Onsen (温泉) — Japan’s natural hot spring baths — are one of the great pleasures of living in Japan. But first-timers often make mistakes that cause embarrassment. Here’s everything you need to know.
Types of Onsen
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 露天風呂 (Rotenburo) | Outdoor bath — often the most scenic |
| 内湯 (Uchiyu) | Indoor bath |
| 貸切風呂 (Kashikiri-buro) | Private/reserved bath — book in advance |
| 混浴 (Konyoku) | Mixed-gender bath — increasingly rare |
| 日帰り温泉 (Higaeri onsen) | Day-trip onsen — no overnight stay needed |
The Basic Rules
Before You Enter
- Pay at the front desk (番台) — usually ¥500–1,500 for day use
- Separate by gender — men (男/♂) and women (女/♀) use different entrances
- Remove shoes at the entrance, store in lockers
In the Changing Room (脱衣所)
- Undress completely — swimwear is not allowed in traditional onsen
- Store clothes and valuables in a locker
- Bring your small towel (tenugui) into the bath area
At the Washing Station (洗い場)
- Always wash your entire body before entering the bath — this is non-negotiable
- Sit at a washing station (individual shower station with stool and bucket)
- Use the soap and shampoo provided (or bring your own)
- Rinse all soap off completely before entering the hot spring
In the Bath
- Keep your small towel out of the water (fold it on your head or set it aside)
- No splashing, swimming, or loud talking
- Don’t drain or dirty the water
- Rinse off again after soaking if you’ve been sweating heavily
Tattoo Policy
This is the biggest issue for many foreigners. Most traditional onsen and public baths do not allow tattoos due to historical association with the yakuza.
Your options if you have tattoos:
- Book a private bath (貸切風呂) — most ryokan offer these; tattoos are usually OK
- Look for tattoo-friendly onsen — search “タトゥーOK 温泉” or check sites like Tattoo-Friendly Japan
- Cover with bandages — allowed at some places for small tattoos
What to Bring
Provided at most onsen:
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Large towels (rental or included)
- Hair dryers in the changing room
Bring yourself:
- Small towel (tenugui) — ¥100 at convenience stores
- Change of clothes
- Moisturizer (the minerals dry out skin for some people)
Finding Onsen Near You
- Google Maps — search “日帰り温泉” near your location
- Jalan (じゃらん) or Relux — for ryokan with onsen
- Nifty Onsen — onsen.nifty.com — largest onsen database in Japan
Health Warnings
- Don’t drink alcohol before soaking — dizziness risk
- Limit soaking time — 15–20 minutes per session, especially for the hotter baths
- Rinse off with cooler water before leaving if you feel lightheaded
- People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or pregnancy should consult a doctor first
Cost
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Public sento (銭湯) | ¥500–700 |
| Day-use onsen facility | ¥800–2,000 |
| Ryokan day-use with onsen | ¥2,000–5,000 |
| Private bath at ryokan | ¥2,000–8,000/hour |