Yuzu-scented bath salts
An easy yuzu bath, with a fresh scent kids recognize.
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Japanese bath culture for kids — and traditional bath & onsen goods to enjoy together
In Japan, it’s common for kids to take a bath with their family and relax in a deep tub. It’s a culture that surprises many visitors.
Here is how Japanese kids enjoy bath time, plus traditional bath and hot spring goods you can enjoy with your children.
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How Japanese kids take a bath
In Japanese homes, young children often bathe together with a parent. Bath time is also family time to talk about the day.
“Soak up to your shoulders and count to 10!” is something many kids hear. The basic manner is to wash or rinse your body before getting into the tub.
Seasonal baths: yuzu and iris
Japan has baths for seasonal events. On the winter solstice, people float yuzu citrus in the tub for a “yuzu-yu” bath. On Children’s Day (May 5), families add iris leaves for a “shobu-yu” bath and wish for their children’s healthy growth.
Yuzu-scented bath salts let you enjoy a yuzu bath any time of year.
A hot spring feeling at home
Japan has hot springs (onsen) all over the country, and family onsen trips are popular. At home, onsen-style bath salts and “yunohana” (hot spring mineral flakes) bring that onsen feeling.
Onsen-style bath salts
Inspired by famous hot springs around Japan. “Which onsen today?” becomes part of the fun.
Yunohana (hot spring flakes)
Minerals from hot springs to add to your bath. Check labels and directions before using with children.
The scent of wood: hinoki
A classic Japanese bath means the scent of hinoki (Japanese cypress). At home, a hinoki bucket or hinoki cubes floating in the tub bring the same calm scent.
Hinoki bath bucket
Warm wood and a gentle scent. Kids can practice scooping water. Dry it well after use.
Hinoki wood cubes for the tub
Float them for a soft wood scent — some kids love collecting them.
Tenugui and Imabari towels
A tenugui is a thin, quick-drying Japanese cotton cloth, often with cute patterns. It can be used for washing or placed on your head in the bath.
For towels, Japan’s Imabari towels are known for being soft and absorbent.
Tenugui with kid-friendly patterns
Animals, trains and more — easy to take on a hot spring trip.
Imabari towels for kids
Soft, very absorbent towels made in Japan.
After the bath: jinbei
In summer, the traditional Japanese loungewear “jinbei” is a popular after-bath outfit. It ties in front, so it’s easy for kids to put on.
Kids’ jinbei
For summer evenings and festivals. Usually breathable cotton.
Enjoy it safely
Check child-friendly labels, recommended age and directions for bath salts and yunohana. Watch sensitive skin.
Japanese home baths can be quite hot. An adult should check the temperature and keep soaking time short for children.
Turn bath time into a little adventure
Yukemuri Quest is a kids’ app: say "Let’s go!" before the bath, and after putting on pajamas, finish and meet a new friend.
See bath goods by problem →