Japanese Onsen Etiquette: A How-To Guide For First-Time Visitors

Your Handbook to Japanese Onsen Etiquette

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and seeking some relaxation time, it’s worth knowing the ins and outs of Japanese onsen etiquette.

Beyond the country’s picturesque landscapes, delicious cuisine, and cultural attractions, Japan is renowned for its soul-rejuvenating hot springs.In this guide, we’ll delve into the specifics of Japan’s onsen etiquette, providing essential insights on how to behave properly and make the most of your hot springs experience.

What is an onsen?

An onsen is a natural hot spring containing therapeutic, mineral-rich water known for its healing properties.Nestled amidst nature’s beauty, these tranquil hot springs offer more than just a soak.Considered a portal to relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic well-being, they come in two types: indoor (noten-buro) and outdoor (roten-buro).So, if you are in Japan and thinking of visiting one, there is Japanese onsen etiquette that you need to follow, explained later in this article.But first, remember to take note of the differences between an onsen and a sento.

Sento vs Onsen

As mentioned earlier, ‘onsen’ means ‘hot spring.’These are natural hot water baths with healing minerals, located in scenic countryside areas. Onsen can be indoors or outdoors, and visitors should follow Japanese hot springs etiquette.

On the other hand, a ‘sento’ is a Japanese public bath using regular tap water, found in urban areas, spas, and resorts. Sento may have some Japanese public bath rules but are generally less strict than onsen.

Both onsen and sento have drapes at the entrance with a symbol of steam rising from the spring.

The key difference is that sento is in urban areas, while onsen is in rural areas with geothermally heated spring water.

How to Use Onsen in Japan?

If you’ve already shortlisted an onsen, the next thing you need to learn is how to use it.

Here are pro tips on making sure you follow the rules of Japanese onsen etiquette.

Before Entering the Onsen

Get your reservation: Making a reservation in advance is always a wise decision. You can visit websites like Pelago to pre-book your space in an onsen for a seamless experience.

Ask about locker room/luggage storage: While making the reservation, inquire about the availability of a locker room or luggage storage to safely keep your bags, phone, wallet, and other items.

What to Bring to an Onsen?

Bath essentials: While some larger establishments offer free soaps, shampoos, and conditioners near the shower units, others may provide them for a fee or ask visitors to bring their own.

Remember, a crucial Japanese onsen etiquette is to clean yourself thoroughly before entering the hot spring water and stay hydrated by drinking water before and after your hot spring experience.

Towels: Although most onsen facilities provide towels for free, on rent, or for purchase, it’s wise to carry your towel, especially a small one for tying your hair and drying yourself when you step out of the hot springs.

Long towels are not allowed beyond the changing room.

Skincare essentials: To preserve the effects of the onsen water, apply moisturiser as soon as you leave the bath area.

You can keep your skincare essentials safe in the changing room.

Hairband: Ensure your hair doesn’t touch the hot spring water by carrying a hairband or clip to tie it up before entering.

Other essentials: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during your onsen experience.

What to Wear in the Onsen?

Most onsens require complete nudity and have restrictions on tattoos, so it’s crucial to research beforehand.

Choose easily removable clothes like loungewear, and consider bringing a different set of comfortable clothes after the bath.

Preparing in the Changing Room

Avoid loitering around:

If you are a first-timer, visiting an onsen can be an overwhelming experience. However, avoid loitering around the corridor or the entrance to prevent uncomfortable bodily contact with other visitors and locals.

Prepare yourself to get naked:

Japanese onsen etiquette requires individuals to soak in the mineral-rich water completely naked. This is one of the Japanese hot springs rules that is strictly followed nationwide.

Be mindful of your steps:

The floors are often slippery, so avoid rushing or running to prevent slipping. Also, be mindful of your steps to avoid pushing or touching others.

Say goodbye to your phone here:

Using your phone in the changing room is generally not appreciated, to respect people’s privacy. Switching off or muting your smartphone and securely locking it in the changing room locker is advisable.

Before Entering the Onsen

Wash yourself well:As per Japanese hot springs rules, ensure you thoroughly wash yourself with bathing products before stepping into the hot spring water.Tie your hair neatly:An important etiquette, especially for women in the onsen, is to tie your hair neatly, preventing it from touching the hot spring water. Even males with longer hair should tie it back.Avoid shaving or grooming:Shaving and grooming activities for ladies are considered impolite in Japanese culture, as it is believed they should be done privately. Hence, it is best to avoid them at all costs.Keep things in place:After your bath, please ensure all utensils and bathing essentials are properly arranged to avoid inconvenience for others.

While Bathing in the Onsen

Avoid splashing and jumping:Act maturely to prevent splashing, diving, and jumping inside the onsen.Steer clear of awkward staring:To maintain an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone, avoid staring at people as it can make them uneasy.Don’t dip yourself all at once:After stepping into the water, soak half of your body first, then slowly lower yourself until the water reaches your shoulders.Maintain silence:One of the most crucial Japanese hot springs etiquettes is to maintain silence or speak softly. Everyone goes to the onsen to relax and rejuvenate, so avoid speaking or laughing loudly.

