Visiting a Japanese onsen is an essential experience for travelers coming to Japan and is also a treasured national cultural asset for the Japanese people. In addition to knowing about the world-famous Kusatsu, Beppu, and Hakone hot springs, did you know that in 2019, Japan even introduced its first “Onsen Celebrity Certification Exam”? It tested the public's knowledge about Japanese onsens and even has its own onsen law. Onsens are truly very important to the Japanese, which is why there are many rules and requirements for bathing in them—so take notes quickly.
Differences in Japanese Onsen Facilities and Operating Hours
When visiting a Japanese onsen, you must first understand the differences so you can choose the right facility for your needs. First, there are two types of bathing facilities: open-air baths (rotenburo) and private rental baths (kashikiri-buro).
The former, as the name implies, refers to outdoor, open-air hot spring facilities, while the latter refers to privately rentable baths (available both indoors and outdoors, depending on the hotel), usually of a smaller size, suitable for couples or small families, and often requiring advance reservation at the Japanese inn. Additionally, the large baths commonly seen in Japanese hotels are indoor communal bathing areas that can accommodate many people.
In terms of usage time, Japanese onsens are divided into two types: day-use (hiruyori) and overnight-stay (shukuhaku). The former is for travelers who wish to use the onsen for a short time and return home the same day, with usage time typically limited to two to three hours. The latter is for guests staying overnight at an onsen ryokan; as long as they follow the opening hours (usually closing between midnight and early morning, depending on the inn’s rules), there are no restrictions on usage time.
This means you can plan your itinerary accordingly—you don’t necessarily have to stay at an onsen ryokan to enjoy a Japanese onsen. It’s entirely possible to have a short experience during the day and return to your original accommodation.
Japanese Onsen Water Quality and Treatment Methods
Most Japanese onsen ryokan display signs certified by the Japan Onsen Association, indicating that the onsen water is natural, along with information on how the facility treats the water. Different water qualities and treatment methods can also affect the price.
The types of Japanese onsen waters are categorized into various kinds, such as simple hot springs, alkaline springs, carbonated springs, carbon dioxide springs, and more. Each type, depending on its chemical composition, offers different therapeutic benefits. Travelers hoping for specific effects from their soak can look up options based on their needs.
The treatment methods for Japanese onsen water also vary slightly, mainly divided into kakenagashi (flowing water) onsens and circulation baths. The former involves continuously pumping the purest onsen water into the bath area, where used water flows away and is not reused. Because this method retains higher levels of natural minerals, its therapeutic effects are generally more pronounced. The latter refers to water that is filtered, sterilized, and then recirculated back into the bath, making it more environmentally friendly and usually cheaper than the former.
Japanese Onsen Bathing Rules & Etiquette
Inside Japanese onsen facilities, there are usually pre-bath notices and regulations translated into multiple languages. First-time visitors to Japan’s onsens should definitely read them carefully to avoid causing discomfort or showing disrespect to local culture.
Pre-Bathing Considerations
1. Confirm How to Wear and Where to Wear the Yukata:Most onsen ryokan provide traditional Japanese yukata for guests. You can check with the ryokan at check-in whether you’re allowed to wear the yukata in public areas such as the lobby or dining room. Rules vary by establishment. The proper way to wear a yukata is to first drape it over yourself, open the left side panel, wrap the right side over your body, and then tightly tuck the left side over the right to secure the garment.
II. Be Sure to Hydrate Properly Before Entering the Bath:As your body loses moisture the longer you soak in the hot spring, the Japanese strongly advise drinking enough water beforehand.
III. Never Enter a Hot Spring After Drinking Alcohol or When Overly Fatigued:To avoid losing control due to alcohol consumption, which could lead to dangerous situations such as fainting or dehydration after entering the bath, the Japanese caution against using hot springs immediately after drinking. If you’re extremely tired, don’t assume the hot spring will instantly refresh you—falling asleep in the bath can be hazardous.
IV. Scoop a Few Ladles of Water to Acclimate Your Body to the Temperature Before Entering:To prevent a sudden spike in blood pressure, the Japanese typically advise travelers to scoop some bath water over their bodies before entering, allowing them to adjust to the hot spring’s temperature and avoid any potential risks.
Bathing Rules
I. Tattooed Individuals Are Not Allowed to Bathe:Most hot spring inns do not permit people with tattoos to enter the bathing area, as traditional Japanese culture associates tattoos with the yakuza or underworld figures. Seeing tattooed individuals in the bathhouse can cause discomfort, so those with tattoos are strongly advised not to enter the hot spring baths. (Currently, some areas have establishments that accept tattooed guests—tattooed travelers are encouraged to check the website in advance:Tattoo Friendly)
II. Leave All Clothing in the Locker:Upon entering the bathing area, you can usually find the changing room and lockers based on signage. Please undress here and neatly store all clothing in the locker. Inns typically provide lockers with keys where you can keep your room key or valuables, and these locker keys can be brought into the bath. Just bring the small towel provided by the inn—the rest of your clothes should stay in the locker.
III. Do Not Wear Underwear or Swimwear While Bathing:The Japanese are very protective of hot spring water quality, so visitors are asked not to wear any clothing (including swimwear) in the bath to prevent fibers or lint from contaminating the water. Don’t feel shy about bathing naked in Japan—leave the clothes behind.
IV. Do Not Submerge Towels Provided by the Inn:Shy guests may use the small towels provided by the inn to cover themselves while walking from the washing area to the bath, but remember—these towels must not go into the water. Typically, towels are left in the washing area, placed beside the bath, or folded into a square and placed on the head. To protect water quality, towels are never allowed in the bath.
V. Tie Up Your Hair to Keep the Water Clean:Ladies, please tie your hair up with a hairband or shower cap—never let it soak in the water. This is not only a matter of etiquette but also helps maintain the quality of the hot spring water.
Bathing Etiquette
I. Rinse Off Thoroughly Before Enjoying the Hot Spring:Each bath is equipped with a designated washing area, usually consisting of individual stalls with a small wooden chair, ladle, or showerhead. No matter your usual habits, please sit on the wooden chair to wash your body. This prevents splashing onto others nearby, and rinsing off first makes the bathing experience much more comfortable. If you wear makeup, be sure to remove it before soaking.
- Special Reminder: Do not wash your clothes in the washing area.
II. No Swimming, Loud Talking, or Washing in the Bath:For the Japanese, soaking in a hot spring is the ultimate form of relaxation. Therefore, do not let your children swim or play in the bath, avoid loud conversations with friends, or wash your body in the hot spring pool—all of which are considered highly disrespectful. Remember, hot springs hold a national treasure-like status in Japan.
III. Dry Off Before Returning to the Changing Area:Recall the earlier tip about bringing the small towel provided by the inn? After finishing your soak, be sure to dry your body with the towel before entering the changing or locker area. This helps maintain a clean and comfortable public space and shows that international visitors also respect local customs and public decency.
Planning to soak in an onsen in Japan for some relaxation? First, choose the right hot spring facilities based on your needs, then explore the unique types of onsen water, and finally, remember the onsen etiquette mentioned above. With these tips, you’re all set for a relaxing onsen experience in Japan this winter!
By Rebecca.L | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team