While it is said that "a hot springs bath can cure anything but love", konyoku onsen 混浴温泉 or mixed-gender hotsprings are the perfect way to relax and enjoy the hot springs experience with the one you love.

How to enter a hot springs bath...

1. First undress and put all of your clothes in the basket in the changing area (datsui-jo) 

2. Take only the small washcloth (tenugui) with you into the washing area

3. Wash yourself well with soap and water before getting into the bath.  Be sure not to get any soap, lotion or shampoo in the bath water.

4. Yukake:  splash your body with hot water several times to get used to the temperature.  After this, enter the bath slowly.  Leave your hand towel at the edge of the bath or place it on top of your head.

5. Relax and enjoy:

For a list of Japanese hot springs offering konyoku (mixed-gender) bathing go to www.konyoku.org