Kashikiri private baths

Communal hot spring bathing is one of Japan’s best-loved cultural activities, but as the baths are almost always segregated by sex it’s not an experience you can generally enjoy with your partner! Kashikiri baths, on the other hand, are hot springs that can be reserved for private use (”kashikiri” simply means “reservation” in Japanese), meaning that you and your other half can enjoy this wonderfully relaxing experience in peace and privacy.

Ryokan with a range of hot spring baths may have one kashikiri bath. This is a bath that can be used privately by locking the door behind you. These can be used alone or as a family or couple. Higher grade ryokan may also have rooms with private en-suite hot spring baths either indoor or out which are perfect for couples.
 
However you take an onsen bath, the end goal is the same: to reach a state of yudedako or "boiled octopus" otherwise known as that happy, relaxed feeling you get after full immersion in hot bath water. Enjoy!