How To Use Japanese Onsen Correctly

Immerse yourself in the essence of Japan with a trip to an Onsen (温泉)

On a trip to Japan, one of the quintessential Japanese experiences is a trip to an onsen (温泉) or a traditional Japanese hot-spring bath.

Some people are understandably nervous about visiting one, as they are unsure of onsen etiquette and are afraid of causing offence.

Here we show you how the locals do it.

onsen, hot spring

When you arrive:

When you arrive at an onsen you will need to remove your shoes and place them in a locker. You will also be given an onsen pass and will then be guided to the changing rooms. If you don't recognize the Chinese characters for male and female, don't worry: usually the changing rooms are color coded. The women’s changing room will have a red curtain in front  of the door and the men’s changing room will have a blue or purple curtain. If you are still not sure, then just ask instead or wait a moment and see who is going into the respective changing rooms.

If you are travelling with small children, they may be allowed to bathe with you even if they are of the opposite gender (for example a small boy travelling with his mother). However, this depends on the onsen so you will need to ask first.

onsen, hot spring


What to do in the changing room:

Once inside the changing room, you undress and place all your clothes in a locker. Usually the locker has a key with a plastic bracelet that you can put around your wrist while bathing.

When you check in to the onsen you will be given a large and small towel. Keep the small towel with you and put the large one in the locker for later.

One important thing to note, if you weren't already aware, is that you will need to undress completely. Almost all onsen do not allow you to wear a swimming costume or underwear in the bath area. The only exception to this is mixed-bathing onsen that require you to wear a swimming costume.

onsen, hot spring


Have a shower first:

You must have a shower before you enter the communal bath. The showers are adjacent to the bath after you leave the changing room.

Each shower stall is equipped with a small stool. There may also be body soap, shampoo and conditioner provided, although at cheaper establishments, you may have to bring your own toiletries or buy them at the front desk. In Japanese onsen it is customary to have a shower while sitting on the stool and you should not stand up while you are showering in case you spray people in adjoining stalls. Japanese generally put soap onto the small towel and use that to work up a lather on their bodies.Depending on the onsen, some may have a bucket with a pail that you will use to throw water over yourself to wash and others will have a shower hose or both.

Sit on the stool and rinse yourself off and then rinse the stool when you are finished.

onsen, hot spring


What to do in the bath itself:

onsen, hot spring

Once you are clean you can go to the actual onsen baths. There are several points that are important to remember.

If you have long hair you will need to tie it up in a bun. It is very important that your hair does not touch the water as this is considered unclean.

You take the small towel with you but make sure not to let this touch the water. You can either place it next to the bath so that it is close to you or you can wrap it around your head.

Now you are ready to enjoy the hot water and the view from the bath. Onsen are considered places to soak in the water and relax, so you should not swim, jump, or dive into the water but just sit still and enjoy the experience.

Food and drink is not permitted in the bath area, even a bottle of water. If you feel faint or dehydrated, there is usually a drinking water fountain in the changing room, or a dispenser with disposable paper cups.

What to do after your bath:

Once you have finished your bath, use the small towel to dry yourself off, even if you had used it to wash yourself. You should do this before proceeding to the changing room so as not to leave puddles of water in the changing room.

Once you have dried off a little you can enter the changing room and use the big towel in your locker to get completely dry. There are usually other amenities in the changing room such as hairdryers, combs and cotton buds. Drop your used towels in the bins provided.

One of the best ways to finish off your onsen experience is with a relaxing drink. Instead of leaving directly, there are often relaxation areas that you can enjoy and a range of drinks that you can buy to rehydrate. If there isn't a bar area, there are usually vending machines selling soft drinks, beer and sake. Many people think think there's nothing better than a cold beer after a hot bath. There are also often other amenities in the relaxation areas such as massage chairs, so be sure not to skip this part of the experience.

When you are ready to leave, pick up your shoes from the lobby.

Can people with tattoos use onsen?

These days, one of the most commonly asked questions about onsen is whether you are allowed to use them if you have a tattoo. It does depend on the onsen, but in many you will not be allowed to enter if you have any. This is because tattoos are traditionally associated with yakuza gangsters and is not a reflection on the individual.

Some private onsen (where you have your own individual bath with no other people present) may admit you if you have tattoos. Others may late you in if you cover them up with skin-colored patches they provide. The best thing to do is to check with the establishment when you arrive. However, attitudes are changing with the increase in foreign tourists coming to Japan, many of whom have tattoos. 

onsen, hot spring

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