Onsen Etiquette: Your Guide to Japanese Hot Springs

For centuries, the Japanese have sought medicinal properties and spiritual relaxation from soaking in onsen hot springs. Find out more about the best places to experience onsen in Japan, how to use an onsen bath, and etiquettes to observe. After this, you’ll be ready for a memorable experience on your next trip to Japan!

Onsen (温泉) are Japanese hot springs. While hot springs can be found wherever volcanic activity is rampant, the Japanese have had a special affinity for the mineral waters. Onsens are plentiful across the country, and most are located outside the city limits, accessible by train or car, making a weekend getaway affordable.

While bathing in a hot spring can be found outside of Japan, healing the mind and body through bathing is an integral part of Japanese culture. Like in the scene in the Miyazaki film “Spirited Away,” soaking in an Onsen is enjoyed by the young and old (and spiritual deities too!) It makes appearances in the ancient Japanese texts Kojiki (古事記) and Manyoshu (万葉集). It is central to the Shinto (Japanese indigenous religion) ritual purification of “Misogi” (禊), the hand and mouth purification of “Chozuya” (手水舎), and the Buddhist bathhouse sutra of “Onshitsukyo” (温室経).

Even the animals seek comfort in the relaxation of Onsen! Check out the internet-famous Capybaras happily soaking in outdoor baths at the Izu Shaboten Zoo. During winter, you can spot monkeys bathing in hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano prefecture.

Here’s what you need to know before taking an Onsen bath in Japan! We’ve also answered all your questions so you can enjoy this Japanese tradition comfortably.

Please note that all photos of Onsen facilities taken by JOC were taken with permission by the facilities.

What is an Onsen?

Onsen (温泉), literally “thermal spring,” is geothermally heated water. The spring water naturally contains minerals and chemicals that are said to cure all sorts of diseases and ailments. The hot spring facilities boast the benefits of the waters, and onsen seekers have traveled great distances for these benefits for centuries, even today.

In Japan, Onsens are heavily regulated by the Onsen Law, enacted in 1948 by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment. This law requires the identification of 19 different minerals and chemicals, the spring water to be 25 degrees Celsius or above, and to contain certain levels of hydrogen ions, fluorine ions, sulfur, and the like. The ministry officially recognizes 2,300 onsens nationwide, but many more natural and untouched springs exist.

Some are stand-alone facilities, and some are in ryokan (Japanese inns). The price can range from the high to the low and fluctuate with the tourist season. You do not necessarily need to stay at an Onsen ryokan to experience it; some allow day use for non-guests, and many Onsen areas offer passes to multiple Onsen facilities, so you can Onsen hop!

There are non-Onsen baths called Sento (銭湯), which are affordable and accessible. While also communal baths, it is usually just heated water and is for daily use. If you’re strolling around a residential area, you may spot a sign with the Chinese character “湯” (hot water) or the Hiragana “ゆ.” Feel free to drop in for a bath and an eye-opening experience!

Where Can I Experience the Best Onsen in Japan?

Where should you start With so many styles and varieties of Onsen? Here, you’ll find the best regions for Onsen you can experience in Japan. Should you be traveling nearby, definitely take a day or two to stop.

1. Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉), Hokkaido prefecture

Meaning “Milky White River” in the Ainu language (an indigenous people of Hokkaido, the Kuril Islands, and Sakhalin), the area of  Noboribetsu Onsen was first discovered and frequented by the Ainu for its healing properties. It’s also referred to as the department store of the hot springs, as you can find seven different types of minerals and, thus, seven different types of hot springs.

2. Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉), Gunma prefecture

A 3-4 hour bus or train ride north of Tokyo, the lively town of Kusatsu is famous for its sulphuric waters and free-flowing hot springs. When visiting, you must check out the impressive Yubatake (湯畑) to see 4,000 liters of hot water and steam gushing out of this one source per minute, where the spring water flows through and into the nearby Onsen facilities.

3. Atami Onsen (熱海温泉), Shizuoka prefecture

Located just 35 minutes away on the bullet train from Tokyo, Atami Onsen makes an ideal day trip from Tokyo. The scenic ocean resort of Atami has been catering to weary bodies for over 1,000 years. Loyal patrons include the first Edo shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who is said to have taken casks of the spring water back to Edo (now Tokyo). The waters are famous for their sulfate and salt-rich properties.

4. Gero Onsen (下呂温泉), Gifu prefecture

Just an hour away from Hida Takayama and Nagoya, the hot springs of Gero Onsen are colorless, alkaline-based. The springs are nicknamed “beauty hot springs” and are said to improve the skin. The mineral is mild and perfect for first-timers or sensitive skin. There are free Onsen facilities around town, one that is mixed gender AND open-air, right in the city center under a bridge! You can dip your toes into Fusenchi (噴泉池), or for the more adventurous, change into a bathing suit and jump in.

