Daily Life Lessons · Hot Springs
When using a sauna, be able to act safely: check the facility's precautions, let your body get used to the heat without pushing yourself, and tell people nearby if you feel unwell.
Before using a sauna, check the precautions posted at the facility. Generally, you wash your body before entering the sauna room, and after coming out you rinse off your sweat with a shower or by pouring water over yourself (かけ湯) before getting into the cold bath (水風呂). It is fine to skip the cold bath and just rest. Rules such as how to use towels and whether to put a mat on your seat differ by facility.
The Consumer Affairs Agency warns about accidents in saunas such as burns, falls and dizziness. It is important to let your body get used to the temperature little by little, avoid sudden movements when going in and out, drink water often, and not push yourself beyond what your physical condition allows. Also avoid using a sauna after drinking alcohol or right after a meal.
If you feel unwell, tell people nearby or the facility staff right away. In an emergency, such as when someone is unconscious, call 119.
サウナの 入り方です。
・入る前に、施設（しせつ）の 注意（ちゅうい）を 読みます。 ・体を 洗ってから 入ります。 ・水風呂（みずぶろ）の 前に、汗（あせ）を シャワーで 流します。 ・水風呂に 入らなくても いいです。 ・水（みず）を こまめに 飲みます。無理（むり）を しません。 ・お酒を 飲んだ あとや、食事（しょくじ）の すぐ あとは 入りません。 ・急（きゅう）に 立ったり 動いたり しません。 ・気分が 悪く なったら、すぐ 近くの 人や 係（かかり）の 人に 言います。 ・きんきゅうの ときは 119番に 電話します。
What should you do before using a sauna?
The Consumer Affairs Agency also advises checking the posted precautions.
After leaving the sauna room, what do you do before getting into the cold bath?
Materials from the Consumer Affairs Agency also advise rinsing off your sweat with warm water after the sauna and getting your body used to it little by little before getting into the cold bath.
What is important for safety in a sauna?
It is important to get used to the temperature little by little and not push yourself.
What if you feel unwell in a sauna?
If you notice something is wrong, tell people nearby or the staff right away.
What number do you call in an emergency, such as when someone is unconscious?
The number for an ambulance is 119.
Q. Do I have to get into the cold bath?
A. No, you do not have to. Just resting is fine. Choose according to how you feel.
Q. Can I use a sauna if I have a chronic illness?
A. Depending on your physical condition, you may need to be careful. If you are worried, talk to your regular doctor before using a sauna.
Q. Can I use a towel in the sauna room?
A. Some facilities ask you to put a towel or mat on your seat, and some have rules about bringing towels into the sauna room. Follow the facility's guidance.
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Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original