The shortest day and longest night of the year is known as “Toji”,
the winter solstice. In Japan, it is said that if you take a bath on the solstice with yuzu floating in the bath, you will stay healthy and not catch a cold.
Because the days grow longer after the solstice, it is also an auspicious day representing rising fortunes.
In Japanese homes, floating yuzu in the bath at home during the solstice is a common custom. Yuzu, with its distinctive refreshing scent, has a relaxing effect and also promotes good blood circulation, so it is said that this bath is effective in removing the year’s fatigue from the body and mind.
In other countries, the custom of soaking in a bathtub filled with hot water may not be so common, but if you are in Japan during the winter solstice you should be sure to experience a yuzu bath.
On the winter solstice, large quantities of yuzu are sold even at supermarkets. The ideal temperature of the water should be around 41 degrees celsius.
Five yuzu should be enough. You can enjoy the aroma of Yuzu Just by letting them float in the water.
Winters in Japan are cold. After a long day of sightseeing and shopping when you are feeling tired from walking, be sure to give a yuzu bath a try to relax and prepare yourself for another day of sightseeing.