One of the must-do activities on a trip to Japan is to bathe in a traditional Japanese hot spring bath, called an onsen. Onsen is the Japanese word for hot springs (“on” means warm; “sen” means spring). The onsen water is known for its capability to reduce stress, stimulate metabolism, and accelerate recovery from fatigue and illness.
But onsen bathing is not just steeped in restorative and medicinal minerals. Like most things in Japan, it is also steeped in cultural tradition. And there are certain rules of etiquette that should be followed in order to be respectful of these traditions. For first-timers, it can seem quite intimidating. But, fear not — just keep this beginner’s guide to Japanese onsen etiquette handy and you’ll be good to go!
I wish I had a simple guide to Japanese onsen etiquette (or even knew what an onsen was) when I first visited Japan as a college student. I stayed with a family in the city of Kobe, on the main island of Honshu. The family could not have been nicer or more excited to show me all their Japanese traditions…including bathing in an onsen.
On my first night at their home, we went on an excursion after dinner to the local onsen spa. I was very naive and did not know anything about Japanese onsen bathing. The spa was modern and looked like a typical spa back home with changing rooms and indoor hot tubs. So it was quite the surprise welcome when I was expected to bath buck-naked with my host mother and host sister! Talk about a bonding experience, haha.
I’ve since visited Japan three more times and have been lucky to partake in traditional onsen baths during two of those trips. On an epic ski trip to Niseko on the northern island of Hokkaido in 2013, my ski-in/ski-out hotel had an indoor/outdoor onsen right at the base of the slopes!
And, while I was living in Kyoto this past March 2020, I spent a few days in the adorable village of Nozawa Onsen, skiing and testing out the 13 public onsen in the village (plus the private onsen in my accommodations). Soaking in an onsen hot spring bath is by far the best way to soothe sore muscles after a long day of skiing!
Table of Contents
Japanese Onsen Etiquette
So, without further ado, here are some helpful tips to follow to ensure a smooth onsen bathing experience:
1. Don’t stress!
Yes, there are certain rules and etiquette you should follow when bathing in a public onsen bath. But, what’s most important is to just be respectful of the other bathers. As long as you are trying your best to be considerate, you will be just fine. So relax and try to enjoy the experience!
2. Dress for success
Most traditional Japanese accommodations (known as ryokans) will provide their guests with a yukata (light cotton kimono robe) and geta (traditional wooden sandals) in their hotel rooms. It may seem odd to foreigners, but it is perfectly fine, and in fact, it is expected, that visitors wear the yukata and geta to and from the onsen (even public onsen outside the accommodations). However, you’ll be stripping down to your birthday suit regardless (more on that below!) so it doesn’t matter too much what you wear in transit to the onsen!
3. BYO toiletries
Private onsens usually have a supply of towels and other amenities for their guests. However, if visiting a public onsen, there likely will not be any amenities supplied. So make sure to bring your own towel at the very least, as well as soap, shampoo, etc if you plan on washing in addition to bathing. During my stay in Nozawa Onsen, my accommodation provided me with an adorable “onsen kit” complete with a hand towel and other supplies to take with me to the onsen. Also, you should know that there are usually no toilets in public onsen so make sure you go before you go!
4. Men vs. Women
The majority of onsen have separate baths and changing areas for men and women. So, make sure you enter the door marked “men (男)” or the door marked “ladies (女)” (or sometimes “lady’s” 😉), as appropriate! Some onsen entrances are marked by half-length curtains called “noren.” Baths for women are traditionally marked by red curtains while baths for men are denoted by blue curtains.
Note: Japan is slightly behind in adapting to individuals identifying as non-binary or transgender. Gender segregation at an onsen is defined by what is “down there” and, unfortunately, not by internal gender identity. If this is an issue, you can either rent a private onsen or seek out a mixed-gender onsen.
5. Take it all off!
First, you should remove your shoes upon entering the bathhouse, and before entering the changing area. There is usually a rack to place your shoes on near the entry or beneath the changing room cubbyholes.
Next, you will need to strip down to your birthday suit. Yes, unless specified otherwise, you MUST bathe naked in a Japanese onsen! It can be awkward at first for newbies but, honestly, no one cares about those extra 5 pounds you’ve been meaning to lose. You’ll honestly get used to bathing naked with strangers before you know it. Store your clothes in the changing room lockers or the cubby holes lining the walls of the bathhouse. Coin lockers for valuables are often available but it’s advisable to leave your valuables at home, just in case!
6. Washing vs. Bathing
The Japanese draw a strict line between washing and bathing. You should NEVER wash your body while in the onsen — they are for soaking and relaxing only! So, make sure to wash your body with at least water, if not with soap and shampoo, prior to entering the actual bath.
Sometimes there are washing stations in the bathing area; if not, you should use the bowls provided to splash water from the onsen bath on your body prior to entering. It’s impolite to do so while standing, so use the stools provided or kneel or sit on the tiles surrounding the bath.
It’s important that the water used to wash your body does not get in the actual bath, particularly if you have soaped yourself up first! I repeat — do not get soap or shampoo in the onsen bath! Once finished, make sure to wash the stool and washing area so it is clean and tidy for the next person.
