Japanese onsen offer a wonderful experience, but there are many etiquettes that can be confusing if you are not familiar with them. "Why can't I wear a swimsuit?" "Where should I place my towel?" "What should I do before bathing?"
Onsen etiquette is not just about rules. It reflects Japan's culture of cleanliness, consideration in public spaces, and respect for nature. By understanding and practicing these etiquettes, you can deeply appreciate Japanese onsen culture and earn the respect of other bathers.
Rule 1: Always Wash Your Body Before Bathing (Most Important!)
Rule
Before entering the bath, make sure to wash your entire body with soap. Just pouring water over yourself (kakeyu) is not enough.
Procedure
- Undress in the changing room
- Enter the bathroom
- Sit down and wash your body with soap
- Wash your hair with shampoo
- Rinse off all the soap thoroughly
- Then enter the bath
Why is this rule important?
The onsen bath is a public space shared by many people. By washing off sweat, dirt, and body oils before entering, you help keep the bath clean. Japanese people place a high value on cleanliness in public spaces. As a consideration for others, it is considered natural to wash your body before entering.
It is also important not to bring dirt into the onsen to maintain its components and benefits. As someone who visits onsens nationwide, I feel genuinely disappointed when I see people not following this basic etiquette.
Points to Note
There is no facility where "just kakeyu is OK." Always use soap to wash. Sit while washing to avoid splashing water or soap around.
Rule 2: Do Not Put Towels in the Bath
Rule
Do not put small towels or large bath towels in the bath under any circumstances.
Proper Use of Towels
Use a small towel (tenugui) when washing your body. When entering the bath, place it on your head or on the side of the bath. It's okay to use it to cover your body (only while moving).
Leave large bath towels in the changing room. Do not bring them into the bathroom.
Why is this rule important?
Towels can carry soap residues, body dirt, and fibers. If these dissolve into the bath, it deteriorates the water quality. Putting towels in a shared bath can make others uncomfortable.
I understand the desire to cover up out of embarrassment. It's okay to cover yourself with a towel while moving. But just before entering the bath, place the towel on the side or on your head. Placing it on your head is a traditional Japanese style and also keeps the towel from getting wet.
Rule 3: Tie Up or Gather Your Hair
Rule
Long hair must be tied up with a rubber band or clip. Floating hair in the bath is absolutely unacceptable.
Method
Put your hair in a bun, make a ponytail, secure it with a hair clip, or wrap it with a towel.
Why is this rule important?
Floating hair in the bath is considered one of the most unhygienic acts. Hair can carry dirt, oils, and shampoo residues. No one wants to enter a bath with someone else's hair floating in it.
Many facilities sell or provide hair ties for free at the entrance of the changing room or bathroom.
Rule 4: Bathe Quietly (Do Not Speak Loudly)
Rule
In the bathroom, remain quiet and calm. Avoid loud conversations, laughter, and boisterous behavior.
Appropriate Behavior
Speak softly (only when necessary), walk quietly, enter the bath quietly (do not jump in), and maintain a meditative atmosphere.
Why is this rule important?
Onsens are places for relaxation and healing of the mind and body. Maintaining a quiet environment allows everyone to deeply relax. In Japan, it is considered inappropriate to speak loudly in public places. This applies to trains, libraries, and onsens alike.
Japanese onsen culture has a meditative aspect. It values time spent in silence, reflecting on oneself. Personally, I love the silence when I enter an onsen. It's a time to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and quietly soak in the water. This time helps to bring peace to the mind.
In family baths or private baths, a slightly more relaxed atmosphere is acceptable.
Rule 5: Wearing Swimsuits is Generally NG
Rule
In most onsens and public baths, you bathe naked. Wearing swimsuits is prohibited.
Why are swimsuits NG?
Swimsuit fibers absorb onsen components, and chemicals can leach out from the fibers, altering the water quality. In Japan, there is a long-standing culture of "naked companionship." Onsens have existed as places where people become equal, regardless of social status or appearance. Also, swimsuits may carry dirt from outside.
Exception: Mixed-Gender Onsens
In some mixed-gender onsens, women can wear a special garment called "yuamigi." This is a special fabric made for onsen use.
Exception: Onsen Pools
Some facilities have onsen pools where swimsuits are required. This is a separate area from the bathing facilities.
