How To Onsen: 8 Essential Onsen Etiquette Tips & The Best Onsen Towns In Japan

If you’re planning on visiting some onsen towns in Japan, knowing how to onsen will make all the difference!

One of the best things about visiting Japan is just how much there to see, do and learn there.

Japan is a truly magical country, with countless customs and unique traditions to encounter.

And one of the most soothing Japanese traditions you could experience during your trip to Japan is onsen.

What is onsen?

An onsen is a natural hot spring used for bathing, and Japan has PLENTY of them.

Japan is a volcanically active country and the natural hot springs are the result of Japan’s geothermal activity.

For travellers, they’re a great way to see how nature and tradition interact – which also makes visiting them a great ecotourism experience.

Visiting the town’s public onsen was a necessity before Japanese houses had their own showers and bathtubs, but many people still visit onsen today.

The heat and minerals found in the natural pools are said to improve circulation, moisturise the skin and speed up recovery.

But the biggest benefit I noticed wasn’t to do with my body at all. It was my mind.

As we walked out into the Hokkaido snow after our first onsen experience, we all looked more relaxed and refreshed than I thought possible.

Once you’ve visited an onsen and felt that extreme relaxation yourself, you’ll understand why onsen are still so popular in Japan.

In fact, onsen is such a popular tradition in Japan that you’ll even find monkeys bathing in hot springs…

Why visit an onsen in Japan

Even though you could easily watch the bathing monkeys all day, don’t forget to pull yourself away and try the (human) onsen for yourself.

And after hearing about all the health benefits of onsen, you might be wondering why you wouldn’t…

Well, here’s the thing: you have to bathe nude.

There’s no need to pack your bathing suit because you use onsen in your birthday suit.

There’s a chance you’re completely unfazed by that small revelation, but there’s a good chance it’s put you off a little.

There are usually separate public baths – or separate times – for men and women, but stripping off still puts many travellers off.

Yes, it can be scary if it’s your first time visiting an onsen. Perhaps it might even feel like a little too much if it’s your first time in Japan.

Given how private Japanese people are, this common part of Japanese culture may even seem a little unusual at first.

But I promise it’s something you won’t regret and could even be your favourite experience in Japan. It’s certainly a way to immerse yourself in the culture!

How to onsen

So, if you’re thinking about visiting an onsen in Japan (which you totally should!), it’s important to know how to onsen.

Trust me on this one. Understanding how to onsen will help you avoid any embarrassing faux pas and will also make sure you have the best possible experience

After all, plucking up the courage to bare all is a lot easier when you the know what in the world you’re supposed to be doing. So let’s talk about that.

The first thing you’ll notice on entering some onsen is just how big – and steamy – the bathing area can be, especially in a large onsen resort.

If you’re feeling shy, these are both positive things: the number of baths normally means you can have one all to yourself if you like, and the steam means you (and everyone else there) can’t see anything too clearly.

Before you get to the steamy part, however, you’ll have to take a shower.

After locking your things away in the locker area of the dressing room – and grabbing a modesty towel or robe – you’ll walk through into a kind of funny looking area.

Basic Japanese onsen etiquette

This shower area is for washing, scrubbing and doing whatever else you need to do to keep the onsen bath water pure for everyone.

These onsen facilities – much like everything else in Japan – are highly logical when you know what you’re doing. But they can seem a little intimidating if you’re not sure how to onsen!

Before you enter the hot bath area, simply choose a small stool, sit facing the wall and hose yourself down with the mini shower head in front of you.

Here, you can also lather up with soap and shampoo if you wish – just make sure you rinse it all off before entering the onsen baths.

And now the fun begins!

Smaller onsen might only have one pool, but many of the larger ones have multiple pools at different temperatures.

The water temperature of each hot spring bath will usually be marked on the wall next to it. It’s worth checking before dipping a toe because some can get pretty hot!

Some onsen may have a jacuzzi or sauna along with a mix of outdoor bath and an indoor bathhouse.

I’d recommend going for either the biggest onsen you can find if you want the full experience or the smallest onsen you can find if you want the most authentic.

Proper etiquette for using onsen towels

One of the most confusing parts for travellers who don’t know how to onsen is knowing the proper onsen etiquette regarding towels.

When you enter the onsen, you’ll be given (or be able to rent) two types of towel.

That’s because, even though you’re supposed to bathe nude in an onsen, you don’t have to walk around completely naked.

The first towel that you will take is a large towel and this is your usual bathe towel for drying off fully. It should be left in the locker room while you’re using the onsen area.

The second is a small face towel for drying yourself before entering the changing area.

Many onsen guests use this second towel to cover themselves while moving around the onsen. Sure, it won’t cover everything, but holding it in front of you will make you feel less exposed.

One important thing to note about onsen etiquette is that this small towel must not touch the water or get wet. If you do, it will be a giveaway that you don’t know how to onsen!

While in the baths, you can fold it and leave it on the edge of the bath or place it on top of your head. In my experience, most people do the latter.