5. Arima Onsen (有馬温泉), Hyogo prefecture

Squeezed between a mountainous region but an easy getaway for Osaka and Kobe residents, it is one of the country’s most famous and prestigious Onsen towns. Here, you’ll find two types of hot springs: Kinsen “gold water” (金泉) has a reddish-brown hue due to its high iron content and is said to be good for hypersensitivity, skin ailments, and muscle pain. The translucent Ginsen “silver water” (銀泉) contains radium and carbonate and is said to cure various muscle and joint ailments.

Read more about the JOC family’s stay at Arima Onsen.

6. Beppu Onsen (別府温泉), Oita prefecture

Located in southern Japan just 2 hours from Fukuoka, Beppu Onsen boasts the highest concentration of hot spring sources and the highest yield of hot spring water in Japan. Walking around this quaint town, you’ll see thick clouds of steam rising from drains and air vents. Take a tour of the eight “Blood Pond Hells” (血の池地獄), frightful natural ponds gushing out 100 degrees Celsius fumarolic gas and thermal mud, resulting in a hair-raising blood-red or cobalt blue water and hot steam.

Read more about the JOC family’s stay at Beppu Onsen.

There are many that couldn’t fit in this article and hidden gems scattered across the country. For hotels and Onsen resorts, I suggest exploring TripAdvisor or Japan-Guide; part of the fun of traveling is the planning! With the 2020 Summer Olympics and the exponential growth of travelers from abroad, Onsens and the tourism industry are constantly building and renovating to accommodate the demand. Thus, it’s hard to recommend a handful of Onsen ryokan, so I hope your search is fruitful!

Curious where the JOC family has bathed? Read more about their Onsen experience around Japan here.

Are there Onsens in Tokyo?

If you’re visiting Tokyo but don’t have time to detour to an Onsen, why not spend an afternoon in an urban oasis?

Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari (大江戸温泉物語) – CLOSED AS OF SEPTEMBER 2021

Like an indoor amusement park in a traditional Japanese summer festival setting, you can easily spend an entire day soaking in the many baths and checking out the activities within the facility. At the entrance, you first change into a Yukata (cotton traditional Japanese robe) and can munch on Japanese snacks or play Japanese carnival games. It’s also family-friendly as well! It’s conveniently located in Odaiba, and the facility offers free shuttles to major train stations.

Spa LaQua (スパ ラクア)

Treat yourself to this luxurious spa and Onsen facility after a long day of walking and sightseeing. Located in Tokyo Dome City, Spa LaQua is more catered towards an adult crowd (entry is for children five and up), but it’s perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility. They offer massages, pedi/manicures, and facial and body treatments for an additional fee.

Onsen Ryokan Yuen (温泉旅館 由縁)

A recent newcomer to the Tokyo Onsen scene, it’s located right smack in the center city of Shinjuku. Offering spectacular city scenery from the Onsen and the rooms, the hot spring waters are brought over from Hakone, a famous hot spring area in Kanagawa. They do not offer day use of the Onsen, so you must stay here to use their facilities.

Hoshinoya Tokyo (星のや東京)

The luxurious Hoshinoya Tokyo is a Japanese inn located 10 minutes away from Tokyo Station. It draws hot spring waters 1,500 meters below the ground, where guests can soak in their open-air bath on the top floor.

How to Use an Onsen Bath

Ready to hop in? Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to use an Onsen in Japan:

The Changing Room

• Remove all articles of clothing, jewelry, and accessories (wedding rings are okay)
• Put clothing in the provided basket or lockers
• Stowaway valuables such as keys, phones, cameras, or wallets in the security box (may be located at the onsen entrance)
• Remove makeup at the sink. Some places may offer makeup remover or wet wipes
• Bring a small towel (optional) and a hair tie (for those with long hair)

The Washing Area

• Cover yourself with a small towel when entering (optional)
• Pick a washing station
• Sit down on the stool provided
• Thoroughly wash and scrub your body, face, and hair (optional)
• Feel free to use the shampoo and soap provided or bring your own
• After use, tidy your station and return the stool, bucket, and showerhead to their original locations
• Tie up long hair into a bun or a high ponytail so it won’t touch the water

The Onsen

• Fold the towel and place it on top of your head, wrap it around your head, or place it on the side of the bath where it won’t touch the bathwater.
• Be respectful of other fellow bathers, do not stare, and give adequate space in between
• No running, swimming, splashing, or scrubbing yourself in the baths.
• Do not let your hair touch the water. Tie your hair or pin it up.
• If there are different types of baths in the facility, feel free to roam around, there is no need to shower in between. Some may be set to different temperatures, some may have herbs and fragrances infused in the water or have special effects.
• The open-air bath tends to be cooler than the indoor baths and often has a great view of the outdoors or a private garden.
• Some have saunas and steam rooms. Give yourself a quick rinse with cold water before entering.
• Soak in the hot water and relax!