7. No towels in the tub
Although you must bathe naked, it is acceptable to cover up with a small “modesty towel” when entering and exiting the bath. However, make sure to never let the towel touch the water itself. The Japanese pride themselves on keeping the water as clean as possible and towels are regarded as unclean. You can leave the towel on the perimeter of the bath or rest it on top of your head while bathing.
8. Long hair, do care
Along the same vein of keeping the onsen water clean, it is frowned upon to dunk your head underwater (even if you have just washed it). If you have long hair, make sure to bring a hair tie to pull it back before entering the onsen bath. Or you can wrap it up with your modesty towel.
9. Too hot to handle
In most cases, onsen water flows directly from the natural hot spring source. The temperatures vary depending on the source but can be VERY hot (usually between 40-60°C). You can help your body acclimate to the hot temperature of the water through a process called “kakeyu.” Using one of the bowls provided, pour hot water over your body prior to entering the bath, starting with your feet and working your way up towards your head.
Make sure to enter the bath slowly and try not to move around much in order for your body to acclimate to the scalding temps. It’s also common to get in and out of the bath several times rather than sitting in the bath for an extended period of time.
If the water is too hot to handle, there is usually a cold water tap available to cool the water down a bit. Just make sure the other bathers are ok with adding cold water (some of the locals are partial to the extremely hot temps!) and be sure to turn the cold water tap off when you leave the bath.
10. Flower power
It is not uncommon to find a layer of film on the onsen bath tiles or floating particles in the onsen baths. Have no fear – this is not dirt! Instead, these highly sought-after mineral deposits are lovingly called “yunohana” or “onsen flowers” and are actually prized for their positive effect on the skin.
11. No food or beverages
When I think of soaking in a hot tub après ski, I usually envision doing so with a cold beer in hand. But, unlike hot tubs and jacuzzis in the majority of resorts around the world, you should not eat or drink when taking an onsen bath. The water temperatures are so hot that adding alcohol can cause dehydration. And the serene, meditative atmosphere does not mesh well with tipsy patrons. So leave your snacks and sake at home but make sure to drink plenty of water before and after!
12. Don’t be shy – be sociable!
Your natural inclination when bathing naked with strangers may be to shy away from interactions. But a smile and a “Konichiwa” will go a long way with the locals. Locals may also want to practice their English or give you tips on how best to enjoy the onsen. So don’t be shy and enjoy these interactions!
13. But don’t be obnoxious
While you shouldn’t be shy, you should also be cognizant that an onsen bath is supposed to be a relaxing time. Be sociable, and feel free to talk quietly amongst your friends, but try not to be too loud or be an obnoxious foreigner.
14. Dry off but don’t rinse off!
In order to take full advantage of the restorative healing properties of the minerals in the onsen water, you shouldn’t rinse off with tap water after your final dip in the bath. However, it’s polite to dry off in the bathing area with your small towel (even if it is damp) PRIOR to entering the changing area. Then you can dry off more completely in the changing area with a larger towel if you brought one, change back into your yukata or other clothes, and then put your shoes back on just prior to exiting the bath!
15. Relax and have fun!
Remember, the entire point of going to a Japanese onsen is to relax and enjoy the experience. Don’t get so caught up in Japanese onsen etiquette that you forget to relax and have fun. Follow these guidelines as best as possible and be respectful of fellow bathers and you’ll be golden. When in doubt, follow the lead of the locals!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I really have to bathe naked?
A: YES!!!
Q: Are tattoos allowed?
A: Tattoos have traditionally been associated with members of the Japanese mafia, called the yakuza, and thus have been banned from most public onsen bathhouses. The tourism industry is trying its best to change this perception and some onsen resorts are beginning to make exceptions for foreigners. However, you should cover any small tattoos with a Band-Aid before entering the onsen just in case, and be prepared to be turned away if your tattoos are too big to be covered. You can also avoid any issues by reserving a private onsen offered at some accommodations.
Q: Should I shave for onsen?
A: In general, you will find that the Japanese do not shave “down there” so it is up to you whether or not you follow suit. If you do shave your nether regions, you should be prepared for some strange glances (as shaving down there was historically associated with prostitution).
Q: Can I shave in the onsen?
A: The answer differs for men and women. In general, it is acceptable for men to shave in the shower area of the onsen, and razors are even provided. For women, it is not generally acceptable to shave in the onsen as this is seen as an activity that should be done privately. Japan is still a bit behind the times in gender equality.
Related: How to Visit the World-Famous Japanese Snow Monkeys
Q: Can I bath in an onsen while pregnant?
A: Due to the high temperature of the onsen, pregnant women (and anyone with pre-existing heart conditions or who are prone to fainting) are advised NOT to bath in an onsen.
Q: How long can I stay in an onsen?
A: It is recommended to hydrate before and after using an onsen and to stay in an onsen bath for no longer than 30 minutes.
Q: Can I go in an onsen during “that time of the month”?
A: Unfortunately, no. Women are not supposed to go in the onsen while they are menstruating (as blood is seen as taboo in the Shinto religion prevalent in Japan) so try to time your visit accordingly!
Q: Can I take photos and videos?
A: In general, no, you should not take photos and videos inside an onsen, especially in a public onsen with other bathers present. If you are in a private onsen, use your discretion.
Do you feel prepared to embrace the onsen culture and reap its benefits?
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