Soak up the difference

Preparing for the bath

Unlike in Japan, it’s not a strict requirement to bathe before entering a public hot spring in Taiwan. Instead, people usually shower afterwards to wash off residual minerals from the spring water.

To wear or not to wear

People in Taiwan prefer to wear swimsuits and swim caps in public bats, and it’s common for men and women to bathe in the same hot spring. Nude bathing is typically reserved for private bathhouses.

Bathing with tattoos

In Japan, individuals with tattoos are often banned from hot springs, but this restriction doesn’t apply to Taiwan’s hot springs. However, it’s recommended to refrain from going to a hot spring for a month after getting a new tattoo, to give it time to fully heal.

When to bathe

While the Japanese typically soak in hot springs in the early morning or late evening before bed, Taiwanese people have no specific preference. For them, bathing in a hot spring is a leisure activity typically enjoyed over the holiday.