Visiting a Japanese onsen is one of the most relaxing and uniquely Japanese experiences you can have—but mastering Japanese onsen etiquette is key to fully enjoying it. Forget the rules, and you might find yourself unintentionally offending someone—or worse, becoming bathhouse gossip. Don’t worry, though! With a little guidance, you can soak like a pro. Here are the essential tips to help you navigate the onsen with ease and avoid any awkward moments.
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips and tricks for traveling in Japan. Nagano has some of the best onsen in Japan—it’s also where snow monkeys live their best spa life. Want to see them in action? Don’t miss this tour! ---> Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

Understanding Onsen Culture
Exploring onsen customs opens a world filled with tradition and importance. For centuries, onsen, or hot springs, have been places where people gather for multiple reasons such as healing, socializing, and maybe even a little gossip. I’m no history buff, but with Japan’s mountains and volcanoes bubbling away, onsen are basically as old as Japan itself. So when you soak, you’re diving into a piece of ancient Japanese culture—just without the samurai.
These days, onsen are more than just relaxing getaways—they’re a major boost to local economies, especially in Japan’s charming onsen towns. Japanese and foreign tourists flock to these hot spring havens year-round, but winter is when they really shine. Superstar spots like Atami (Shizuoka), Beppu (Oita), and Kusatsu (Gunma) are just a few of the must-visit destinations. Whether you’re in it for the soak or the cozy town vibes, these places have got you covered!

Understanding Japanese onsen etiquette is the secret to making the most of this relaxing experience. Cleanliness is everything—before you even think about stepping into the hot spring, you’ll need to give yourself a thorough scrub. And that brings us to our first point…
1. Shower First
Starting with a shower is key to following Japan’s bathing rules. Before you get into the hot tub, make sure to wash up well. This is not just a nice thing to do; it’s a sign of respect.
By showering first, you keep the water clean for everyone. This way, everyone can enjoy a refreshing dip.
Many hot tubs have special shower areas. They have stools and handheld showers for easy cleaning. Make sure to rinse your hair well to avoid any shampoo in the water.
Not showering before entering an onsen is a surefire way to feel out of place—you’re there to relax, not become the main character in an awkward story. Speaking of which, here’s one for you: the first time I went to an onsen, I skipped the shower (rookie mistake). A group of high school boys were soaking nearby, and after a few minutes, they all freaked out and left in a hurry. At first, I thought they were panicking about me. Nope—it turned out there was a tiny piece of poop at the bottom of the onsen, courtesy of some kid who clearly couldn’t hold it. Moral of the story? Always shower before getting in. Even if the poop wasn’t mine, I still felt like the culprit! Lesson learned.

2. Birthday Suit Only
When you enter an onsen, it’s time to ditch the clothes—yep, all of them. If baring it all feels weird, then onsen might not be your thing. But trust me, this tradition isn’t about awkwardness; it’s about creating a communal, free-spirited vibe.
In Japan, nudity in the onsen is no big deal—just a normal part of the experience. It’s a way of showing comfort and mutual respect, so don’t overthink it. Everyone’s too busy relaxing to care about your birthday suit!
3. Towel Rules
Towels are important in onsen customs, serving both practical and funny purposes. You usually bring a small towel to scrub your body while showering or just to wipe your face. But when you get to the hot tub area, remember: no towels in the water!
Keep your towel on the edge of the pool or even on your head. Many visitors have adopted this stylish look!

This rule is part of proper onsen manners. It keeps the water clean and clear for everyone. Don’t forget to bring a bigger towel to dry off afterwards in the locker room. Staying warm is important after enjoying the onsen’s healing waters.
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips and tricks for traveling in Japan. Nagano has some of the best onsen in Japan—it’s also where snow monkeys live their best spa life. Want to see them in action? Don’t miss this tour! ---> Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip
4. Keep it Quiet
Stepping into an onsen is like stepping into a sanctuary of calm—relaxation and quiet are the main events here. Loud chatter or bursts of laughter? Hard pass. It disrupts the tranquility and earns you side-eyes faster than you can say “gaijin.”
As a foreigner, you already stand out, so going full-on rowdy won’t exactly help you blend in. Keep it chill, enjoy the peaceful vibes, and let the onsen work its magic—quietly!

You can talk but it’s best to exercise some volume control while soaking. Being respectful at the onsen makes your visit better. It also helps everyone else enjoy their time.
The sounds of nature and water make your visit special. It’s a moment to remember.
5. Respect the Tattoo Bans
In Japan, tattoos have long been associated with the yakuza, which can make it tricky for tattooed visitors to enjoy hot springs. Many onsens still ban tattoos completely, so inked travelers often face some hurdles when trying to soak and relax.

If you have tattoos and want to enjoy the hot springs, there are steps you can take. Here are some tips:
- Check out the onsen’s website and see if they have any clear tattoo bans (usually they do in majorly frequented ones).
- If you or someone you know can speak Japanese, contact the onsen ahead of time to ask about their tattoo policy. Some might let you in, but it’s different everywhere.
- Look into cover-up solutions to hide your tattoos. Some onsen allow you to cover up, but some don’t.
6. No Phones or Cameras
In the world of hot spring etiquette, one golden rule stands tall: leave your phones and cameras behind. When you step into an onsen, you enter a space meant for relaxation and tranquility. The last thing you want is a loud notification or a rogue selfie distracting you or others from their zen moment.

Following proper onsen manners helps maintain a serene atmosphere for all. Imagine soaking in those steamy waters, without any clothes on, only to have someone flash their phone around like it’s a party. Not cool! This practice respects the privacy of fellow bathers, allowing everyone to unwind without concern for their candid moments being broadcasted.
7. Drink Water After
After enjoying the hot waters of the onsen, don’t forget to drink water. The heat can cause dehydration, leading to headaches.
Look for a water fountain or vending machine. Many onsens have these to help you stay hydrated. Another very big and refreshing custom the Japanese do after bathing in the hot onsen waters is to drink these little cold milk or yogurt bottles they have at the vending machines as soon as you exit the locker rooms

By following Japan’s bathing rules, you’ll enjoy your time more. Drinking water or milk keeps you feeling refreshed and relaxed. It lets you enjoy the hot springs’ calmness even after leaving.
Staying hydrated makes you feel great when you leave the onsen. It prepares you for more of Japan’s adventures. Cheers to your health and the amazing onsen experience!
Thank you for reading! And as always, feel free to leave your comments down below or contact me anytime at chesco@japangeneration.com 🙂
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips and tricks for traveling in Japan. Nagano has some of the best onsen in Japan—it’s also where snow monkeys live their best spa life. Want to see them in action? Don’t miss this tour! ---> Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip
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