After the Bath

Avoid a shower:After coming out of the hot spring water, refrain from taking another shower. Let your body enjoy the healing benefits of the minerals. However, if you have sensitive or easily irritable skin, feel free to wash yourself with fresh water.Dry yourself well:Pat yourself dry with a small towel after emerging from the onsen water so that you are partially dry when you step into the changing room. There, you can use the long towel to completely dry yourself. Ensure the towel doesn’t touch the onsen water.Avoid sitting naked:As soon as you are in the changing room, dress yourself and avoid sitting naked in the nearby chairs.

Best Onsen Facilities to Visit in Japan

There are some popular onsen facilities that you can visit to enjoy the healing properties of the mineral-rich hot springs water.

Here are a few to mention:

Ginzan Onsen

Come and enjoy a classic Japanese-style onsen experience in this town, home to wooden hot spring inns lining the banks of the Ginzan River.

If you’re still wondering what to do in Ginzan Onsen, there’s a lot to explore.

Relax your feet in the hot spring water at the Warashiyu footbaths, take a leisurely stroll to discover beautiful cafes and gift shops for souvenirs, or rent a classical Japanese costume from a local store and pose for a picture in the style of the Taisho period.

Address: Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa 999-4333 Yamagata Prefecture (map)

Oedo Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo

After a tiresome trip to Tokyo Disneyland, you can visit Oedo Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo to replenish and rejuvenate.

Choose from the naked baths or the mixed outdoor baths and later savour some authentic Japanese ramen or soak in the beauty of the Edo period-inspired buildings.

Address: 7 Chome-3-12 Hinode, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0013 (map)

Opening Hours: Open Daily, 11am to 12am

Arima Onsen Taikounoyu Spa

A renowned hot spring resort in Kobe, Japan, Arima Onsen is famous for its healing gold and silver waters.

Set amidst a picturesque setting, this place seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern luxury to offer perfect relaxation.

Visitors here can also choose between indoor and outdoor baths.

Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita Ward, Arimacho, Japan (map)

Opening Hours: Open Daily, 10am to 10pm

Spa World Onsen

Spa World Onsen not only boasts over 17 types of spacious European and Asian-themed onsen baths, including bedrock baths and saunas, but also provides a world-class spa experience, along with access to pools and a gym for a complete experience.

Address: 3-4-24 Ebisuhigashi Naniwa-Ku, Osaka-Shi, Osaka-Fu 556-0002 (map)

Opening Hours: Open Daily, 10am to 8:45am

Konohananoyu Onsen

How about soaking in the mineral-rich water while enjoying the picturesque view of majestic Mount Fuji?If this sounds enticing, this is the place to be.Here, you can find both indoor and outdoor onsen baths, as well as private open-air baths for couples and families.

Join a guided excursion from Tokyo to the Mt. Fuji Hakone Area, immersing yourself in a quintessential Japanese journey.

Afterwards, unwind in the revitalising Konohananoyu hot springs – talk about a de-stress sesh.

Address: 2839-1 Fukasawa, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0023, Japan (map)

Opening Hours: Open Daily, 10:30am to 10pm

All Set for Experiencing an Onsen?

So, if you are visiting the beautiful island nation of Japan, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a traditional onsen.While Japanese onsen etiquette may seem a bit strict for first-timers, mastering the tips on how to use onsen in Japan will help you sync in with others seamlessly.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the rules of an onsen?

Japanese onsen etiquette involves thorough cleansing before entering the hot water. Additionally, you are not allowed to carry towels into the bath, and it’s essential to keep your hair from touching the water. Silence and mindfulness are encouraged, and body tattoos may need to be covered.

Do you have to take your clothes off in an onsen?

Yes, traditional onsen etiquette requires bathers to remove all clothing before entering the hot spring water.

Is it okay to wear a bathing suit in an onsen?

Bathing suits are not allowed in a traditional Japanese onsen. However, some modern onsen facilities may have private or mixed-gender baths where swimsuits are permitted.

Is it awkward in an onsen?

Initially, it may feel awkward, but once accustomed to the norms, you will find the experience serene and culturally enriching.

What is a private onsen?

A private onsen is a personal or reserved hot spring bath that provides exclusive use to couples or families. It offers increased privacy, allowing bathers to enjoy the therapeutic hot spring waters without sharing the space with strangers. It is usually found in some upscale hotels that provide rooms with attached private onsen facilities.

Can you go to the onsen on your period?

If you are menstruating, it’s advised to refrain from entering an onsen bathing area. In Japan, cultural taboos associated with blood make it less than ideal for an onsen experience during this time, regardless of any inconvenience it may cause.