Rule 6: Bathing After Drinking is Dangerous
Rule
Do not enter an onsen after drinking alcohol. It is extremely dangerous.
Why is it dangerous?
Alcohol dilates blood vessels. Onsen also dilates blood vessels. When these two combine, blood pressure can drop suddenly, leading to dizziness, fainting, or in the worst case, death.
In fact, many accidents in onsens are caused by bathing after drinking. "Having a drink after the onsen" is wonderful, but "drinking before the onsen" is something you should absolutely avoid.
How long should you wait?
After drinking, refrain from bathing for at least 2-3 hours. Wait until the alcohol is completely out of your system before bathing.
Rule 7: Avoid Bathing Right After Eating or When Hungry
Rule
Avoid bathing right after eating (within 30 minutes) and when hungry.
Why should you avoid it?
Right after eating, blood is concentrated in the digestive organs. Entering an onsen in this state can cause blood to disperse to the body surface, potentially leading to indigestion.
When hungry, blood sugar levels are low. Entering an onsen can further lower blood sugar, increasing the risk of dizziness or fainting.
Ideal Timing
The ideal time is 30 minutes to 1 hour after eating. At this point, digestion has started, and you still feel somewhat full.
Rule 8: Do Not Bring Phones or Cameras
Rule
Do not bring mobile phones, cameras, or smartphones into the bathroom. Absolutely not.
Why shouldn't you bring them?
It's about protecting privacy. There is a possibility of photographing naked others, so devices with camera functions are completely prohibited. In fact, photographing in the bathroom is sometimes legally prohibited.
I understand the desire to take pictures. However, respect the privacy of others. In many facilities, it is okay to photograph the exterior of the changing room or bathroom. Check with the facility.
Rule 9: Avoid Long-term Occupation
Rule
When it's crowded, do not monopolize washing areas or popular baths for a long time.
How to Be Considerate
Give up the washing area as soon as you finish washing. For popular baths (jet baths, open-air baths, etc.), during busy times, limit your time to 5-10 minutes before letting the next person in. Look around to see if others are waiting.
Japanese Culture of Consideration
In Japan, "consideration for others" is highly valued. Think not only of yourself but also of the comfort of those around you. This is the beauty of Japanese onsen culture.
Rule 10: Supervise Children Properly
Rule
When bathing with children, supervise them properly.
Points to Note
Do not let them run around, do not let them make loud noises, and be careful not to let them bump into others. Many facilities restrict bathing for children who are not toilet trained.
Age Restrictions for Children
Many onsen facilities have age restrictions for children entering gender-segregated baths. Generally, up to 7-10 years old. After that, they must enter the bath corresponding to their gender.
Other Important Etiquettes
Tattoos
Prohibited in many facilities. Check with the facility in advance. Small tattoos may be covered with a seal.
History of Tattoos
In Japan, tattoos have historically been marks of criminals or symbols of the yakuza (organized crime groups). Therefore, they are prohibited in many facilities. Fashion tattoos are not yet fully accepted.
Bathing During Menstruation
Bathing during menstruation is generally discouraged. This is for hygienic reasons and out of consideration for other users.
Illness or Injury
If you have open wounds or infections, refrain from bathing. This is for the consideration of others and for your own health.
The Meaning of Following Onsen Etiquette
Following onsen etiquette is not just about adhering to rules. It is a way to respect Japanese culture, show consideration for others, and ensure you have the best onsen experience.
As someone who visits onsens nationwide, I feel genuinely happy when I see foreign travelers following etiquette. Sharing the wonderful experience of an onsen, transcending cultural differences, is truly amazing.
You may feel confused at first. You may be resistant to being naked. But once you understand and practice this etiquette, you will truly understand the depth and beauty of Japanese onsen culture.
Conclusion: Etiquette is Respect for Culture
Onsen etiquette embodies Japan's culture of cleanliness, consideration for others, and respect for nature. By following these etiquettes, you can deeply understand Japanese culture and earn the respect of other bathers.
Wash your body before bathing, do not put towels in the bath, tie up your hair, stay quiet, bathe naked, do not enter after drinking, be mindful of meal timing, do not take photos, do not monopolize for long, supervise children.
Follow these etiquettes and fully enjoy Japanese onsen culture.
