In this post we will explore mixed bathing. What is it and why do people do it?
Firstly, mixed bathing In the literal sense is when both men and women share the same public bath. In the Western World, this is fine as long as both male and female wear bathing suits! …i.e. pools, hot pools, hot spas, jacuzzi…
According to the dictionary the verb BATHE - BRITISH swim or spend time in the sea or a lake, river, or pool for pleasure. “occasionally I bathed in the lido swimming pool”
Just on a side note: I am the last foreigner in the world who photo documented nude bathing in Japan back in 2004 - Tohoku. The gentlemen who came before me left Japan 30 years before that time! My journey started in 2004 and I never looked back.
Mixed bathing in Japan means ‘ nude bathing’ with the opposite sex, and I have witnessed this and have been a part of this intimate bathing experience for years. It is through this experience that nurtured a love of Japan in me. This aspect of Japanese culture has died and so it is my duty to leave a record of it. Sure. There are many hot spring lovers that have gone and visited many places here, but from a touristy perspective. And there are some mixed bathing spas still, but the atmosphere is uncomfortable and totally unnatural. Unlike years ago.
Let’s start:
When you bathe together with the same sex nobody makes a big deal about it. It is typical Japanese style even today. However, whenever I reference mixed bathing it means mixed bathing.
In the first picture in the collage up top:
The name of this hot spring spa is called Taenoyu Onsen, Akita Prefecture. When I had entered the outdoor tub the men in the photo all got out at once. As I sat there alone taking in all the beautiful scenery I hear foot steps behind me. Tiny ones. I know it wasn’t my girlfriend’s foot steps because she was over on the female side which was partitioned.
These tiny feet were the patter of naked beautiful women who entered the tub right beside me. Both were about 24 years old with long flowing black hair and creamy tofu complexion and fully unrobed with no shame. Not even an attempt to cover themselves. In Japan this was the original form of bathing for centuries. It was normal to bathe with the opposite sex, in fact it was necessary in order to nurture social bonds. The young ladies told me it was natural for both men and women to enjoy the hot spring together in full nudity.
[ Note ]
In the northern regions of Japan prior to the end of the 20th Century, many Japanese women enjoyed mixed bathing with strangers in full nudity. " strangers" I have had many conversations in full nudity in a hot spring spa with a female who initiated the conversation!
Some experts attribute Tokugawa Ieyasu for trying to end mixed bathing due to the spread of Western values, but this had no effects. Later on, when the 80s came around visiting expensive hot spring resort hotels was trendy and mixed bathing was G@@D then! Family with kids, fathers, mothers, couples, everybody enjoyed bathing together in full nudity.
After the bubble burst, many Japanese lost trust in society and money became the central motivator for living. There were other challenges facing society here also which also impacted peoples views of each other and self awareness. People started to become more insular and less trusting of others. No more talking to strangers!
Are there still baths where you can experience mixed bathing?
Akita, Yamagata, some places in Iwate. I have an extensive list on Google maps.
What is the weirdest thing ever to happen to you in a mixed bath?
A young lady entered the bath and shared a beautiful snow scene with me with a cup sake.