Looking to spend time in an onsen or sento when visiting Japan? Here’s the spa etiquette you need to know when visiting.
As a result of the country’s plentiful mountainous volcanic landscape, Japan is dotted with mineral-rich natural hot springs, called onsen. In fact, the island country boasts over 30,000 natural springs and over 3,000 onsen facilities. Just for a little comparison, the USA is also known for its hot springs, but it only has about 1,600 natural springs and 100 facilities.
The baths are a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture and are a treasured pastime that’s been indulged in for thousands of years. For locals, visiting an onsen is often as common as going to the gym for a weekly workout; some even designate their annual holidays to visiting onsen resorts across the country.
They’re a must-visit while in Japan, but to ensure you have the most relaxing and enjoyable time possible, here’s what you need to know about spa etiquette when visiting an onsen – because the last thing any visitor wants to do is embarrass themselves, or worse still, accidentally insult another visitor when visiting the hot springs.
1. Know the difference between an onsen and a sento
You may have noticed the terms sento and onsen used interchangeably to describe Japanese public bath houses. The Japanese take their onsens very seriously and, simply put, onsen means hot spring, and sento means a paid public bath. The water in a sento comes straight from the tap, while the water in an onsen is naturally warmed by the geological movements within the earth’s interior and contains health-benefiting minerals. Every onsen has the same qualities: naturally heated spring water warmer than 25°C (or 77°F), and they contain at least one of the 19 types of minerals – the most common are sulphur, iron, alkaline, and hydrogen.
2. Shower first
Similar to a hot tub or Jacuzzi, the onsen is specifically for soaking and relaxing, not bathing. Before you jump in and let those muscles unknot, it’s crucial to prep and clean your body with a full shower. Cleanliness is considered a sacred step in Japanese bathing culture, so – unlike in some European cultures where it is encouraged but not necessarily enforced – showering before entering an onsen or sento is non-negotiable. Don’t try to cut corners with a quick splash-and-go; some guests won’t hesitate to ask you to re-shower properly.
It’s easily done, though. At every onsen, there’s a shower area equipped with mirrors, hand-held shower heads, buckets, and stools. Take a cue from the other ladies and shower sitting down, this way it’ll be easier to steady yourself and you won’t accidentally splash your neighbour. This ritual isn’t simply about hygiene – it’s about respect for others and the shared water. By arriving in the bath already clean, you help preserve the mineral purity of the onsen, which is considered a living, healing resource.
3. Consider your hair
If you’re going to wash your hair during the showering part of your experience, always wash it flipped forward. This stops unclean water and soap suds running into the spaces other people use. Don’t make the mistake of washing your hair behind you, down your back. Trust us when we tell you it’s mortifying having an old-timer tap you on the shoulder and gesture your wrongdoings in front of everyone, even if it’s done kindly! After washing, make sure you and your station are completely rinsed of soap and hair.
Once in the onsen, letting your body soak up all that mineral goodness will feel amazing, but reserve the urge to dunk your head underwater. Human hair is considered dirty in Japanese culture, so immersing your head underwater, even after shampooing, is a major faux pas. Instead, tie your hair up on top of your head: letting it flow mermaid-style in the onsen is a big no-no.
4. Dare to go bare
Unlike many Western spas, onsens are a ‘no clothes’ affair. This might feel daunting to first-timers, but nude bathing in Japan is the cultural norm and shouldn’t be seen as embarrassing. No one will judge or scrutinize you, let alone bat a single eyelash. Swimwear is considered inappropriate because it introduces an unnecessary barrier between the body and the healing waters, and could also carry dirt, soap, or fabric dyes into the baths. Nudity ensures that everyone enters the water clean and unencumbered. It also places all guests on equal footing – without clothing to signify status or style, everyone is simply another bather sharing in the tradition.
