Visiting a Japanese hot spring, or Onsen, is one of the most traditional and memorable experiences you can have during your trip. They are absolutely wonderful, but they also come with some very specific and important rules of etiquette you should know.

Luckily, you won’t have to worry about making a cultural mistake, because we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to look like a pro.

Before You Go to a Japanese Hot Spring

Most traditional Japanese onsen have a strict ban on tattoos, especially large ones. If you have a very small tattoo, you can usually use a simple, skin-colored cover-up patch to hide it while you are bathing. If that isn’t an option, you can always seek out tattoo-friendly baths that are available in some areas.

Another very important thing to keep in mind is that swimsuits are never worn in a Japanese hot spring. Almost all onsen in Japan are strictly for nude bathing. The hot spring facilities are gender separated, so you don’t need to feel uncomfortable about this tradition. Women will be bathing with women, and men will be bathing with men.

What to Do Inside the Onsen

When you first arrive, you’ll enter the designated dressing room and need to remove all of your clothing. You should place everything in the provided locker or basket before proceeding into the bathing area.

Japanese Hot Spring Locker Room

When you’re ready, you should grab your small towel and proceed into the bathing area. The first step is to choose a vacant stool and have a seat at one of the washing stations. It’s customary to take a sit-down shower here because standing to shower has the potential of spraying water all over the place and inconveniencing others.

Showers at a Small Japanese Hot Spring

Once you are completely cleaned off, you can then get into the main bath. It is crucial that you don’t jump in or make a big splash. Instead, ease yourself into the bath slowly, just as you would when entering a hot tub. Be aware that the small towel you brought shouldn’t ever be submerged into the water.

Small Towel Placed on the Side of the Japanese Hot Spring

You can fold this towel and either place it on the edge of the tub or put it on top of your head. Once you are settled, all you have to do is sit back, relax, soak, and enjoy the healing waters.

When you’re done, step out and use your small towel to quickly dry off the excess water on your body. If your towel gets soaked during this process, simply wring it out and continue to dry a little bit more. You don’t need to be perfectly dry, but you should make sure that you aren’t soaking wet when you return to the locker room.

What Not to Do

Now, let’s talk about the specific actions you should absolutely avoid doing inside the bathing area. Never submerge your head, your towel, or get any soap into the hot spring water. For women, it’s important to make sure your hair is tied up so that it doesn’t go into the water. This is a matter of cleanliness and respect for the communal bath.

No Soap in Japanese Hot Springs

Do not swim, dive, or splash around once you’re in the onsen itself. Remember, this is a place for quiet relaxation, not a swimming pool. Photos and videos are also prohibited inside a Japanese hot spring, as privacy is strictly protected.

No Swimming in Japanese Onsen

You must also avoid taking phone calls or bringing your phone into the bathing area with you. It is also important that you do not eat or drink inside the bathing space. Finally, the bath is meant to be relaxing, so try not to scream, shout, or talk loudly, though some quiet conversation is fine.

Special Onsen Situations

There are a couple of special situations you might encounter that are good to know about. In some places, especially traditional inns, called Ryokan, there may be private onsen available to reserve. This is a fantastic option for families, couples, or anyone with tattoos that can’t be covered with a patch.

Private Japanese Hot Spring at a Ryokan

You should be aware that private onsen usually come with an extra cost, and their availability is often limited. You’ll also find what are known as foot baths, called Ashiyu, all over hot spring towns throughout Japan. They are an easy way to enjoy the benefits of the natural hot spring waters without having to undress completely.

What to Take Away

By knowing these basic dos and don’ts, you’ll be able to relax with total confidence in a Japanese hot spring. This small amount of effort will show a great deal of respect for the traditional Japanese culture. You’ll be able to fully enjoy one of Japan’s most unique experiences while looking like an absolute pro.