Many first-time visitors are surprised by just how hot a Japanese onsen can feel.

While temperatures vary, most baths are kept somewhere between 40°C and 42°C. Some are cooler, while others, known as atsuyu ("hot water"), can reach 44°C or more.

If you're not used to it, the first few seconds can feel daunting. The secret isn't to rush in. Ease yourself in slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Pour some water over yourself first withv the ladle. Within a minute or two, what initially felt too hot often becomes surprisingly comfortable.

The hotter water is one of the reasons bathing in Japan is usually a quiet, unhurried experience. People tend to soak for shorter periods before cooling down, rather than spending long stretches in the water.

If a bath feels too hot, don't worry. It's perfectly acceptable to move to a cooler bath or simply try another one.

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