Onsen Etiquette 101: How to Use a Japanese Hot Spring 🛁

First time at a Japanese onsen? Don’t worry—bathing in a communal hot spring can feel unfamiliar, but once you know the basics, it’s easy and deeply rewarding. This guide covers essential onsen etiquette, including how to wash, what not to do, and tips to avoid cultural faux pas.

Not sure about the rules or what to expect when you bathe? Be sure to also check out our complete guide to onsen etiquette for a step-by-step breakdown on how to use an onsen like a local.

🌿 Why Does Onsen Etiquette Matter in Japan?

Using a Japanese onsen isn’t just a way to relax, it’s a cultural ritual. When you follow proper onsen manners, you're showing respect to others and participating in a centuries-old tradition that celebrates cleanliness, quietness, and calm.

👣 Step-by-Step Onsen Etiquette: What to Do from Start to Finish

Now on how to actually bathe in an onsen.

1. Enter the Right Section

At the entrance, you'll see curtains:

男（おとこ） – Blue: Men’s bath

女（おんな） – Red or pink: Women’s bath

Unless you’ve reserved a 貸切風呂（kashikiri buro）private bath, the genders are separate. Japan is still very much of the traditional male and female setup.

2. Undress in the Changing Room（脱衣所）

Inside the 脱衣所（だついじょ）, follow these steps:

Remove all clothing. No swimsuits allowed.

Store items in a basket or locker. Bonus points for actually folding your clothes.

Keep your small towel with you for modesty, but do not bring it into the water.

Don't bring the big towel into the bathing area - that's for drying off after you've come out of the water. Keep that in your locker or basket.

Most ryokan will also give you a 浴衣（ゆかた） to wear before and after your soak. You can keep that in your locker/basket too.

3. Wash Before Entering the Bath（洗い場）

This is the most important part of Japanese onsen manners.

At the shower stations:

Sit on a stool. You can rinse it with water if you want.

Use provided shampoo and soap to wash every part of your body.

Rinse thoroughly—no suds should enter the bath!

Pour a かけ湯（kakeyu） (bucket of hot water) over yourself one last time before entering the soaking pool.

🧼 Why? The onsen bath is a shared space. Everyone must enter clean. Japan is a stickler for cleanliness, so it's a show of respect to fellow bathers as well.

4. Enter the Bath Calmly and Quietly

Once clean, you can enjoy the onsen:

Ease into the bath slowly—it can be very hot! Sometimes it helps to ease your feet in first, then the rest of your body, up to your neck.

Don't put your head in the water.

Do not bring your towel into the water. Fold it and place it on your head or the bath edge.

Tie up long hair.

No diving, swimming, or loud voices.

You can bathe for 15-20 minutes total to get your body relaxed. If there are multiple baths, try them all! You can alternate hot and cold baths or take breaks to avoid dizziness. Some people get out of the water and use the sauna before heading out, if provided.

If your fingers and toes start wrinkling, it's time to get out - you're getting dehydrated. Time for a bottle of milk (another Japanese tradition)!

Other Important Onsen Rules...

Can you have a tattoo at an onsen?

Tattoos are historically linked to the yakuza (organized crime), so some baths still ban them. However,

Tattoo-friendly onsen are increasing, especially in places like Beppu, Kusatsu, and Kinosaki.

Cover small tattoos with a waterproof seal (ask to be sure the particular onsen allows this, as some don't)

Private baths (貸切風呂) are a great alternative.

You can find tattoo-friendly options on Tattoo Go and other new sites popping up.

Common mistakes at an onsen

To avoid common mistakes, remember this onsen etiquette checklist!

❌ Don’t skip washing before soaking

❌ Don’t bring towels into the water

❌ Don’t splash, swim, or talk loudly

❌ Don’t bring cameras or phones into the bath

❌ Don’t use soap or shampoo in the soaking bath

❌ Don’t stare—it’s a shared, respectful space

Final Thoughts

Mastering onsen etiquette isn’t just about following rules—it’s about immersing yourself in one of Japan’s most calming and respectful cultural experiences. If in doubt, observe others, go slow, and enjoy the quiet.

After your soak, treat yourself to a bottle of milk from the vending machine—it’s a Japanese tradition!