Visiting a Japanese onsen for the first time? Don’t worry — the basic rules are simple.
In most traditional Japanese hot springs, you bathe without a swimsuit, wash your body before entering the bath, and keep your towel out of the water. Here are 8 basic rules of onsen etiquette to know before enjoying a Japanese hot spring.
Hot spring bathing has been part of Japanese culture for centuries. While individual facilities may have their own rules, these basic manners will help you feel comfortable and show respect for other bathers.
8 Basic Rules of Onsen Etiquette
These illustrations explain the basic manners of using a Japanese hot spring. They were created by artist Yuuki Kaneko.
1. Take Off Your Clothes — and Keep Your Towel Out of the Bath Water
In a traditional Japanese onsen, you normally enter the bathing area completely naked. Swimsuits and underwear are generally not worn in the bath.
You can bring a small towel into the bathing area, but never put it into the bath water. Leave it at the edge of the bath or place it on your head.
2. Wash Your Body Before Entering
Before entering the bathtub, wash your body at the shower or washing area. This helps keep the shared bath water clean for everyone.
Rinse away sweat, dirt, and soap before getting into the hot spring.
3. Don’t Wash Your Body or Hair in the Bathtub
The bathtub is for soaking and relaxing, not for washing. Use the shower or washing area to wash your body and hair.
Once you are clean, enter the bath and enjoy the hot spring.
4. Don’t Enter the Bath When Intoxicated
Hot spring water is warm, and bathing can affect your circulation and balance. Alcohol can make this more dangerous.
If you have been drinking, especially if you are intoxicated, do not enter the bath. It is safest to wait until you are sober before bathing.
5. Keep Glass and Other Breakable Items Out of the Bathing Area
Glass bottles, glasses, and other breakable objects should not be brought into the bathing area. Broken glass can be dangerous to you and other guests.
Always follow the facility’s rules about drinks and personal belongings.
6. Tie Up Your Hair if You Have Long Hair
If you have long hair, tie it up before entering the bath so that it does not touch the bath water.
A hair tie or clip is useful to have with you when visiting an onsen.
7. Dry Yourself Before Returning to the Changing Room
Before returning to the changing room, use your small towel to wipe off as much water as possible from your body.
This keeps the changing room floor dry and comfortable for everyone. After drying yourself completely, you can put on a yukata, the traditional casual clothing often provided at Japanese ryokans.
8. Walk, Don’t Run — and Don’t Swim
The floor around an onsen can be wet and slippery, so walk carefully in the bathing area.
Onsen baths are places to relax, not swimming pools. Avoid swimming, splashing, shouting, or disturbing other guests.
What If You’re Nervous About Your First Onsen?
If this is your first time visiting a Japanese hot spring, it is completely normal to feel a little nervous.
The good news is that you don’t need to know much to enjoy an onsen. Follow the basic rules above, watch what other guests are doing, and take your time.
If you would prefer more privacy, or if you have tattoos and are unsure about the rules at different facilities, there are also other ways to enjoy Japanese hot springs.
Private Onsen: A Relaxed Way to Experience Japanese Hot Springs
A private onsen allows you to enjoy a hot spring without sharing the bath with other guests. It can be especially comfortable for first-time visitors, couples, families, or anyone who simply wants to relax in private.
Read our guide to private onsen in Japan to learn about the different ways to enjoy a private hot spring.
What About Tattoos?
Tattoo policies vary from one onsen to another. Some facilities restrict tattoos in shared baths, while others welcome tattooed guests or offer private baths.
If you have tattoos, it is always a good idea to check the rules of the specific facility before visiting.
At Kashiwaya Ryokan in Shima Onsen, Gunma, all of our baths are tattoo-friendly. We also have three private open-air baths that guests can use free of charge without a reservation.
For more information, see our complete guide: Can You Go to Onsen with Tattoos in Japan?
Onsen Etiquette FAQ
Do I have to be completely naked in a Japanese onsen?
In most traditional Japanese onsen, yes. Swimsuits and underwear are generally not worn in the shared bathing area. However, rules can vary at some facilities, so check in advance if you are unsure.
Can I wear a swimsuit in a Japanese onsen?
Traditional onsens generally do not allow swimsuits in the bathing area. Some modern hot spring facilities or special bathing areas may have different rules.
Can I bring a towel into the onsen?
You can normally bring a small towel into the bathing area, but do not put it into the bath water. Leave it beside the bath or place it on your head.
Should I shower before entering an onsen?
Yes. Washing your body before entering the bathtub is one of the most important basic rules of onsen etiquette.
Can I wash my hair in an onsen?
You can wash your hair at the shower area, but not while sitting in the bathtub. If you have long hair, tie it up so that it does not touch the bath water.
Can I take a bath after drinking alcohol?
It is safest not to enter a hot spring while intoxicated. Wait until you are sober before bathing.
Can I take photos inside an onsen?
Photography is generally not allowed in shared bathing areas because guests are naked and privacy is important. Always follow the facility’s rules and never photograph other guests.
Can I go to an onsen if I have tattoos?
It depends on the facility. Some Japanese onsens restrict tattoos, while others are tattoo-friendly or offer private baths. Always check the rules before visiting.
Enjoy Your First Japanese Onsen
That’s all you need to know to get started. The most important things are simple: wash before entering, keep your towel out of the water, and respect other guests.
Once you know the basic rules, visiting an onsen is surprisingly easy. Take a shower, enter the bath, relax, and enjoy the hot spring.
Staying at a Japanese Ryokan?
If you are staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan, there are a few other customs that are useful to know, from entering your room to using a yukata and enjoying a ryokan meal.
Experience a Japanese Onsen at Kashiwaya Ryokan
Kashiwaya Ryokan is a small onsen ryokan in Shima Onsen, Gunma, surrounded by mountains and nature.
We have three private open-air baths that guests can use free of charge without a reservation. All of our baths are also tattoo-friendly.
If you are looking for a quiet place to experience a traditional Japanese hot spring, we’d be happy to welcome you to Shima Onsen.
Learn more about Kashiwaya Ryokan in Shima Onsen →
Comments
“Don’t be shameful!”
The rule “Watch others when washing or showering” was not a good translation because of the word “watch”. It translates as look at others while they wash or shower when it is not polite to stare. A better translation is “Be mindful of others… or be respectful of others…”
Thank you for the comment. I modified to “Be mindful”.
I laughed when I realised the mistake in the translation, “be mindful”
Actually a beautiful phrase, could be the title of a book.
I am white, from Africa, and we have places here where some go naked in some resorts, the warm summer sun and cool swimming pools make it a natural place to relax and enjoy nature,.. often, travelling in the world, being naked means having to separate yourself from clothed people, who don’t always understand.. I would worry about offending other Onsen visitors (as we know, there are some strange people out there, and it’s not easy to know who is who)
But, if ever any of you Japanese people come to South Africa, Google where to go, resorts, or beaches,.. speak to any of the people here and we will try make your visit a beautiful one ❤️