Japanese Hot Springs: Relax in a Traditional Onsen

Take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance.

Store them in a cubby or on the floor at the entrance. Do NOT take them with you. Some onsens will provide slippers for you.

Head into the bathing area and scrub down.

Public bathing areas are almost always separated by gender (women’s side marked in red and the men’s in blue). Before you reach the hot spring itself, you’ll pass through a bathroom with shower stations that typically include seats. These showers are required.

In Japan’s public hot springs, like those in neighborhoods, you will need to bring your own bathing supplies (soap, shampoo, etc). However, private onsens and those located within ryokan will provide these products to you. Scrub your body thoroughly — like more than you think is necessary — before entering the spring water. If others think you haven’t done an adequate job, they will probably let you know. So make sure to get all those nooks and crannies.

Wash your hair and tie it back if it’s long. Do not get into the spring waters with your hair flying all around. Never dip your head into the water – and only submerged yourself up to your neck. This is not the time to do one of those water hair flip photos.

No bathing suits are allowed. Period.

Everyone else will be naked. Get over it. Just remember that this is a major part of the Japanese culture and they really aren’t concerned with checking out your bits. If you simply can’t stand the thought of getting naked in public, try a ryokan with private rotenburo (outside bath). They will be pricier than a traditional onsen but you won’t have to show off your private bits.

You can use the small onsen towel provided to you (like a washcloth) to attempt to hide yourself on your way to the water (don’t bring your big towel with you). Just don’t put your towel in the water. Ever. (Nothing should ever go into the spring water except for your beautiful naked body.) You can wet the towel in the shower area and set it to the side of the water when you get in and, when you get hot, do like the locals do – fold the towel and place it on your head to cool off.

Don’t bring your phone or camera.

I get it, Japanese hot springs are beautiful and magical. However, unless you’re in your own private area it’s completely in bad taste to even think about taking photographs. No one wants to wind up in the background of some picture on your Instagram feed.

Be respectful.

Going to an Japanese hot spring isn’t a party. It’s considered a meditative and spiritual time and the last thing anyone wants is some drunk tourist splashing and yelling. Keep your voice down and don’t run around. If you don’t think you can keep your inner rowdy at bay, try a private bath where you can behave as you’d like (within reason, of course).

The spring waters vary in temperature so, if you’re in the hottest water, it might be best to avoid alcohol before and after your dip. Keep yourself hydrated and, if you feel lightheaded, get out for a little bit. Most onsens sell ice-cold bottles of milk. Some Japanese claim the cold milk fends off headaches and dizziness after bathing. 

Double Dipping is Encouraged

This will likely be the only situation where you can double dip and remain in the good graces of others. It’s encouraged to get in and out of the healing onsen water (consider yourself a little piece of meat in a fondue pot!). However, one rule is that you wash off before changing pools.

Don’t run off after you’ve finished dipping into the spring water.

Most Japanese public and private hot springs have areas where you can sit back and relax after enjoying the therapeutic waters. Relaxation areas range from stools in dressing areas to massaging chairs and a bar to enjoy a glass of sake or a Kirin.