Originally posted on r/japan as I wanted to hear feedback from locals/ residents, but was told to post it in this subreddit instead…
Bathing naked in shared bath facilities has always been a culture shock for me when visiting Japan, and even more embarrassing when on my period.
The last time I visited Japan, I chose not to use the onsen at the ski resort I visited, because I had my period and didn’t know if it was allowed. At the same time, I felt self conscious because I didn’t want to stand out as unhygienic.
On further reflection I remembered that some apartments don’t have a private bathroom and that many people go to public baths to wash for their daily hygiene.
If so, what is the etiquette for women when menstruating? Do they just use the shower/wash area and skip the communal bath part?
It’s a bit of a TMI question to ask, but also one that’s never addressed when I’ve searched bathing etiquette in Japan on google… (at least in English search mode).
EDIT: just to clarify, I did NOT go to the onsen with my period. Stopping being so mean ðŸ˜. The question is, how would one clean themselves if public bathing is the only option.
by Spiritual_One126