How long should I soak my feet in a footbath?

There is no fixed time nationwide. Prioritize the signs posted at the location, and if there are no signs, start with a few minutes and get out when you are sufficiently warm. The official guideline of 3-10 minutes for general hot spring bathing, and 15-20 minutes once you are used to it, can be used as a reference, but there is no uniform time for footbaths.

Do I need a towel for the footbath?

It's a good idea to bring a small towel to dry your feet. Some facilities sell them, but they aren't always provided. Do not put the towel in the bathtub; use it after you get out of the bath.

Can I enter while wearing socks or stockings?

You take off your shoes and enter barefoot. Stockings and tights are difficult to remove from the toes, so they can be inconvenient if there is no changing room. Clothes that allow you to easily expose your ankles and shoes that are easy to put on and take off are convenient.

Do you wash your feet before getting into the footbath?

If there are washing areas or facilities for rinsing off, and the facility provides instructions, please follow them. Do not use drinking water or bath water without permission in areas without these facilities, and please check the posted signs. If the area is heavily soiled or muddy, please refrain from using it.

Can I use it even if I have a wound on my leg?

Please refrain from using the facility if you have abrasions or lacerations. Kobe City advises against using the facility to prevent infection from wounds. If you have skin conditions or an ongoing medical condition, please prioritize the advice of your doctor and the facility.

Can I eat or drink in the footbath, or bring my pet in?

Some facilities do not allow this. The Ministry of the Environment lists the following specific precautions for footbaths: no pets, no putting anything other than your feet in, and no eating or drinking while using the footbath. Please follow the signs posted at the facility.

JEPS FOOTBATH ONSEN

How to use a footbath and proper etiquette

Even without staying overnight, you can experience the atmosphere of a hot spring town. Take a leisurely stroll through the hot spring town, enjoying footbaths and public baths.

Foot bathOutdoor bathHot spring townDay trip

QUICK ANSWER

How long should I soak my feet? Check the instructions beforehand.

There are no fixed hours for footbaths nationwide.First, check the signs posted at the location. If there are no signs, try soaking for a few minutes, and stop once you're sufficiently warm. The official guideline for hot spring bathing in general is "3-10 minutes at first, then 15-20 minutes once you get used to it," but this is not a uniform rule for footbaths. Prioritize the heat, your physical condition, and the crowd, and the basic rule is not to endure staying in for too long.

PREPARATION

Prepare a towel, socks, and clothing.

You can use the footbath without changing clothes. Thinking about taking off your shoes and drying your wet feet beforehand will make it easier to return to exploring the hot spring town.

Item	Preparation and confirmation
Towel	Bring a small towel to dry your feet. Some facilities sell them, but it's best to bring your own. You cannot get into the bathwater.
Shoes and socks	Shoes that are easy to put on and take off are convenient. On rainy days or for long walks, it's reassuring to have a change of socks and a bag for wet items.
pants	Choose clothes with hems that can be easily rolled up to below the knees. Avoid tight-fitting clothes that cannot be rolled up, and wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet.
stockings	Since you can't just take off your toes, check beforehand if there are changing facilities. Leggings or socks that allow you to expose your ankles are easier to wear when stopping by a changing room.
Business hours / charges	There are also free footbaths available, but fees, closing days, cleaning times, and capacity vary from facility to facility. Please check the official information on the day of your visit.

6 STEPS

How to enjoy a foot bath in 6 steps

Order	What to do
1. Read the notice.	Check the operating hours, fees, food and drink restrictions, capacity, contraindications, and whether the facility is currently being cleaned. On-site information takes precedence over this page.
Check the two feet.	Remove your shoes and socks, and roll up your pants. If a washing area is designated, rinse your feet. Refrain from using the facilities if you have any scrapes or cuts.
3. Enter after sitting down.	First, sit down steadily, use the handrail if available, and slowly lower one leg at a time. If the water is unusually hot or cold, do not enter and inform the manager.
4. Start with a short length.	Start with a few minutes and check your temperature, sweating, and how you feel. Don't race against time; get out when you're sufficiently warm.
5. Sharing	Only your feet should be in the water, and towels and personal belongings should not be placed in the bath. During busy times, avoid occupying the bath for extended periods and give up your seat to the next person.
6. Wipe your feet.	Slowly extend your feet, thoroughly dry them, and then put on your socks and shoes. Before standing up, check to make sure you are not unsteady.

SAFETY & MANNERS

When to refrain from using it / Manners towards others

Injuries/Poor health

If you have scrapes or lacerations, please refrain from using the facilities to avoid infection. Also, do not enter if you are feeling unwell, such as having a fever, severe fatigue, or dizziness.

Food and beverages / Pets

The Ministry of the Environment lists the following specific precautions for footbaths: do not put anything other than feet or pets in the footbath, and do not eat or drink while using the footbath. Please follow the facility's posted instructions.

The color of the water and the clothes

The minerals in the hot spring water may stain towels and clothing. Avoid wearing white clothes or valuable towels, and make sure the hems of your clothing do not come into contact with the water.

Adults should supervise children to prevent them from falling into the water or slipping while running. If you feel unwell, immediately take your feet out and inform someone nearby or a facility staff member.

JEPS / Special Feature / Footbaths and Stroll Through Hot Spring Towns

TRAVEL THEME GUIDE

Choose the places you want to go based on the purpose of your trip.

This guide compiles hot spring town spots that are easy to enjoy not only for overnight stays at hot spring inns, but also for day trips and short visits. We've selected places where you can experience the essence of a hot spring resort even in a short amount of time, such as footbaths, public baths, shopping streets, and the scenery of rising steam.

See recommended spots See travel tips

FIND YOUR STYLE

Search based on your mood

This theme is perfect for taking a short break during your travels or before and after checking into your accommodation. Bringing a towel and comfortable walking shoes will make it even easier to enjoy.

Search by the scenery you want to see.

Foot bath Outdoor bath Spaghetti Shopping district walk

Search by how you want to plan your trip.

Day trip Before and after your stay Adult trip No car

PICK UP

First, the spots you'll want to see

We have prepared three entrances, each with a different feel, to match the theme.

Fukui

BEFORE YOU GO

Things to check before you go out

Checking the season, weather, traffic, and peak hours will make it easier to plan your trip.

(I.e.

The best time to visit and opening hours vary depending on the season.

Transportation

Check for parking, public transportation, and shuttle service availability.

congestion

We'll also consider times that are easier to move around in, such as morning or evening.

Around

Plan your trip to include meals, hot springs, and accommodation.

NEXT TRIP

From a place that interests you, on to your next journey.

From the details page, you can create your travel itinerary by combining it with nearby sightseeing and accommodation.

Find nearby tourist attractions Return to Recommended Spots See travel tips Back to JEPS homepage