Don’t worry too much: guests often carry a small modesty towel while walking between pools (which is also used for drying themselves), but it should never touch the water itself, as that would be considered unclean. There aren’t normally a lot of places to stash the towel when you soak, though, so locals will actually tend to fold it neatly into a square and place it on top of their head. Or, you could twist and wrap it around your head like a headscarf. This will keep runaway hair from the nape of your neck from touching the water too.
5. Be aware of your tattoos
Tattoos in Japan carry a weight far beyond aesthetics and, unfortunately, if you have them, it might mean you can’t bathe in certain onsens. Historically, body tattoos in Japan were synonymous with the Yakuza – Japanese organised crime groups – where they were used as a mark of identity and loyalty. Because of this association, tattoos – no matter how small or decorative – have often been viewed with suspicion, and many traditional onsens still enforce strict bans to reassure local guests. These rules are not intended as a slight to international visitors, but as a way of maintaining a sense of safety and comfort within a deeply traditional setting.
That’s not to say that travellers with tattoos can’t immerse themselves in Japanese bathing culture entirely. You just need to do your research and head to modern urban onsens and spa resorts, which should clearly indicate that they are irezumi kangei (tattoo-friendly). Some onsens also allow entry if tattoos are covered with waterproof patches (which can be easily found in local stores), or you can choose the seclusion (and convenience) of a private onsen, known as a kashikiri buro, which are often attached to ryokan inns. Most of all, just ask if you are unsure – and certainly don’t try to hide any tattoos. Asking politely in advance is the most respectful approach; staff are very accustomed to the question and willing to advise.
6. Avoid going while on your period
While the warm, mineral water probably sounds super relieving to soothe out any nasty cramps during your time of the month, it’s definitely a no-go, unfortunately. No matter how leak-proof or protective those adverts claim their sanitary products to be, it’s considered highly disrespectful to all the other guests to bathe while on your period. So, resist those urges and choose another time to soak.
7. Watch your volume
Bathing is more than just about washing or relaxing in Japanese culture – it is also a meditative practice. That means onsens are spaces for calm reflection. Silence preserves the natural sounds of trickling water and the peaceful environment around you, something that is integral to the therapeutic experience. This isn’t the right place for a rather loud conversation with friends. Keeping voices low – or better yet, not talking where possible – as well as avoiding splashing and moving around slowly, will help you benefit from the onsen’s spiritual purpose as much as its physical benefits.
8. Rinse off at the end
After bathing, feel free to take a post-soak rinse. The minerals can leave a residue on the skin, and a blast of cool water will energise your body right back up. If you’re not ready to leave yet, it’s also acceptable to take a cool rinse and hop back into the onsen. Just make sure your hair is still suitably secured.
Ready to soak? Here are some distinguishable onsens in Japan
Dōgo Onsen, Matsuyama
At over 3,000 years old, this is Japan’s oldest onsen. Located in Matsuyama, the facility is a landmark for both foreign and local tourists. Prepare for large crowds and even sell-out sessions. The complex houses several baths, relaxing rooms, and even has an onsen for the Imperial family, which you can tour. A bonus for film fanatics is that this three-story architectural beauty is also the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Academy Award-winning film, Spirited Away.
Jigokudani Onsen, Nagano
Ever seen pictures or videos of those cute, furry monkeys enjoying hot springs? This is where you can experience it with your own eyes! The Yamanouchi municipality in Nagano Prefecture has created a safe facility for Snow Monkeys to bathe and soak freely, just like their human counterparts. While you can’t soak in the same onsen as the primates, a quick look around town and you’ll find many onsen facilities dedicated to humans too.
KAI Poroto
For those new to onsen bathing, a visit to KAI Poroto – an Ainu-inspired hot spring ryokan in the town of Shiraoi from Japanese luxury hotel group Hoshino Resorts – is the perfect (luxurious) way to dip your toe into the practice. Both the indoor and outdoor onsen are stunningly beautiful, helping you rest and unwind with ease. There are in-room massages on offer too, for ultimate relaxation.
Lead image credit: Ishikawa Prefecture Tourism League
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?