Ashiyu, Japanese foot baths 足湯

Published on : 12/12/2018
by : Ph.L

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Onsen for feet, in the street

Usually found close to onsen, ashiyu are public foot baths that are very popular in Japan. Found near both hot springs and tourist spots, they let you relax while admiring your surroundings... with your feet soaking in the water!

What is an ashiyu?

Combining the foot character ashi [足] and hot water character yu [湯] , the word ashiyu refers to small traditional pools that are sometimes found in public spaces in Japan. But beware, they're not just any paddling pools.

Filled with hot water, ashiyu are actually onsen for your feet!

That's why they are usually found in spa towns, close to places that attract crowds such as parks and train stations.

See : Hot springs and public baths

You can find ashiyu along the street! This is in Atami, a town know for its onsen

The relaxing virtues of these foot baths are as widely known as those of their larger hot spring counterparts.

Indeed, the time spent in ashiyu being much shorter than that spent in the onsen, these traditional pools are generally recommended by doctors for people who can't manage the heat of a full onsen, or have problems with blood pressure (onsen not being recommended in case of hypertension). Points in favor for the ashiyu, which have become a real institution in Japan.

Today, the popularity of ashiyu is easy to see. And the Japanese love these foot baths so much that they have even invented a variant in regions where winter is especially tough: the teyu, or hand bath!

Foot baths all over the country

Very popular with Japanese travel, ashiyu were built near hot springs to allow passing travelers to relax without having to fully immerse themselves in the onsen. That's why they're usually found near them, but also close to tourist spots where travelers tend to walk a lot, so their feet might appreciate a break.

Generally free to use, you just remove your shoes and socks and enjoy!

It's a considerable time saver compared to visiting a full-body onsen, which requires much more time set aside for the full bathing experience.

Ashiyu are ideal after a day of walking or sightseeing

Although most ashiyu are free, some foot baths do charge a fee for use. This is particularly the case for ashiyu located near tourist sites, which can charge a fee of 200 to 300 yen to be used.

Be sure to check how the foot bath you've visited works before dipping your feet in!

Some well-known ashiyu

Whether near stations or by the sea, Japan has plenty of ashiyu! Don't hesitate to ask about it when you're close to a hot spring, since in 80% of cases you will probably find one nearby.

To make your search a little easier, here are some well-known ashiyu throughout Japan, where it's great to soak one's feet.

Kinugawa (Nikko) : located near Nikko in front of the train station that leads to Kinugawa onsen, this little ashiyu is very popular with onsen customers since it's completely free!

Arashiyama (Kyoto) : the bamboo forest also has a foot bath at the station served by the Keifuku Randen Tram, the small tram that leads to Arashiyama. For 200 yen you can soak your feet and leave with a small collector towel as a souvenir.