An Introductory Guide to Onsen Etiquette in Japan

While Switzerland boasts its terme baden, Hungary has its furdo, and Iceland features hot springs, Japan is famous for its ubiquitous onsen. These calming baths date back to at least the 8th century and became a staple of Japanese culture around the time Buddhism gained popularity. Today, there are over 3,000 onsen scattered throughout the archipelago from Hokkaido to Okinawa.

Onsen are renowned for their health-enhancing properties and attract both locals and tourists alike. However, it’s essential to understand the basic etiquette before stepping into these traditional baths.

What exactly is a Japanese onsen?

Japanese onsen are often mistaken for sento, which are baths with artificially heated water, or ofuro, private soaking tubs made from materials such as cypress or basalt stone. In contrast, authentic onsen are hot baths filled with geothermal water drawn from Japan’s active volcanoes. (This distinction holds significant cultural importance in Japan.)

Onsen are typically found within ryokan, traditional Japanese inns, though this isn't always the case. Public bathing areas are generally separated by noren (traditional curtain dividers with vertical slits), with the women's section indicated by red and the men's by blue. In Japanese culture, yukata (Japanese robes) and geta (traditional wooden sandals) are worn prior to entering the baths.

The Ideal Times to Visit a Japanese Onsen

In Japan, the peak times for onsen visits are usually just before and after dinner and breakfast. Most public onsen close during the midday, so it's wise to plan your visit accordingly.

Here are some essential rules to keep in mind before your visit.

Wash (and scrub) thoroughly before you soak

Onsen are meant for soaking, meditating, and unwinding. Most bathing areas include changing rooms where you begin your onsen experience by scrubbing down in the shower. Make sure to wash your body and hair completely with the provided soap and shampoo. Some foreigners may overlook this rule, leading older patrons to watch gaijin (foreigners) closely. A quick rinse might draw disapproving looks, so be thorough and don’t attempt to enter an onsen with dry hair.

Leave your devices at home

Although many Japanese onsen boast stunning scenery—think rushing rivers, bamboo forests, mossy stones, and mountain vistas—using phones and cameras in the bathing areas is strictly forbidden. When visiting a Japanese onsen, the rule is clear: avoid the temptation to document your experience and respect the tech-free environment for everyone. The meditative aspect is vital to the onsen experience, so you’ll likely appreciate having left your phone behind.

Keep your head above the water

Submerging your head in the baths is generally considered impolite, even after washing your hair. Many onsen offer small towels for guests, which bathers often wet with shower water to place on their heads while soaking. This is acceptable, provided the towel doesn’t touch the bath water. If it accidentally falls in, quickly retrieve it and wring it out outside the bath.

Maintain a quiet demeanor (or stay silent)

Onsen are not venues for swimming, grooming, splashing, drinking, floating, discussing politics, or loud laughter with friends. In Japan, bathing in these hot spring baths is a cherished tradition linked to the Buddhist practice of cleansing and purification. When you visit an onsen, embrace the chance to meditate, reflect, and simply appreciate the surroundings. You’ll leave feeling renewed, both mentally and physically.

Frequently Asked Questions about Japanese Onsen

Are tattoos permitted in Japanese onsen?

In Japanese culture, tattoos are often linked to the yakuza (mafia), leading to a general prohibition of tattoos in most onsen. However, attitudes are beginning to shift in some regions. That said, if onsen staff notice your tattoo, you may be asked to leave the bathing area. It’s advisable to cover small tattoos with a bandage or waterproof 'tattoo sticker' before entering. Travelers with larger tattoos or full sleeves might consider using kashikiri-buro (private baths) or seeking out tattoo-friendly onsen.

Do you need to be fully undressed?

Many are surprised to discover that the Japanese, much like the Germans and Finns, have very few inhibitions about being nude in public bathing areas. Admittedly, sitting unclothed with strangers in warm spring water may not appeal to everyone. However, visiting a traditional Japanese onsen requires understanding that swimsuits or underwear are strictly forbidden in the baths. While most onsen are gender-segregated, some public outdoor onsen are mixed, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with the rules beforehand and prepare accordingly.

Locations to Experience a Japanese Onsen

Takegawara Onsen

• Where: Beppu, Ōita
• Visit: takegawaragroup.jp; ¥300 (approximately US$2.50) for an adult admission

Established in the late 1800s, Takegawara Onsen is notable for its Karahafu-style curved roof. Here, you can not only enjoy the hot spring waters but also experience a unique sand bath known as sunayu, heated by the onsen’s water. Beyond Takegawara, there are other geothermal attractions to explore in this renowned onsen area, including the 'Hells of Beppu,' where hot springs reach temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hoheikyo Onsen

• Where: Sapporo, Hokkaido
• Visit: hoheikyo.co.jp; ¥1,000 (approximately US$8) for an adult admission

Travel about an hour from Sapporo City to reach Hoheikyo Onsen, which sources its water directly from the ground to the baths without any air exposure. The open-air bath at Hoheikyo allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of northern Japan—visiting in autumn offers a spectacular view of the vibrant colors of the surrounding mountains.

Tsubo-yu Onsen

• Where: Tanabe, Wakayama
• Visit: tb-kumano.jp/en/places/yunomine; ¥800 (approximately US$6) for an adult admission

For those seeking a bit of privacy while soaking, visit Tsubo-yu Onsen in Yunomine village, located about an hour’s drive east of Tanabe. This cabin-style rock tub accommodates two people and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so there's no need to book a reservation for your 30-minute session. Along with two other onsen in Yunomine, it serves as a popular stop for pilgrims traveling the Kumano Kudo trail.

This article was originally published in 2017 and was updated on January 29, 2023, with the latest information. Reporting by Chloe Arrojado contributed to this piece.