Glossary of Japanese wellness terms

A quick reference for the Japanese terms used throughout this guide, each linked back to the page that explains it in full.

• Shiatsu — the Japanese finger-pressure bodywork tradition, done clothed with sustained pressure along the body's meridians. See shiatsu.
• Anma — the older traditional Japanese massage that shiatsu grew out of, based on kneading and pressing. See types of treatment.
• Onsen — a bath fed by natural, legally defined hot-spring water. See onsen & sento.
• Sento — a neighbourhood public bathhouse using heated tap water rather than natural spring water. See onsen & sento.
• Super sento — a large modern bath complex combining multiple baths, saunas, treatments and food. See super sento.
• Rotenburo — an outdoor bath, often found at onsen, ryokan and super sento alongside indoor pools. See super sento.
• Kashikiri — a private or family bath you reserve for exclusive use, common at ryokan and some day facilities. See ryokan & onsen inns.
• Yukata — a light cotton robe worn at ryokan and some bath facilities, both around the inn and to and from the bath. See ryokan & onsen inns.
• Ofuro — the Japanese home-style soaking bathtub, used after washing separately, purely for warming and relaxing. See spa & wellness culture.
• Totonou — the deeply relaxed state chased through repeated rounds of sauna, cold plunge and rest. See sauna culture.
• Ganban'yoku — hot-stone or hot-salt bathing: lying clothed on a heated stone or salt bed for dry-heat relaxation. See super sento and sauna culture.
• Ashiyu — a public footbath: sit on the edge, clothed, and soak just your feet and lower legs. See where to go.
• Omotenashi — the Japanese hospitality philosophy of wholehearted, anticipatory service without expectation of a tip. See spa & wellness culture.
• Tenugui — the small cotton hand towel carried into the bathing area (and never dipped in the water). See bathing etiquette.
• Ryokan — a traditional Japanese inn, often built around a hot-spring bath, with tatami rooms and seasonal dining. See ryokan & onsen inns.
• Kaiseki — the elaborate multi-course seasonal dinner traditionally served at ryokan. See ryokan & onsen inns.
• Kakeyu — the customary rinse of hot bathwater poured over yourself with a small bowl just before stepping into the tub, on top of the full wash at the station. See bathing etiquette.
• Datsuijo — the changing room where you undress fully and store your clothes and belongings before entering the bathing area. See bathing etiquette.
• Higaeri onsen — literally “day-return onsen”: a hot-spring visit without an overnight stay, as opposed to a full ryokan stay. See ryokan & onsen inns.
• Anma and shiatsu practitioners in Japan are formally distinguished from unlicensed relaxation staff at some chains — both terms and the distinction are explained on finding a good massage.

This list covers the terms used across this guide, not an exhaustive dictionary of Japanese wellness vocabulary — if you come across an unfamiliar word at a specific venue, staff are used to explaining it, and a translation app closes most gaps instantly.