Must Know Onsen Etiquette

Arima onsen, located in Kobe, is one of Japan's Three Old Hot Springs.

Japan has a rich culture of sento (public bathing houses) and onsen (hot springs). An onsen is similar to a Japanese public bath. It's considered a social activity, not one that you attend alone. These natural hot spring baths are found at upscale establishments such as a ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn. Going to an onsen—a natural hot spring—is a must-see and must-do when visiting Japan. The onsen waters are some of the most relaxing and healing in the world. Strip away your shyness—and prepare for a comforting, refreshing, and healing experience.

You can enjoy them almost everywhere in Japan, if you look in the right places. But there is certain etiquette you must follow. Here are some tips to remember to have the best hot spring experience.

WHAT IS AN ONSEN ?

An onsen is a hot spring and one of the most popular attractions in Japan. They are usually warmer than 25° Celsius and have at least one of the nineteen official elements, including lithium, sulfur, sodium chloride, and iron. If an onsen meets those conditions with geothermally heated springs, they are called tennen onsen or "natural" onsen. Jinko-onsen or "man-made" onsen, on the other hand, meets these conditions artificially.

An onsen differs from a sento, a public Japanese bathhouse that uses heated tap water instead of water with special minerals. Sento are more common in major cities, and if you get to visit one, you’ll find a lot of locals relaxing in and enjoying the warm water.

TYPES OF ONSEN

Day-use onsens are open to the public. Make a reservation or just show up and take a dip and relax in the waters. The admission fee depends on the size and quality of service provided; it can cost between JPY 300 to 2000 (about $3 to $20). If possible, bring your towels, and don't forget to wash your body before entering the bath.

If you are too shy to try full-body soaking at an onsen, Ashiyu, a bath where you soak your feet in a small pool filled with hot spring water, offers a taste of the Onsen experience as a casual alternative. An Ashiyu is usually free and can be found near hot spring towns. So, sit back and relax your muscles while you soak away your tired feet.

Wearing a yukata is a common way to experience Japanese onsen culture! A yukata is a type of light cotton kimono that all onsen ryokan have available to guests.

ACCESSIBLE ONLY FOR HOTEL /RYOKAN VISITORS

Some onsen ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) or hotels have their own hot spring. You can only access these when you book a room and spend the night, though several hotels offer day use too. Depending on the type of hotel, you might encounter three different kinds of onsen:

• Public - large public baths separated by men and women; free if you’re staying in the hotel

• Private - private onsen in a hotel that you need to reserve ahead of time; may have a separate cost

• In-room onsen - rooms that come with a private open-air bath or onsen tub; usually cost more and need pre-reservation as they are popular

BENEFITS OF ONSENS

Toji (hot water cure) is the practice of bathing in an onsen for healing purposes. This ancient custom in Japan has been passed down for centuries, and there are certain mineral-rich hot springs dedicated to it. Toji requires staying for a time in an onsen ryokan for the body to soak in all the minerals and healing benefits from the hot spring water. Some of the benefits include:

Improved blood circulation

Onsen water is full of natural elements that your body absorbs as you bathe. These minerals increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and improve blood flow and circulation.

Reduced stress

Soaking in an onsen bath is one of the best ways to relax. The hot spring water helps you relax by relieving your tense muscles, and the peaceful surroundings of most Japanese onsens help clear your mind. You’ll find that you sleep better after an onsen bath.

Pain relief

Onsen water acts as buoyancy for those with aching joints. Floating free lets your muscles relax and recover, so there is no pressure on your body. This leads to less muscle tension, stress, and anxiety, which helps relieve your pain.

Skin beautification and healing

Many onsens have become famous for beautifying the skin. Some onsens contain silica, which smooths and softens dry and rough skin. If you are suffering from eczema or psoriasis, look for an onsen with sulfur which helps ease the itchiness.

WHAT TO DO WHEN VISITING ONSENS

If it’s your first time visiting an onsen, there’s no need to be nervous. Keep the following rules in mind for a great onsen experience:

Onsen fees

Onsen entrance fees range anywhere between JPY 200-2,000, but some of the good ones fall between JPY 400-800. You can bring your own bath towel, though some onsens provide towels or let you rent one.

What to bring

If you stay at a traditional Japanese-style Inn (Ryokan), they offer a yukata to guests. Yukata is light cotton kimono-style clothing worn after taking a bath, as a pajama, or simply to relax. You can find it in your room or receive one at the reception desk. Bring a yukata and obi, a belt to tie your yukata along with a hand towel to wash your body, and a drying towel provided in the room. Although Japan is a very safe country with very little crime, do not bring valuables to store in the cubby while you bathe.

