Bathing Ritual

Japanese have practiced self-care for centuries with onsens, or hot springs, peppered throughout the volcanically active islands of Japan. Roten-buro or outdoor onsens are a personal favorite although any kind of soaking, including inside of a tub, may be reminiscent of misogi, the practice of purification that is a symbolic cleansing of body and soul.

In Japan, a bath goes beyond cleansing physical impurities. Warming up the body in a deep soak can improve circulation, alleviate fatigue, and improve metabolism. A day spent in the baths rejuvenating the body and nourishing the spirit is one of life's greatest and simplest of joys.

Photographed by Marta Rubio