Japanese Onsen Etiquette: 10 Things to Know Before You Bathe
Your friendly guide to Japan’s hot spring culture — from an ordinary Japanese guy who likes to ask questions.
Hello, everyone! It’s your Japanese uncle again.
If you visit Japan, there’s one experience I really recommend trying.
An onsen — a Japanese hot spring.
For many Japanese people, soaking in a hot bath is one of life’s simple pleasures.
You get into the water, relax your shoulders, close your eyes, and say…
“Ahhhhh…”
That’s it. Happiness achieved. (Haha!)
But if you’re visiting Japan for the first time, you might have a few questions.
Do you really have to get naked?
Should you wash before or after getting into the bath?
What should you do with your towel?
Can you wear a swimsuit?
And what if you have a tattoo?
Don’t worry. You don’t need to memorize a thousand rules to enjoy an onsen.
However, there are a few important customs worth knowing before you go.
I looked into the subject and put together this simple guide to help first-time visitors enjoy Japan’s hot springs without feeling lost.
Let’s get started!
First, Three Important Rules
1. Wash Your Body Before Entering the Bath
This is probably the most important rule.
Don’t jump straight into the hot spring.
First, go to the washing area and clean your body with soap and water. Rinse away all the soap before entering the bath.
Why?
Because everyone shares the same bathwater.
The idea is simple: clean yourself before enjoying the water with other people.
At home, you might think, “It’s my own bathtub. Who cares?” (Haha!)
But a public onsen is different.
Keeping the shared water clean helps everyone enjoy the experience.
2. Pour Hot Water Over Your Body Before Getting In
In Japan, this custom is called kakeyu.
Before entering the bath, use a small bucket to pour some of the hot spring water over your body.
Start with your feet and legs, then gradually work your way upward.
Why do people do this?
It helps your body adjust to the water temperature before you get in. This is particularly important when the bath is hot or when you’re coming in from cold weather.
Sudden temperature changes can put stress on your body, so don’t rush.
If you feel dizzy or unwell, get out of the bath carefully and seek help if necessary.
I know, I know.
You’ve finally arrived at a beautiful Japanese hot spring, and all you want to do is jump in!
I get it. (Haha!)
But take your time. Your body will thank you.
3. Keep Your Towel Out of the Bathwater
You’ll often see people carrying a small towel into an onsen.
But there’s one important rule:
Don’t put your towel in the bathwater.
So, where does it go?
Some people fold it and leave it beside the bath. Others place it on top of their heads.
Yes, that little towel sitting on someone’s head is a familiar sight at Japanese hot springs!
Keeping the towel out of the water helps keep the shared bath clean.
There’s another interesting detail, too.
Some bathers use a cool, wet towel on their heads to help keep their heads cool while soaking in hot water.
It’s not a mandatory rule, and not everyone does it. But now you know why you might see it!
---
So far, you’ve learned the three basics:
・Wash your body before entering.
・Pour some water over yourself before getting in.
・Keep your towel out of the bathwater.
Easy enough, right?
But there are a few more things worth knowing.
What should you do with long hair?
Is it okay to swim in a large outdoor bath?
Can you take photos?
And what happens if you have a tattoo?
Imagine finally reaching that beautiful hot spring you’ve been dreaming about, only to discover that you don’t know how anything works.
That would be a shame.
So, let’s look at seven more things that can help you enjoy your first Japanese onsen experience.
---
Continue Reading: Seven More Onsen Tips
The remaining seven tips cover hair, bathing-room manners, photography, swimwear, tattoos, and what to do before leaving the bath.
They’ll help you understand not just what to do, but why these customs matter in Japan.
This is where the paid section begins.
---
