Polite to Guest
Cultural · Bathing
You
お湯に入る前に、必ずシャワーで体を洗っていただけますか？
おゆにはいるまえに、かならずシャワーでからだをあらっていただけますか？
Could you please make sure to wash your body in the shower before entering the bath?
Romaji: O-yu ni hairu mae ni, kanarazu shawaa de karada wo aratte itadakemasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, wakarimashita.
Reply
はい、わかりました。
はい、わかりました。
Yes, understood.
Gesture & etiquette
Point to the shower area with an open hand (never a single extended finger, which is considered rude). A bow softens this as a gentle reminder rather than a correction.
Pre-bath showering (かけ湯 or シャワー) is the most fundamental rule of Japanese communal bathing — the shared water must remain clean for all users. At traditional sento or ryokan, a staff member or sign will direct first-time guests. Skipping this step is considered highly inconsiderate.