still be seen , but at least i would hear the gasps or sharp intakes of breath. i doubt it would be as bad in japan but it would still be more comfortable for me.

[@gm2256]

I experienced an Onsen with my friend last year in Japan. I figured it would be awkward, but it actually wasn't at all. It's incredibly relaxing, far beyond what I was expecting. You feel amazing for hours after bathing. I recommend getting a room though, because all I wanted to do afterwards was sleep, and we had a realllllly long walk back to our house :( That was just about the last thing I wanted to do at that moment.

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa4932]

Every night, when possible I go to a public bath (in Japan). It’s very relaxing. The first time I went, I was a little nervous that people would make fun of me, but it turned out fine. In the spa I go to, there are many different types of waters (Healing gas, Cold water, Normal water, Hot water, etc...) and my favorite is always the hot. There are also saunas, first time you go into one, you will feel like you’re dying, but after you get used it, it gets easy to breathe in a sauna.

[@sakura_rain4915]

This is going to sound random but I love taking showers with my female friends after swimming. It's very social and liberating

[@coryburns1905]

And I love hanging out naked with my friends it's a way of bonding

[@johnmarston6643]

Cory Burns you’re weird as hell

[@Jenny45721]

7:48 OMG I LOVE MISCHIEVOUS KISS Edit: it might be “Good Morning Call” I don’t have great memory 😂

[@melco7294]

ITS NOT MISCHIEVOUS KISS BUT I LOVE MISCHIEVOUS KISS TOO!

[@lessiley9441]

It is good morning call 😂

[@pi-2627]

"and other fun ailments"

[@kylieminou7775]

I think pretty much anywhere in the world where you can find hot springs every one in the neighboring communities will love using them, which in time become popular with the tourists visiting said areas. Bathing in hot springs is a unique experience and I remember enjoying them as a kid and now that I'm in my 50 with onset arthritis it feels even better.

[@truthsings7]

You used Good Morning Call ! 1st drama I ever saw (top notch), I'd gotten so happy seeing it here xD

[@Timenow1]

I loved the Dramas he posted here✌

[@noot2057]

8:32 OH MY GOD I’ve been there wth that’s really near my grandparents house

[@taylordear9458]

No clip from yuri on ice smh

[@smilessantana2049]

Man I would love to be naked with everyone. You have no choice but to be respectful and confident.

[@johnmarston6643]

Ok weirdo lmao

[@daltonanderson1991]

7:42 I love this show Good Morning Call

[@denzeltimehigh7407]

I love Good Morning Call too 😍