Changing areas

Changing rooms have combs, hairdryers, and other amenities that are free to use. You can use a basket in a cubby or locker to leave your personal belongings. Use a basket that is upside down. It means that it is clean and available to use.

Bathing areas

Traditionally, men and women would bathe together in the same facility, but these days the baths are segregated by gender.

Onsens usually have separate bathing areas for men and women. If an onsen serves both men and women, it is usually at different times. Make sure you know the correct time before you use it.

In general, you can't wear anything in the bathing area. (It’s best to double-check, as some onsen—especially the unisex ones—allow you to cover up.) If you feel conscious, you can cover yourself up with an onsen towel before entering the water. Walk carefully, as some of the onsen minerals make the floor slippery.

Some onsen establishments have different baths with varying mineral compositions. Try out the different ones (check if they have an extra fee), but you don’t need to shower every time you enter a new one. Only your body must enter the water so you can place your hand towel at the side of the bath or on top of your head.

Choose a yukata that falls just above your ankles. Right-front style: Put your right arm through the sleeve first, then your left. Wrap the obi around your waist, starting in the front and crossing it over your back. For women, tie the obi at the waist, and for men, tie it at the hip.

ONSEN ETIQUETTE

Take a shower to cleanse yourself before bathing. Most onsens provide soap and shampoo for you to use. If not, you have to buy some. It’s best not to eat before bathing in the onsen, but you need to drink a lot of water before and after your onsen bath.

Keep your bath to a minimum. Staying too long may cause dehydration. While an onsen is relaxing and beneficial to your health, it’s generally not a good idea to enter more than three times a day.

Several onsens still ban tattoos because of the cultural connotation between tattoos and the yakuza (Japanese mafia). Some onsens, however, have relaxed their rules about tattoos, but it’s better to ask ahead of time. You might be asked to cover it up or may even be refused entry.

If you are bathing with companions, you can chat, but be considerate of the other guests and keep the noise level down. Diving, splashing, and swimming are prohibited in the onsen. Photography isn’t allowed in most onsens either.

There are approximately 25,000 hot spring sources throughout Japan, and approximately 3,000 onsen establishments use naturally hot water from these geothermally heated springs.

LETS START WITH THE BASICS :

1. Keep Your Voice Low

You can talk with other people, just be careful of the volume. Most people are here to relax in peace and quiet. Even a normal volume echoes, so it sounds generally louder.

2. Hide Your Body With A Towel

You don't have to hide your whole body with a large towel. Just hide your private areas with a small towel. 

3. Do Not Bring Extra Things Into the Bath

By extra things I mean cameras, cell phones, magazines, food, drink and so on. Basically permitted things would be: a small towel, hair ties, your locker key, and so on. For further inquires, check with the staff.

Moving on to etiquette at the washing place.

4. Don't Reserve your Place 

If it's deserted, and the washing places are generally empty, you can leave your things to claim your place. But if it's crowded, the general rule is the person who sits there can use it. You can't reserve the washing place by leaving your things there.

5. Watch Out For The Shower

People walk by behind you, are washing beside you. The washing places are built compactly, so estimate where your shower water is going. Same say to dunk your head in the water. Don't spray your water at people. 

6. Return Washing Tools Back to Where They Belong

When you borrow washing tools like small chairs and tubs, as shown in the image above, return them where they were in the first place. Some sento/onsen have a separate place to return these items. Look at what other people do and figure it out.

ETIQUETTE FOR THE BATH

7. Always Kakeyu Before Entering Bath

Kakeyu is the act of pouring hot water on the lower area of your body. By doing this, you can warm your body, preventing sudden shocks from temperature change, and rinse your body prior to getting in. Scoop some water from the bath, and splash it over your lower body. Some places have small baths especially for kakeyu.

8. Keep Your Hair Out Of The Way (If You Have Long Hair)

The bath water is for everyone. If you have long hair, try to keep it out of the water by tying it up using a hair tie, bundle it up in a shower cap, or use a small towel to keep it in place. 

9. Do Not Wash Your Body In The Bath

Never wash your body in the bath using any kind of soap. The hot water is for everyone's use. Do not taint it or ruin its quality. You can massage your skin moderately in the water, but that's it.

10. Do Not Swim

I understand the urge. I think all kids experiencing such a large bath have the urge to do so (and probably went with it). If you swim, everyone in the bath would feel uncomfortable. If you want to swim, go to the pool. This is a bath.

11. Do Not Bring Your Towel Into The Water

Towels may seem clean, but they are filled with bacteria. Bacteria taints the water, so avoid touching your towel to the water at all times, Keep your towel folded on the hedge, or put it on your head.

12. Do Not Monopolize The Water

Tako Baths are small baths built for one person. Do not monopolize the water by yourself. If someone's waiting, get out of it. This applies for any kind of bath. If it's getting crowded, find your way out.