Japanese Onsen Etiquette: What You Should Know Before Going

Hello, I’m Hirossy.

One thing many foreign visitors want to try in Japan is an onsen, or Japanese hot spring.

But if it is your first time going to an onsen, you may feel a little nervous.

“How should I enter?”
“What kind of manners should I know?”
“What if I accidentally do something rude?”

These are natural questions.

I often enjoy onsen when I travel.
For me, soaking in a hot spring surrounded by natural rocks feels very special and relaxing.

In this article, I will gently explain Japanese onsen etiquette in a simple way, from the point of view of an ordinary Japanese dad.

Conclusion: The Most Important Thing Is to Help Everyone Feel Comfortable

The most important thing about Japanese onsen etiquette is not memorizing many difficult rules perfectly.

The main idea is this:

Everyone should be able to enjoy the onsen comfortably.

For example, wash your body before entering the bath.
Do not make too much noise.
Do not put your towel into the bath water.

These manners all come from the same idea: caring about other people who are using the same bath.

You may feel a little nervous at your first onsen, but if you know the basics, you will be okay.

For Japanese People, Onsen Is More Than Just a Bath

In Japan, taking a bath is not only for washing the body.
It is also a time to relax the mind.

Even at home, many Japanese people like to soak in the bathtub and take a deep breath.

An onsen makes this feeling even more special because you can enjoy nature and travel at the same time.

There are many kinds of onsen in Japan.
Some are in the mountains.
Some have an ocean view.
Some let you enjoy snowy scenery while bathing.

When I enter an outdoor bath surrounded by rocks during a trip, I often feel,

“Ah, I’m really traveling now.”

Relaxing in hot water while looking at nature is one of the special pleasures of Japan.

Before Entering the Bath, Rinse Your Body with Hot Water

One important thing to remember before entering an onsen is kakeyu.

Kakeyu means pouring hot water over your body before getting into the bath.

This helps your body get used to the hot water.
It also lightly rinses away sweat and dirt.

In Japanese onsen, many people share the same bath water.
So it is good manners to clean your body before entering the bath.

In many places, people also wash their body carefully at the shower area before entering the bath.

You do not need to think about it too seriously.

A simple way to understand it is this:

“Because everyone shares the same bath water, I should clean my body first.”

Usually, Towels Do Not Go into the Bath Water

At Japanese onsen, people often bring a small towel into the bathing area.

But usually, people do not put the towel into the bath water.

The towel is used for washing the body, covering the body a little, or wiping sweat.
When entering the bath, many people put the towel on their head or leave it outside the bath.

This may look a little strange to people from other countries.

But this custom is also connected to the idea of keeping the bath water clean.

Many People Relax Quietly at Onsen

Onsen can be a fun place to enjoy with family or friends.

But in Japan, many people also come to onsen to relax quietly.

Of course, it does not mean you cannot talk at all.
It is normal to talk quietly with family or friends.

But it is better not to speak too loudly, run around, or make too much noise.

As a father, I also pay attention to this when I go to a bath with my children.

Children can get excited when they see a big bath or an onsen.
But other people are also there to relax, so I gently tell my children to stay calm.

Be Careful About Taking Photos

You should be very careful about taking photos at an onsen.

In changing rooms and bathing areas, people are not wearing clothes.
So, in most cases, you should not take photos there.

If the outdoor bath has a beautiful view, you may want to take a picture.

But if other guests are there, it is safer not to take photos.

Some facilities clearly say that photos are not allowed.
If you are not sure, check the signs or ask the staff.

Rules About Tattoos Depend on the Facility

One thing foreign visitors may worry about is tattoos.

In Japan, some onsen facilities do not allow people with tattoos to enter.
On the other hand, more foreign visitors are coming to Japan now, so some places allow tattoos.

Some places may also allow you to enter if you cover your tattoo with a special sticker.

The rules are different depending on the facility.

So if you have a tattoo, it is a good idea to check the official website or ask the hotel before going.

It does not mean tattoos are always not allowed in Japan.
But because each place has different rules, checking in advance is the safest way.

Sauna Is Also Popular in Japan Now

Recently, saunas have become very popular in Japan.

Saunas have existed in hot spring facilities and public baths for a long time.
But recently, there are more and more different kinds of saunas.

Some are very hot.
Some have löyly, where steam is created by pouring water on hot stones.
Some places also have outdoor rest areas.

Now, some people visit hot spring facilities mainly for the sauna.

Enjoying the hot spring, entering the sauna, and then resting in the fresh air is a popular way to relax.

If you try a sauna in Japan, you might also become a fan.

But saunas can be hard on the body.
So please do not push yourself.
Drink water and enjoy it at your own pace.

Friendly Advice for First-Time Onsen Visitors

If it is your first time visiting a Japanese onsen, you do not need to remember everything perfectly.

Just keeping these points in mind will help you feel more comfortable:

• Rinse or wash your body before entering the bath
• Do not put your towel into the bath water
• Do not make too much noise
• Do not take photos in changing rooms or bathing areas
• If you have a tattoo, check the facility rules before going

If you remember these basics, you can enjoy the onsen with more confidence.

If you are not sure what to do, you can quietly watch how other people behave.

Even Japanese people sometimes check the rules when they visit a new facility.

Small rules may be different depending on the place, so it is also good to read the signs near the entrance or in the changing room.

Summary: Onsen Can Make Your Trip in Japan Feel Special

Japanese onsen has some unique manners.

But most of them are for simple reasons:

To help everyone feel comfortable
To keep the bath water clean
To enjoy a quiet and relaxing time

When the culture is different, it is natural to feel confused at first.

But if you know the basic manners, onsen can become a wonderful experience.

Soaking slowly in a hot spring surrounded by nature during a trip feels truly relaxing.

I hope this article helps you feel a little more comfortable before visiting an onsen in Japan.

If you come to Japan, I hope you can enjoy the warmth of onsen and the peaceful relaxing time it offers.