Rental Service and Usage of "Yukago" Brought from Ryokan Rooms to Public Baths

What Is the "Yu-kago" (Bath Basket), the Traditional Strolling Style of Dogo Onsen?

At Dogo Onsen, touring the public bathhouses (soto-yu) in a yukata while carrying a bamboo basket known as a "yu-kago" (bath basket) has become a traditional custom. When heading out to public baths such as Dogo Onsen Honkan—which was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in December 1994, the first public bathhouse to receive this designation—carrying bathing supplies in this bath basket is a style of spending time unique to Dogo.

Rental Systems and Basic Rules for "Yu-kago" at Lodging Facilities

Many lodging facilities provide a yu-kago rental service for their guests. Common arrangements include receiving the basket at the front desk or finding it prepared inside the guest room in advance. Because the yu-kago is on loan from the lodging, attaching a identifier such as a hair tie when necessary helps prevent accidental mix-ups with others' baskets in public bath dressing rooms.

Rental and return locations vary by lodging facility. It is important to check the information at the front desk or in your guest room before departing, and return the basket to the designated location after use. Policies regarding rentals before check-in or after check-out also vary by facility, so following the instructions of your accommodation is key.

Arranging Items Inside the Yu-kago

Basic items such as bathing supplies including towels and soap, a change of clothes, coins, and the room key are stored in the yu-kago. When ryokan inns provide their own original bath baskets, enjoying the differences in design is also an option. To enhance security, valuables should not be placed directly in the yu-kago, but kept together inside an inner bag or pouch.

At Dogo Onsen Honkan, rental yukata, obi sashes, rental face towels, and rental bath towels are provided depending on the chosen bathing plan. In addition, shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided inside the bathroom, and changing lockers are available for use. The items placed in the yu-kago should be adjusted according to the guidelines of the public bathhouse and the lodging facility being used.

Points to Check Before Heading to the Public Baths

Preparing coins in advance is recommended, as small change may be needed when using lockers in dressing rooms or when operating hair dryers at public baths. Inn keys and valuables should be managed separately within the yu-kago.

According to official Dogo Onsen guidance, when there is a waiting time, visitors enter their bathing course, party size, and contact details into the queue system to receive a numbered ticket, and are expected to arrive at the building within 15 minutes after receiving a phone call. If the facility you plan to use has specific guidelines, it is advisable to check the admission procedures before heading out with your yu-kago.

Etiquette During Bathing

Do not bathe while under the influence of alcohol, and do not take photos in dressing rooms or bathing areas. Lock your dressing locker and wear the key band on your wrist when entering the bathroom. Before entering the bathtub, wash your body, and tie up long hair with an elastic band. Refrain from reserving washing spots, leaving personal belongings behind, diving or swimming in the tub, or washing your body at the hot spring water spout (yuguchi).

Do not put towels into the bathtub, and do not enter the bath wearing swimwear or towels. Do not run inside the bathroom, and avoid using the shower while standing up. Do not bring food or drinks into the bathroom, and do not use mobile phones or smartphones in the dressing rooms or bathing areas.

From Leaving the Bath to Returning the Basket

After bathing and before returning to the dressing room, wipe excess water from your body, and rinse used washbasins and stools with hot water before returning them to their original places. To prevent feeling unwell from the hot water, rehydrate after bathing. Once your stroll is finished, return the yu-kago to the designated place such as the front desk or guest room according to the facility's rules.

The yu-kago is a tool for carrying towels and a change of clothes, and at the same time, it gives shape to Dogo's strolling style from lodging to public baths. By checking your lodging's rental conditions, item recommendations, and return procedures, and combining them with the official etiquette of the public baths, you can calmly enjoy strolling through the town in a yukata.

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出典: 道後温泉本館 | 外湯紹介 | 【公式サイト】道後温泉
最終確認日: August 15, 2026