How to Use Japanese Onsen - Complete Etiquette Guide for First-Timers

For many visitors to Japan, experiencing an onsen (hot spring bath) is both exciting and intimidating.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about proper onsen etiquette, ensuring a comfortable and authentic Japanese bathing experience.

Table of Content

♨️What is an Onsen（温泉）?

An onsen is a Japanese hot spring bath fed naturally heated, mineral-rich spring water.

These baths have been a cornerstone of Japanese culture for centuries, serving not just as places for cleansing but also for relaxation and social bonding.

The mineral content of each onsen is believed to offer different health benefits, from improving skin conditions to relieving muscle aches.

🚗Before You Go

Here's what you should know before visiting an onsen:

Most onsen are gender-separated

Tattoos are often prohibited (check in advance for tattoo-friendly facilities)

You'll need to be completely naked (no swimsuits allowed)

Bring a small towel (often available for rent or purchase)

Consider timing (early morning or late evening is usually less crowded)

🧼Essential Items to Bring or Rent

The following items are necessary for your onsen visit:

・Small towel for modesty and washing (you can buy or rent a small towel from the counter)

・Large towel for drying after bathing

・Basic toiletries (shampoo and soap are often provided)

・Hair tie for long hair

・Some places use coin locker 100-yen, but most likely no need

♨️Step-by-Step Guide to Using an Onsen

Entering the Facility

Upon arrival at the onsen, you'll need to:

1. Remove your shoes at the entrance

2. Purchase your ticket (from the staff or vending machine)

3. Head to the appropriate changing room (男湯 for men, 女湯 for women)

In the Changing Room

The changing room process is straightforward:

1. Choose a locker or basket for your belongings

2. Undress completely naked (you can cover your body with a small towel)

3. Take only your small towel and any toiletries to the bathing area

4. Leave your large towel in the locker

Washing Your Body Before Bathing

Proper cleaning before entering the bath is crucial!

Here's the process:

1. Find an available washing station

2. Sit on the provided stool

3. Thoroughly wash your entire body

4. Rinse completely, ensuring no soap remains

5. Keep your small towel out of the bathwater

Entering and Using the Bath

The most important rules for bathing:

Enter the water slowly to adjust to the temperature

Never submerge your head or towel in the bath

Avoid swimming or splashing

Keep your voice down

Don't wring out your towel into the bath

Stay hydrated (many onsen have water fountains nearby)

DO NOT HAVE A BATH WHEN YOU DRINK! (you may pass out and )

Moving Between Baths

Many onsen have multiple baths at different temperatures and with different mineral contents. When moving between baths:

Exit slowly and carefully

Pat yourself lightly with your small towel

Take time to cool down between very hot baths

⛰️Special Types of Onsen

Japanese onsen comes in various styles:

Indoor Baths (内湯Uchiyu):

Temperature-controlled environment

Often feature different types of baths

Available year-round regardless of weather

Outdoor Baths (露天風呂Roten buro):

Natural surroundings

Seasonal views

Fresh air and ambient sounds

♨️Common Onsen Features♨

Modern onsen facilities often include:

Sauna rooms

Cold plunge pools

Resting areas

Massage chairs

Restaurants or vending machines

🏥Health Considerations

Be mindful of these health-related points:

・Don't bathe on a full stomach

・Limit bathing time to 15-20 minutes per session if you do not get used to it!

・Exit immediately if feeling dizzy

・Avoid alcohol before bathing! It's hazardous, and people die from it.

・Stay hydrated throughout your visit

❌Onsen Etiquette Don'ts

These actions are strictly prohibited:

・Taking photos

・Running or diving

・Making loud noises

・Wearing swimsuits

・Swim in the bath

・Using phones in the bathing area

🐉Important Notice About Tattoos

In Japan, many onsen have strict policies regarding tattoos due to their historical association with organized crime. Here's what you need to know:

General Tattoo Policies

Most traditional onsens prohibit visible tattoos of any size

This applies to both decorative and cultural tattoos

The policy affects both Japanese and international visitors

Some facilities may ask guests with tattoos to leave

No exceptions are typically made for small or artistic tattoos

Options for Visitors with Tattoos

If you have tattoos, you have several options:

Tattoo-Friendly Onsen

Some modern onsens explicitly welcome tattooed guests

These are often found in tourist-heavy areas

Many ryokan (traditional inns) with private baths accept tattoos

Some facilities in Tokyo and other major cities are becoming more accepting

Private Baths (貸切風呂 - Kashikiri-buro)

Book a private bathroom

Usually available for 45-60 minutes

Book a ryokan with a private bath

More expensive than public baths

Requires reservation at most places

Cover-Up Options

Some facilities allow small tattoos to be covered with waterproof bandages

This is only acceptable for tiny tattoos

Bandages must stay secure in hot water

Not all facilities accept this solution

Sticker skin available on internet

How to Check Tattoo Policies

Before visiting an onsen:

Check the facility's website for tattoo policies

Look for the "tattoo-friendly" symbol (入れ墨・タトゥーOK)

Contact the facility directly if it is unclear

Consider booking a private bath in advance

Ask your hotel concierge for tattoo-friendly recommendations

Conclusion

Remember that onsen are places of relaxation and rejuvenation.

While the rules may seem numerous, they're designed to ensure everyone's comfort and enjoyment.

Once you're familiar with the basics, you'll find that onsen bathing is one of Japan's most rewarding cultural experiences.

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