Women washing in public baths, Edo, (Tokyo), Japan, 1863-1864.

JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 18: Engraving from 'Zhivopisnaia Iaponiia', (St Petersburg, 1870), a Russian translation of 'Le Japon illustree' ('Japan illustrated'), (Paris, 1870) by Swiss diplomat Aime Humbert (1819-1900) who spent two years in Japan from 1863 to 1864. Bathing and cleanliness are important facets of Japanese life. Japan has many natural hot springs and public baths have been popular for several centuries. As Envoy Extraordinary Minister Plenipotentiary for Switzerland, Humbert was able to travel beyond the barriers of the foreign settlement at Yokohama, including areas inaccessible to the ordinary person. The text illustrates and discusses the life, customs and activities of the Japanese, before the influence of foreign powers. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)