Hot springs are enjoyed at inns and other establishments, but since you're at a hot spring, you can get the most out of it by enjoying it in accordance with generally accepted good etiquette.
For more information on the characteristics and effects of hot springs on the Izu Peninsula, please see "A Trip to the Finest Hot Spring Towns."
How to take a good bath in a hot spring
Hydrate before bathing
When you enter a hot spring, your body tends to become dehydrated due to the sweating effect. Sports drinks or energy drinks are fine, but it is best to drink about a glass of water.
Bathing after drinking alcohol puts strain on your body and is dangerous, and is also a nuisance to other customers, so make sure you are fully sober before bathing.
First, pour the water over yourself.
To allow your body to get used to the temperature, pour water over yourself thoroughly.
Pour about 10 cups of water over your body, starting from your ankles, knees and hips, then your wrists, arms and shoulders, working in the direction furthest from your chest, to prevent your blood pressure from rising immediately after getting out of the bath.
There's no point in just pouring water over yourself. It's also important to thoroughly wash off any dirt from your body as good manners when getting into the bathtub.
When soaking in the bathtub, take a half-body bath to allow your body to get used to it.
Rather than jumping straight into a full-body bath, first get your body used to it with a half-body bath.
This way, your body won't be put under sudden strain from the hot spring water and water pressure.
It is most effective to wash your body after warming up in the bath. This softens old dead skin cells and opens pores, allowing dirt to float to the surface and make it easier to wash away.
*When bathing at high temperatures, get in quietly.
*However, if you are wearing makeup, wash your face after pouring the water over yourself. This is because the makeup will get in the way and prevent your pores from opening even when your body warms up.
*A good guideline for bathing time is to make your forehead and nose sweaty. Don't stay in the bath for so long that you're sweating and your heart is racing. Bathing for so long can actually cause you to get cold after the bath.
Do not take a bath after bathing
Although it depends on the quality of the spring, the effectiveness of the medicinal ingredients will be weakened if you get out of the shower.
When drying your body, only wipe off the water droplets.
*If you are prone to skin rashes, rinse thoroughly. Also, be aware that highly irritating acidic springs can cause blisters in people with sensitive skin, so be careful.
Hydrate after bathing
Sweating reduces the amount of water in your body. Rehydrate your body with lukewarm water or cold water.
Take a break
Energy is consumed while bathing. Also, your blood pressure fluctuates, so take a break for at least 30 minutes until your condition stabilizes.
During that time, it's important to dry your body and hair to avoid catching a chill after the bath.