How SpaWorld Unravels the Unique Japanese Bath Culture Experience

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"Is it true that I have to bathe naked with strangers?" This was one of the questions a startled female visitor from Italy asked me during my internship at SpaWorld Hotel & Resort. A solo traveler in her 50s, she had come to SpaWorld to experience onsens for the first time. However, she was unaware that Japanese bathing customs entailed nudity — a realization that caught her completely off guard. 

Located in the vibrant Shinsekai neighborhood of Osaka, Japan, SpaWorld is a comprehensive wellness complex renowned for its hot spring baths. Earlier in 2024, I had the opportunity to intern at the facility. I gathered valuable insights from international visitors regarding their experience and perception of Japanese bath culture.  

Growing up in Japan has deeply influenced my lifestyle and traditions. Accordingly, onsen [hot spring bath] culture has become a cherished aspect of my life, offering a space for comfort and relaxation after a long, tiring day. Despite my fondness for onsens — a sentiment I know many Japanese people share — I have noticed some of my international peers feel a sense of unease when it comes to experiencing this luxury for themselves. 

Their outlook made me curious about how others with international backgrounds perceive Japanese onsen culture since many may be unfamiliar with its distinct traditions. Fortunately, I gained some insight through conversing with visitors who traveled far and wide to enjoy SpaWorld's unique bathing and relaxation services.

Join me as I reflect on my time at SpaWorld and examine its indispensable role in promoting Japanese bath culture to a global audience. 

A Quick Overview of Japanese Bath Culture 

Everyone takes baths, but in Japan, bathing is more than just a bath. It is a ritual, a valued time to leisurely relax and renew the mind, body, and soul. Despite rapid technological and economic changes perceived in today's fast-paced world, this deep-rooted bathing culture continues to be an integral value for Japanese people. 

Japanese bathing culture centers on onsen and sento. Though often regarded together, the two have different properties. Onsens are natural hot springs containing mineral-rich water that provide numerous health benefits. Meanwhile, sentos are public bathhouses in Japanese neighborhoods, frequently visited by locals. 

There are also revamped bathhouses called super sentos, such as SpaWorld, where I interned. Such modern establishments provide an array of amenities beyond standard baths, such as hotels, restaurants, spa services, and even unique features like a hair salon and a dance studio. 

International Perspectives: Curiosity and Hesitation

During my internship at SpaWorld, I surveyed over 100 foreign visitors to acquire insight into their knowledge and interest in Japanese bath culture. Of the visitors surveyed, an impressive 58% stated they came to SpaWorld specifically to experience its diverse baths. This figure underscores the global curiosity about Japanese bath culture, which is arguably driven by its reputation for relaxation, natural beauty, and cultural significance. 

Though it was apparent many were drawn to the experience, only 16% of respondents considered themselves deeply familiar with Japanese bath culture, while 37% were somewhat familiar. Moreover, through conversations with these visitors, I noticed a recurring theme: many seemed to confuse bathing culture with bathing etiquette. When asked to elaborate on their knowledge of Japanese bath culture, their responses generally focused on standard rules — namely the prohibition of swimwear and tattoos — rather than the actual cultural and historical significance behind the practice. 

Their misunderstanding revealed a gap in awareness. In other words, despite having limited experience with onsens, many respondents believed they were familiar with the culture.  

SpaWorld's Role in Promoting Japanese Bathing Culture

Japan's bathing custom is just one aspect among many cultural elements that captivate an international following. Various avenues exist for such audiences to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese bath culture, with super sentos like SpaWorld playing a crucial role in bridging understanding gaps like the one revealed in the survey results.

SpaWorld stands out for its diverse selection of baths, each inspired by a different European and Asian culture. There is the Blue Grotto, the Rome Bath, the Finnish Sauna, and the Hinoki Cypress Bath, just to name a few.  By incorporating bathing styles from different cultures, SpaWorld creates a familiar experience for foreign visitors while simultaneously preserving the core values of Japanese bath culture: respect for others, attention to surroundings, and tranquility. 

Growing up in Japan while receiving an English-based education through international school and college has exposed me to both local and foreign perspectives. My unique background equips me with a better understanding of how Japanese bath culture is valued by locals yet often misunderstood by many foreign visitors. As someone who bridges both cultural viewpoints, I believe efforts like SpaWorld hold great potential for fostering cultural exchange, ensuring that Japanese bath culture is not only shared but truly understood and appreciated by a global audience.

This report is published in cooperation with SpaWorld, a logo partner of the JAPAN Forward website Japan 2 Earth focused on initiatives to achieve the SDGs. 

RELATED:

• Exploring Bath Culture: A One-of-a-Kind Experience at Osaka's SpaWorld Hotel and Resort
• How to Sento Like a Local: A Guide to Japanese Bathhouses
• Onsens in Akita: A Relaxing Journey Through a Remote Prefecture
• Dogo Onsen: 'Spirited Away' Bathhouse Fully Reopens After Repairs

Author: Miho Kim

Miho Kim grew up in Japan and was educated in English-language schools in the country. Now a student at Keio University, Kim is also a student contributor to Japan 2 Earth and JAPAN Forward.

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