Onsen etiquette

So, now you know the basics of how to onsen, let’s get a little more specific on some more specific onsen etiquette (and what to avoid in an onsen!).

The only thing worse than looking like an idiot is looking like an idiot in the nude… so here’s how to avoid that.

You’ll usually find everything you need to know on the walls of the public places as you enter, but here are some onsen rules you should definitely know!

You have to bathe naked

I know we’ve already gone over this one, but it’s kinda important. If you’re feeling anxious, rest assured that nobody will stare or look at you.

Even when they’re walking around naked, the Japanese are very modest and reserved. The good news is you’ll never be shy stripping down to your swimsuit again!

Shower first 

The thought of jumping into a communal bath sounds a bit gross, doesn’t it? That’s why there are showers to wash yourself before entering the onsen.

In fact, the Japanese find the idea of bathing in dirty water so gross that they shower before bathing in their own homes too.

It’s unlikely that anyone will say anything if you head straight to the onsen area, but it will certainly make others uncomfortable.

Keep your head above water 

Just like your towel, your head shouldn’t touch the onsen water.

If you have long hair, you should also tie it up so it doesn’t touch the water.

Do not swim

Visiting an onsen is supposed to be relaxing, so save the breaststroke for the hotel pool.

To keep the onsen a peaceful place, you should speak in a hushed whisper at most and avoid running or splashing.

Do you have tattoos?

Tattoos are still taboo in Japan due to their association with the Japanese mafia gangs.

While this is slowly changing – especially in onsen that openly welcome foreigners – it’s something to be conscious of.

If you have large tattoos that cannot be covered, it might be best to avoid the communal onsen and look for a ryokan (something that’s well worth doing in Kyoto) with a private onsen instead.

Check out the best ryokans in Japan for a private onsen experience.

No photos allowed

It should probably go without saying, but cameras are a big no-no in the onsen.

Even though I usually take all my own travel photos, there’s a reason why all the photos I use in this post had to come from a stock photo website!

The same goes for peeking into the opposite gender’s side… Leave your phone in the locker with your clothes, embrace the nudity and enjoy the experience.

An important note on female onsen etiquette

Unfortunately, if you happen to have your period while travelling in Japan, it’s best to save the onsen visit for another time.

As disappointing as it might be, blood – just like tattoos – is still a taboo subject in Japan.

Therefore, even if you are using a tampon, it’s best to wait until your period has finished before taking the plunge.

How to visit an onsen in Japan

If you can, I highly recommend visiting an onsen somewhere snowy.

Nothing beats slipping in to the hot spring water when the air is icy, which is why visiting the Hokkaido hot springs was one of my highlights of Japan.

The snowy mountains and steamy landscapes were a world away from the colourful streets of Tokyo and something I just wasn’t expecting from our time there.

I would even go as far as to say it’s the best onsen in Japan… but I haven’t even visited half of them. There are so many onsen towns in Japan, after all!

If you’re planning to visit Hokkaido during your trip to Japan, visiting an onsen is a must – especially if you’re visiting Japan in the winter!

The contrasting temperatures and sparse land make it the ideal setting for a totally chilled out day, especially if followed by a hot bowl of creamy Hokkaido ramen. Mmmm.

If you can’t get to Hokkaido, however, don’t worry. Even if you’re only planning to stay in and around Tokyo, you don’t have to miss out on the onsen experience.

From Osaka to Kyoto, you’ll find onsen all over Japan, many of which you can even visit on a bullet train day trip from Tokyo.

The best onsen towns in Japan

Given that there are more than 3,000 onsen towns in Japan, there are plenty to choose from.

Even if you have one week in Japan or less, there’s no reason why you won’t be able to find time to visit one of the many onsen towns in Japan to learn how to onsen and enjoy the onsen experience for yourself.

One of the best ways to squeeze an onsen experience into your trip is by staying in a ryokan with an on-site onsen.

Many have their own private bath, which is particularly helpful if you’re feeling shy or worried about remembering all the etiquette rules about how to onsen.

Hakone onsen is one of the most popular and is an easy day trip from Tokyo.

It’s also one of the most popular spots for viewing Mount Fuji, so it’s the perfect way to combine the two.

Other famous onsen towns in Japan include Kusatsu Onsen, which is a little further north but still easy to access.

Noboribetsu, where I had my first onsen experience in Hokkaido, is also a great place for getting acquainted with how to onsen because it’s a first for many visitors there.

Whichever onsen you end up near, do go in and check it out. It’s such a unique experience and one that you’ll almost definitely want to repeat.

THE BEST ONSEN TOURS

Knowing how to onsen, including some basic onsen etiquette, will certainly make visiting an onsen in Japan more enjoyable than stressful.

However, if you want to make it as simple and easy as possible, why not join an onsen town tour?

Here are some of the best Japan onsen tour options:

• Tattoos are welcome in this Tokyo onsen, with a drink of your choice include
• This full-day tour from Tokyo will show you all the highlights of Hakone, including the famous onsen.
• Love cycling and the outdoors? This 6-day tour from Fukuoka to Bekku includes relaxing evenings in onsen towns along the way