Baths

In Japan, no daily ritual is more uniquely important to a person's well being than the bath, or ofuro. This centuries-old tradition of soaking in hot water takes away tensions and stress, soothes muscular pains and stimulates the blood's circulation. For many Japanese, the bath is a time for relaxation and contemplation, a chance to take some time out from daily life and reconnect with a simpler, more natural state of living.

Our baths are traditional Japanese-style, therefore shorts and swimming suits are not allowed. Yamanaka has two distinctly different bathing areas - one for men and one for women - each with its own unique environment and features. The mens' and womens' baths are swapped over each day to allow our guests to enjoy the variety of baths.

Morinoyu - Forest baths

Morinoyu features a large free-form hot bath and separate jacuzzi amidst a tropical forest setting.

Surrounded by lush foliage and shaded areas, this open-air bath is a beautiful and tranquil place to lie back and let the stress and tensions of the day melt away.

Iwanoyu - Rock baths

Iwanoyu features a large open-air bath set in a Japanese-style rock garden, perfect for soaking away the day's weariness.

A separate area adjoining the main bath contains several utase-yu waterfalls that massage your head, shoulders and back with streams of warm water pummelling down from above.

How to take a Japanese bath

Shorts and swimming suits are not allowed

You must enter the washing and bathing areas fully nude, however a small towel (provided) can also be used for modesty, particularly when walking around.

Wash first, then enter the bath

Sit on a stool, wash yourself thoroughly from head to toe, then rinse off any soap. Once you're clean, you can enter the bath.

Body soap, shampoo, conditioner and towels are all provided inside the bathing area.

Keep your towel out of the bath

You can set your towel on a rock or the side of the bath, or fold it and place it on your head. If it accidentally slips into the water, wring it out outside the bath.

No swimming or boisterous activity

Japanese baths are for soaking and relaxing, not for swimming! Ease into the water, never splash or dive. As they are considered a respite from the hectic pace of life, they are usually fairly quiet.