Tag Archives: Onsen

5 Japanese Traditions Worth Experiencing

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Every country has a unique culture, customs and traditions. Like other countries, Japan is well-known for its traditions and customs. Visiting Japan can be a lot of fun if you are familiar with the customs and traditions followed there. The Japanese have unique etiquettes for all walks of life. They are harmonious people who wish to follow their norms strictly and expect visitors to do so as well. Japanese traditions have been practiced since a long time and thus, have a great influence over the Japanese lifestyle.

In this article, we will look at 5 Japanese traditions worth experiencing. Read on below:

1. Meeting New People
Bowing is one the most traditional etiquettes Japanese people follow. You will see a lot of people bowing each other for various reasons all through the day. Bowing is a way of expressing happiness upon greeting, paying respect and apologizing in any situation. The Japanese train their children to bow in the perfect manner since childhood, whereas a foreigner can simply bow a little to conform to the tradition.

2. Dining Traditions
As a foreigner, you will see a number of traditions in Japan. Before eating, people are given moist towels to clean their hands only; however, these should not be used to wipe the face. People are accustomed to saying ?itadakimasu? before they begin their meals as an expression of appreciation. Surprisingly, it is also considered perfectly okay to slurp your noodles as it is a sign that you are enjoying your meal. Also, tipping at restaurants is not favorable and must not be done.

Dining at a Restaurant in Japan

3. Bathing in an Onsen
Onsens are traditional hot springs that you can see all across Japan even in rural villages. The hot water comes from deep sources and is believed to contain many minerals that relax, relieve and cure the body. You can enjoy the bath nude; however, if you do not wish to do so, you may be allowed to wear a bath suit. Also, if you are invited to someone?s house, you will be asked to take a bath before beginning your meal. Many homes have built-in onsens. You will have to wash off your body and hair in a shower first and then bathe in the onsen while ensuring that you do not spoil the water as everyone in the family takes a bath in the same water.

4. Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony is also an interesting tradition of Japanese people. Tea is served in a ceremonial manner under the influence of Zen Buddhism. The tradition has taken the form of a hobby nowadays and the ceremony takes place in many public places as swell.

5. Visiting a Japanese House
When you visit a Japanese house, you will have to take off your shoes before entering as a tradition. And as an acceptance of gratitude, you will be provided slippers to enter the house. You can also bring your own slippers if you want to. If you have very large feet, you should keep a set of slippers for yourself. Moreover, you must also take a small gift for the host as a token of a harmonious relationship. The gift must not be an expensive as it can be embarrassing for the host. Also, never forget to take off your hat or coat before the host opens the door, and put them back only when you have left the house.

About the contributor: Andrew has been a long time Japanese culture lover and loves blogging about it. As a sushi maker and nigiri maker distributor, Andrew had the opportunity to discover and embrace the Japanese culture.

Benefits of the Japanese Ofuro (Soaking Tub)

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Aren`t we all like Tom Cruise in the “last Samurai” who fell in love with the beauty and purity of Japanese traditions?

And above all what is more lyrical than the Japanese ritual of bathing, cleaning the body from impurities, soaking and soothing in hot water? Actually I hear this story all the time, of westerners who visit japan for leisure or business entering reluctantly in an onsen (hot spa) and returning home with an addiction for hot tubs. Soaking is actually so obvious, so natural, it fills up the gap that modern life creates in our lives. Like the “tea ceremony” or the “ikebana” (flower arrangement) or the sushi, what strikes us westerners is the poetic simplicity and pure beauty of this ritual. Entering in a Japanese ofuro (wooden hot tub) is a regenerating experience for both the body and mind and I bet you are never going to forget your first time.

Japanese ofuro
You can find more about Japanese ofuro bathtubs from this homepage: www.bartokdesign.com/japan

First of all, soaking in 42-43 C (107-109 F) hot water improves blood circulation, skin irritation, and eases the expulsion of toxins from the body. The steam and flowing water originate minus-ions which have direct anti-aging effect and are beneficial for relaxing the mind.

There are different types of Japanese baths: from the hot springs where you bathe in natural ponds, to modern ceramic or acrylic tubs equipped with recirculating systems. A tub relatively unknown in the west is the wooden tub, which combines the advantages of being compact and built with natural material. A wooden bathtub has high thermal insulation and soft touch, moreover it generates a soothing cedar aroma when filled with hot water.

wooden hot tub

I read often of so called “Japanese Tubs” built with inappropriate woods, using mitered joints or other phony details which will cause poor performance and leaks. I think that there are many types of deep soaking tubs, many types of ofuro-style tubs etc. Anyway we should be more precise when we talk about Japanese Tubs. First of all, “Japanese Tubs” are made in Japan. (aka: Chinese tubs are made in China or American tubs are made in the US). If they are made in wood, they should use only coniferous wood (not teak, mahogany etc.). Then these tubs should be handmade, using techniques of wood joinery derived from traditional ship building. Only these details developed during the centuries guarantee performance, durability and genuinity.

I recommend to consult the Bartok design Japan Co. homepage for hundreds of examples and FAQs answered. If you are looking for natural bath accessories visit their hinoki bath accessories page. (direct purchase with PayPal is available).