Exiting the Onsen

• Give yourself a quick wash down at the washing area (some onsen recommend not to wash off minerals), and make sure to clean up after yourself
• Dry off well with the small towel at the entrance before walking over to your locker to change
• Feel free to use the hairdryer, lotions, and creams provided. Don’t forget to clean up after yourself
• After changing and leaving the changing room, relax in the lounge area, and don’t forget to hydrate! There should be vending machines, water fountains, and tea dispensers to quench your thirst.

Onsen Etiquettes & Rules

Since Onsen is a communal experience in Japan, there are some rules of etiquette you will have to observe:

Q: I have tattoos! Can I use Onsen? 

This is probably the most asked question from foreigners regarding using an Onsen in Japan! Tattoos are not allowed in Onsen because tattooed people have been traditionally linked to the Japanese underground society (AKA yakuza). By banning tattooed patrons, the Onsen facilities can shun these bathers. It is not a disregard for the craft.

The good news is that Japanese society has incrementally loosened its tattoo ban to accommodate the influx of foreign tattooed tourists in recent years. However, some may continue the policy.

I advise checking the website or calling beforehand to ask about their tattoo policy. Or find tattoo-friendly Onsen here or here (Use Chrome to translate). If you have small tattoos, you could cover it with a bandage. You can also stay at a Japanese inn with a private Onsen attached to your room. Or find a place where you can rent out an Onsen for yourself.

Q: What is the small towel used for, and is it necessary?

The small hand towel that may be given to you or available for purchase is for two purposes: to wash your body and to cover up your private areas when entering and exiting the Onsen. It’s a modesty towel, but it is not necessary. Most ryokans expect guests to keep a small towel and bring it back to their room to dry.

Q: Can I still use the Onsen if I have an injury/sickness/medical condition? 

If your injury is an exposed wound that may become infected or contaminate the waters, you must avoid the Onsen. If you have a medical condition or are feeling under the weather, ask your healthcare provider in advance. The water temperature can be hotter than you expect, so don’t take the risk!

Q: Can I use Onsen when pregnant or when menstruating? 

Similar to the above, ask your healthcare provider in advance. If you are menstruating, avoid the Onsen even if you have a tampon/menstrual cup.

Q: Can I bring small children of the opposite gender?

It could be a scary feat for small children to bathe alone without a familiar face in sight! Some places may explicitly state the criteria for bringing children of the opposite gender (e.g., under xx cm/xx age). You could stay at a Japanese inn with an Onsen attached or rent out a private Onsen for the whole family to enjoy.

Q: Do I have to strip down naked?

Yes, and no bathing suit is allowed. You must remove all articles of your clothing before entering. If you’re shy of getting down to your birthday suit, opt for staying or renting out a private Onsen.

There are two exceptions for covering up. First, if you enter a Kon-yoku (混浴), mixed-gender Onsen. In this case, you can wrap yourself with a bath towel or wear a bathing suite. The other condition is if you soak in a river with natural hot spring water, which entails bathing in the outdoor wilderness.

Q: I’d like to take photos of the Onsen/myself bathing. Can I bring my camera or smartphone?

Absolutely not! Even if you vow not to take pictures of other bathers, this is a privacy infringement and will get you into serious trouble if caught. If you insist on taking photos, opt for staying in a room with a private Onsen or renting out an Onsen for your private enjoyment.

Q: What should I bring?

Many facilities offer towels and provide shampoo/soap. If not, they will most likely be available at the entrance. Hairdryers and face lotions are most likely provided as well. You can bring a change of clothes, so there is no need to come prepared! If you’re staying at a Japanese inn with an Onsen, you can change into the Yukata (cotton Japanese robes) provided in your room or come in regular clothes.

Q: What other things should I avoid before entering an Onsen?

You should avoid going immediately after a meal, drinking alcohol, or after an intense workout. The hot water will raise your body temperature and stimulate blood flow, so give yourself adequate time to settle down before dipping in. The floors can be slippery, so you should always be cautious and never run.

Lastly, don’t forget…

Japanese Onsen is a truly unique experience for any visitor to Japan. While all these etiquette rules can be overwhelming, I hope this has convinced you to dip and immerse yourself in this refreshing custom. Just remember to be courteous and mindful of others, listen to your body, and take breaks in between to avoid overheating. After all, an Onsen is a shared space where bathers come to relax and indulge!

Have you taken an Onsen bath in Japan? Will you give Onsen a try? Share your Onsen stories and recommendations in the comment box below!

Kayoko happily grew up in the urban jungle of Tokyo and in the middle of nowhere East Coast, U.S. After a brief stint as a gelato scooper and a slightly longer employment at an IT company, she decided to drop her cushy job to enroll in culinary school. Kayoko resides in Tokyo with her husband, a penguin pillow, and many half-dead plants. More from Kayoko →