Bath Day

What Is Bath Day?

The 26th of every month is "Furo no Hi," or Bath Day, in Japan. Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. established it in 1985. The date is a pun on "fu (2) ro (6)," and the day carries the wish that families bathe together and talk with one another.

A Simple Pun: 2 and 6 Spell "Furo"

The 2-and-6 combination appears again and again in bathing anniversaries. April 26 is "Good Bath Day," June 26 is "Open-Air Bath Day," and November 26 is "Nice Bath Day."

• Established by: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
• Year established: 1985
• Origin of the date: the pun "fu (2) ro (6)"
• The wish behind it: that families bathe together and deepen conversation
• Related days: Good Bath Day (April 26), Open-Air Bath Day (June 26), Nice Bath Day (November 26)

The 26th Is a Service Day at Many Bathhouses

Quite a few public bathhouses and hot spring facilities offer discounts or special services on the 26th in honor of Bath Day. It is worth checking a nearby facility's announcements before you head out.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Soak in the tub a little longer than usual
• Open that bath additive you have been saving
• Check whether a local bathhouse has a 26th-of-the-month deal
• Time baths so the family can talk about how the day went

The Cold Season Is When the Tub Matters Most

Late December is hectic with work and year-end cleaning, and it is easy to settle for a quick shower. December's Bath Day is a chance to deliberately make time to ease a year's worth of fatigue.