Formal — to staff
Public · Bath · Etiquette
You
すみません、このタオルは体を洗うのに使っても大丈夫ですか？
すみません、このタオルはからだをあらうのにつかってもだいじょうぶですか？
Excuse me, is it okay to use this towel to wash my body?
Romaji: Sumimasen, kono taoru wa karada o arau no ni tsukatte mo daijōbu desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, karada o arau sai ni go-jiyū ni otsukai kudasai. Yubune ni wa irenaide kudasai ne.
Reply
はい、体を洗う際にご自由にお使いください。湯船には入れないでくださいね。
はい、からだをあらうさいにごじゆうにおつかいください。ゆぶねにはいれないでくださいね。
Yes, please feel free to use it when washing your body. Please don't put it in the bathtub.
Gesture & etiquette
Hold up the small towel for clarification. Polite nod.
Never enter the main bath (onsen/sento) with soap on your body, or with a large towel. The small towel should not touch the bathwater, and is usually placed on your head or at the side of the bath. Ensure you are completely washed before entering.