Japan Onsen Etiquette: Top 17 Dos and Don'ts

Japanese hot springs (onsen) offer a deeply relaxing and cultural experience. But for a smooth and authentic experience, you should follow the local customs.

Here we will share with you some important dos and don'ts for soaking in the Japanese onsens.

1. Do Not Wear Clothes in Japanese Hot Springs

In Japanese hot springs, bathing is done completely naked. Even swimsuits are not allowed.

You should take off all your clothes in the changing room. There are usually baskets for you to store your belongings. Look for upside-down baskets - this means they are clean and ready to use.

2. Do Not Enter an Onsen with Tattoos

In Japan, tattoos are still linked with gangs and can carry a negative image. That's why many public onsens don't allow guests with tattoos

But don't worry; it doesn't mean you'll miss out on the experience.

We usually help you book a private bath so you don't have to worry about your tattoos. Or we can plan visits to tattoo-friendly onsens, such as Spa World in Osaka or some of the family-run ryokans around Mt. Fuji.

3. Bring Your Own Bath Towel for Public Baths

If you visit a local public bath (sento or a small onsen, like Shibu Onsen in Nagano), you usually need to bring two towels: a small one for washing in the bath and a large one for drying in the changing room.

At onsen hotels or ryokan, towels are usually provided in your room, so you don't need to bring your own.

And don't worry if you forget, we will prepare that for you, or you can rent or buy one at the entrance.

4. Do not Wear Your Slippers into the Bathing areas

Put your shoes at the entrance to the changing room.

You'll usually find a small space, a rack, or a step right at the door for placing them. Be sure to take them off and line them up neatly with the toes facing out.

Once you enter the bathing area itself, you should always go barefoot—slippers are not allowed inside.

5. Wash Thoroughly Before Entering

Before you step into the bath, it's important to wash your body completely. Between the changing room and the bath area, you'll find a shower space with small stools - always sit while washing, never stand. Shampoo and soap are usually provided, so you don't need to bring your own.

After rinsing, use your small towel to dry off lightly before entering the onsen. Remember, you'll usually have two towels:

• A small towel for washing and drying yourself after rinsing
• A large towel to keep in the locker and use for drying off after your soak

Most onsen hotels prepare these for you, or you can rent them at the entrance.

6. Keep Your Towel Out of the Water

The small towel you bring should never touch the bath water. It is considered impolite.

You can place it neatly on the edge of the tub. Another option is to follow local custom and rest it on your head while you soak.

7. Do Not Let Your Hair Touch the Water

If you have long hair, tie it up so it doesn't get into the water.

Don't worry if you forget a hair tie; most onsen hotels provide thick, sturdy ones for guests.

8. Enter the Water Quietly

Step into the onsen slowly and calmly. Remember, this is not a swimming pool: no jumping, splashing, or swimming.

Move gently so you don't disturb others or splash water around.

9. Don't Talk Loudly

An onsen is a place for relaxation, so respect the calm atmosphere. If you are with friends, speak softly so you do not disturb others.

10. No Phones, Cameras, or Food in the Bathing Area

Only a small towel is allowed inside. Photography is strictly forbidden, and bringing food, drinks, or your phone is not permitted.

You may keep the small towel with you, usually resting on your head while you soak.

11. Return Bathing Equipment After Use

When you finish, put the bathing equipment back in place so it is clean for the next person.

Stools: Rinse off any soap or bubbles, then turn the stool upside down and place it back in its spot or against the wall to let it drain.

Buckets: Rinse clean, then stack them neatly in their original place, usually in a corner.

Shared combs: Remove any hair, rinse them at the sink, shake off excess water, and return them to the disinfecting box.

12. Start with the Low-Temperature Pool

In larger onsen areas, there are usually several pools with different temperatures. It's best to start with the lower-temperature pool to let your body adjust gradually.

If there's only one pool and it feels very hot, you can begin by soaking just your feet at the edge before fully entering.

Once your body is acclimated, you can move on to hotter pools, such as carbonated baths or sulfur springs.

13. Don't Soak Too Long

15–20 minutes is usually enough for one soak. Try not to stay in the hot spring for longer than 20 minutes at a time.

If the onsen has multiple pools, take a break for about 15 minutes in the rest area before moving on to the next one. Most onsens provide a comfortable rest area for exactly this purpose.

14. Dry Yourself Before Returning

Before you step back into the changing room, use your small towel to dry off most of the water from your body.

You should avoid dripping all over the floor. A few light footprints are fine, but try not to leave big puddles or a trail of water behind you.

15. Try the Outdoor Baths for a Unique Experience

Don't miss the chance to try an outdoor onsen (rotenburo) in Japan.

Soak in steaming water while surrounded by a forest or facing the ocean. During cherry blossom or autumn leaves season, you might see petals drifting on the water or be surrounded by vibrant fall colors—truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We recommend you enjoy the outdoor bath in Hakone or Hokkaido.

In Hakone, we will help you book a ryokan with an outdoor bath in the forest and enjoy peaceful mountain views; on clear days, you might even spot Mt. Fuji.

In Hokkaido, in the winter, enjoy soaking in an open-air bath surrounded by snow.

16. Book a Private Onsen if You Feel Shy

If you prefer not to soak in a public onsen, we can help you book a room with a private bath. Many ryokans in Hakone, such as Gora Hanaougi, offer rooms with their own private onsens.

Alternatively, we help you reserve private time in public baths. Many large public onsens, like Dogo Onsen, offer personal time slots so you can enjoy the hot springs in privacy.

17. Visit an Old Onsen Town for an Authentic Experience

For a truly local hot spring experience, we recommend visiting historic onsen towns such as Arima Onsen near Osaka or Shibu Onsen in Nagano.

Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the onsen atmosphere. Stay in a traditional wooden ryokan, wear a yukata and wooden sandals, stroll misty streets, and relax with a foot bath along the way. It's a peaceful, immersive experience. It is a truly peaceful and immersive experience.

We often include Arima Onsen in our itineraries for this experience.

In winter, we may plan a visit to Shibu Onsen in Nagano, combined with a trip to the Snow Monkey Park for a unique seasonal adventure.

Plan Your Japan Onsen Experience with us

Whether it's booking a private bath, trying the best outdoor pools, or visiting popular ryokans at the right time, we can help you plan it all. Our customized Japan onsen tours take care of reservations, timing, and all the little details, so you can just relax and enjoy the moment.

Let us help you create an authentic onsen experience in Japan.