SURVIVING A JAPANESE ONSEN

1 I have no idea what goes on in the segregated ladies baths but, regardless of gender, first up is to get naked.

2 Check that you are allowed to use the baths if you have tattoos – they can be a source of some taboo.

3 You’ll get two towels but only take the smaller one into the inner washroom.

4 Sit on the small plastic stool and wash yourself thoroughly with soap and shampoos provided. It’s good etiquette to douse the stool you’ve used when getting up.

5 Luxuriate in the thermal pool but watch the clock as 42ºc heat can leave you giddy. Those-in-the-know will balance their small towel on their head.

6 Douse yourself again before returning to the changing room to dry-off with your large towel.