1. Leave everything in your locker (even slippers). You must be naked.
2. Take a small towel (for modesty, moving from bath to bath to changeroom).
3. Wash thoroughly, sitting on the stool or shower area before entering bath. Take your time. Rinse thoroughly.
4. The personal towel must not be dropped into the water (the bath water must be kept pristine). Fold it and place it on your head or leave it close to you on the side of bath.
5. Do not put your head/hair under the water.
6. No tattoos. For centuries tattoos have been associated with criminality. There are only a few bathhouses that allow tattoos in Japan. Small tattoos - you might get away with covering with a bandage.
7. Relax, take your time, don't raise your voice.
