Checklist before taking Onsen

No drunk, unwell person and who on their period inside the bathtub

If you drink more than the appropriate amount of alcohol before bathing, soaking in hot water can increase blood circulation and put too much pressure on the heart, which can be dangerous.

For women, bathing during their period is not recommended as it may cause inconvenience to other guests.

If you are feeling tired after a long drive to your accommodation, it is a good idea to take a short break before entering the onsen.

Go to the toilet before bathing

Please go to the toilet beforehand so that you can enjoy bathing to your heart’s content.

Put your hair up

If you have long hair, tie it above your shoulders to avoid getting it in the water.

Some facilities provide hair elastics and shower caps, but it is best to bring your own.

No camera, mobile phone

Although some people use their phones while bathing at home on a daily basis, it is not allowed to bring them into the bath area of the onsen.

You may want to take photos of the beautiful views from the hot springs… but it is also forbidden to bring in cameras, as you may be suspected of peeping photos.

No eating or drinking

Some of the private onsen allow you to drink alcohol in a bath, but most do not. Similarly, food should not be brought in.

Birthday suits only!

Swimming suits or covering your body with a towel when bathing are not allowed, except in certain mixed spa where this is permitted.

Manners when you take a dip in the Onsen

Wash and rinse your body before entering the bath

Clean yourself under the shower before having a soak in the bath to keep the water as clean as possible.

It is also advisable to do the “kakeyu” (pouring the hot spring water on yourself with a bucket) before soaking in the water.

This is to help your body adjust to the temperature of the water.

No putting your towel into the water, no washing yourself inside the bathtub

Do not wash yourself in the water. Keep the water clean for everyone.

No occupy the bathtub

Onsen is for everyone, let’s share the space!

Wipe your body before entering the sauna room

Some onsen have a sauna. Before entering the sauna room, wipe yourself with a towel.

Watch your children

Keep an eye on your children to prevent accidents, as the water in some spas is deep and can be slippery underfoot.

Manners in the washing-up area

Be careful not to splash others with water

Showers in onsen are usually quite close to one another. For this reason, it’s important to be careful not to splash other people with water or soap. If possible, take a shower at a distance from your neighbor. Take a shower in the chair provided, not standing up.

No washing your clothes

The washing-up area is where you wash your body, not clothes.

Put the wash basin and chair back where they belong

Return tubs and chairs to their original positions to make it easier for others to use them.

Before entering locker room

Dry off your body before entering the locker room

If you enter the changing room wet, the floor will be wet and slippery. So dry yourself with a towel when you’re done with the bath area.

To help relieve fatigue

Drink a cup of water before and after bathing

When you bathe and sweat, the viscosity of your blood increases and blood becomes thicker. For that reason, it is important to drink a glass of water before and after bathing to keep the blood thinner.

Take a half-body bath first

Soak half of your body in the water first, and then up to your shoulders. This will help your body to adjust to the temperature of the water.

Take a break when bathing for a long time

It is important not to take too long a bath in order not to put strain on your body. Take a bath until you feel slightly sweaty and then rest.

Check the features of Onsen

There are several types of onsen throughout Japan, each with different effects and benefits, and even vary in temperature.

Some onsen also offer recommended bathing methods, so you can try them out according to your physical condition and constitution.

Let’s plan a trip to find the onsen with the benefits you are looking for!

How was it?

We’ve written a lot of rules, but they’re all simple and you will soon feel comfortable with them.

Onsen are public places, open to everyone.

Enjoy Japanese onsen with comfort by following these manners!