Traditional Japanese Bath
 Taking a bath has always been an integral part of Japanese
life.
In the past, Japanese people enjoyed the daily ritual with
their friends and neighbours in a public bath (the sento) or in a hot
spring bath (the onsen). It was not until the middle of this century that
the provision of a water supply made it possible for most people to have a
private ofuro, although the onsen and the sento remain popular for many
Japanese people.
Above you can see an Ofuro
at the
Japanese Mountain Retreat where you can enjoy a weekend away in
this traditional Japanese style accommodation. By clicking on the image
you can see a more detailed picture.
The Japanese bath means much more that just getting oneself
clean. Having shed one’s clothes and daily concerns, then lathered, scrubbed
and rinsed oneself thoroughly, one steps into the ofuro and sinks slowly
into the deep, pure and clean hot water. Soaking, submerged to the chin, it
is a time for relaxation and contemplation, a sensual pleasure and a feeling
of well-being and harmony with the natural surroundings, perhaps the garden
or landscape beyond.
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