Onsens
Onsens are “natural” hot spring baths that use heated geothermal spring water and are usually found in resort areas. Kyoto City area has only a few Onsens in Kurama, with the majority located in the top north of Kyoto Prefecture.
Onsens are often confused with gas heated “Sento baths” from back in the days when houses didn’t have running water or much of anything else. Sento baths have remained with the modernization of Japan, and glorified Sento baths in metropolitan areas are usually erroneously referred to as (artificial) Onsens.
Many sento baths are a traditional retreat for those people who want to sit in a big comfortable puddle of warm water and socialize with their friends. Fortunately or unfortunately, onsens and sentos are divided for men and women because people are obligated to bathe naked. There is a modest entrance fee for onsens and sentos, and after entering the change room you can undress and put your belongings in a basket or coin locker.
The next process is very important! You must never, ever, never enter your naked body into an onsen or sento pool before showering! There are showers before you enter the main bathing area, with hand towels, body soap, shampoo and conditioner. Areas of attention which you must wash thoroughly are your hands and wrists, ankles and feet, neck, and especially the under-arms and groin cleavage area. Then thereafter, you can either go into one of the big indoor or outdoor baths, sauna or Jacuzzi and bathe your stresses away. As long as you follow the prescribed etiquette, it promises to be an interesting experience.