Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.
«I capture the Castle» by Dodie Smith
One of the best things I did try out in Japan were onsens (public baths).
As far as I’ve seen, they work the same:
- Onsens are sex-segregated.
- Many don’t allow people with tattoos.
- You leave the clothes in the changing room (usually there is a locker). You can use a small modesty towel to cover (parts of) yourself. No clothes allowed in the bath itself
- You wash before entering the bath area (sometimes separated part of it). There are washing stations, you sit on a small stool, wash yourself with soap and water or body shampoo. Take care to rinse the soap away.
- After you are clean you can go into the water, but keep your hair and the towel out of the water. You can put the towel on your head, BTW.
- As it is Japan, respectful behavior (incl. being quiet, no splashing/swiming, only soaking and relaxation) is expected.
- Rinse yourself and dry yourself before going to the changing area.
Depending on the onsens, there might be different baths with different types of water and temperature (incl. hot tubs and cold baths).
A beautiful onsen is in Fuji-Yoshida (Fujiyama Onsen). The prices are fair:
However, you are out of luck if you have tattoos:
The onsen itself is beautiful. I do not have photos, but a rough sketch:
All in a large wooden building — beautifully done.
Another one is in Kyoto, here’s only the view of the entrance:
You can go there without any preparation. While they do not provide soap and towels as part of the visit (as the one in Fuji-yoshida does), you can buy it there for cheap.
The Matsumoto Ryokan in Kyoto also has a small onsen in the basement. Soap is provided at the washing stations:
And while the baths are small, they work very well. Just some peaceful relaxation in 40°C water.
Highly, highly recommended.