In Japan, saunas are often shared spaces.
Each guest’s thoughtfulness helps create a comfortable experience for everyone.
Here are four key etiquette tips to ensure everyone enjoys the sauna.
1.Dry Off with a Towel Before Entering the Sauna Room.
Avoid entering the sauna room dripping wet.
Not only can it make the floor slippery, but it can also be unpleasant for others.
Use a towel to pat yourself dry before stepping inside.
2.Don’t Splash Sweat Around in the Sauna Room.
In the hot sauna, sweat will naturally drip.
If you wipe your forehead or body, do so gently without splashing sweat around.
Always use your towel to absorb any sweat.
3.Rinse Off Sweat Before Entering the Cold Bath
Before getting into the cold bath, rinse off all sweat using a shower or a bucket.
Entering without rinsing is considered impolite and unhygienic.
4.Don’t Fully Submerge Your Head in the Cold Bath
As a general rule, only submerge up to your neck in the cold bath.
Some facilities may allow full submersion, but always check the facility’s guidelines.
Important Points for Sauna Use
CAUTION 1. Avoid Saunas on a Full Stomach or After Drinking Alcohol.
Just like with baths, using a sauna when full or after drinking is not recommended.
It can lead to dizziness or nausea, so it’s best avoided.
CAUTION 2. Hydrate Well Before Entering Saunas cause you to sweat a lot.
To prevent dehydration, drink water before you enter the sauna room.
CAUTION 3. Stay in the Sauna for 5〜10 Minutes.
Limit your time in the sauna to about 5-10minutes.
If your heart rate reaches around 120 BPM (about two beats per second), it’s a good time to step out.
CAUTION 4. Limit Cold Bath Time to 40〜90 Seconds.
The cold bath is a refreshing part of the sauna experience, but avoid staying in too long.
For safety, keep it to about 2 minutes at most.
写真／PIXTA