Secret Japanese Onsen Rules: What No One Tells You Before You Go!

One of the best Japanese experiences is to visit a Japanese bathhouse but if you’re not used to public baths, it’s easy to feel very lost in Japan, more than anything because we cannot read kanji. Your first time in a Japanese bath can be tricky but don’t be discouraged as there is no greater example of literally immersing oneself in another culture than going to a Japanese onsen. Akita Prefecture is renowned for its historic and scenic onsen resorts, such as Nyuto Onsenkyo, which offers a variety of hot springs set in stunning natural landscapes.

It doesn’t matter which part of Japan you’re visiting, experiencing a Japanese Onsen should be part of your Japan itinerary. Onsens are open all year round, however, the experience is especially lovely during winter in Japan. Right across the country are hot springs that have become recognised landmarks in Japan, making soaking in a traditional Japanese host spring one of the best things to experience in Japan if you want to immerse yourself in the culture. The unique onsen experience includes traditional bathing rituals and the tranquil settings of outdoor onsens, offering a sensory and rejuvenating journey for visitors. Onsen resorts have sprung up all over the land and no matter where you are, you’re sure to find one.

Japanese Onsen Tips

So, here are some onsen tips for an enjoyable Japanese hot springs experience to help you ease your way into the hot waters. Hot springs water is believed to have healing properties, with many people attributing its health benefits to the distinctive minerals and chemicals found in the water. Historically, onsen bathing has been associated with curing diseases and alleviating ailments, emphasizing its therapeutic qualities for various health issues.

Preparing for Your Onsen Visit

1- Say achii as you slip into the onsen spa

After showering, head for the hot-pool and slip into the hot spring water, enjoying its soothing and therapeutic benefits while deliberately exhaling a long ‘achii ’ (meaning ‘hot’).

This will mark you as an old hand at Japan’s onsen culture as well as put you and your fellow bathers at ease.

2- Wear a yukata in the public area

Japanese public baths can be a serene experience

If you go to a Japanese public bath there will be lockers, so undress and store everything away.

If you are at a ryokan you would have been issued with a yukata (cotton kimono), belt and towel.

Wear the yukata to the bath area, undress in the changing room, leave your yukata and belt in the baskets provided. While a small towel is used in the bathing area, a big towel is typically left in the changing room for convenience and modesty.

3- Don’t wear any clothing except a shower cap

Don’t forget your little towel and proceed to the bathing area in the onsen absolutely starkers, following the customs of transitioning from the changing rooms to the communal hot spring baths.

Do not wear a swimsuit or slippers of any kind.

You might think it’s strange but it’s perfectly OK to wear a shower cap in an onsen if you need one.

4- Don’t stare 

Visiting an onsen bath is a quintessential experience in Japan. When using hot baths, it is important to follow social norms, such as maintaining cleanliness and not staring at other bathers.

Assess the shower situation and if all spaces are taken, don’t stand there watching like a hawk – fascinating as it may be!

Retreat to the ante-chamber and check again in a couple of minutes.

The snow monkeys love to bath in natural hot springs too, so, if you’re a wildlife lover head to see the snow monkeys of Jigokudani but if you’re not visiting in winter, a good place to see them is Arashiyama Monkey Park.

5- Use the bucket

Take one of the low stools and a bucket (look in the corners as extra ones might be stored there).

I know you don’t need them, but you have to enter the spirit of the place. Many onsen resorts now offer indoor baths as an alternative to outdoor settings, catering to modern preferences.

Body gel and shampoo are provided everywhere but not all onsen baths have conditioner.

6- Smile while you scrub

If you’re shy, try an onsen ryokan to start with.

Place a stool in front of a free shower and sit down.

Identify which pump is soap and which is shampoo (someone will be willing to help) and begin scrubbing, shampooing.

Fill the bucket with water, pour it over yourself to rinse and imagine standing under a waterfall. Remember to keep the onsen water clean by ensuring that personal items, like washcloths, do not come into contact with it.

Smile benignly.

7- Beware the Japanese hot tub’s hot spring water

Japanese hot tubs are hot!

There might be just the one biggish bathtub or several big pools, indoors, outdoors or both.

They are supposed to be at different temperatures, but take it from me and err on the side of caution.

As a rule, they are all extremely hot!

8- The towel goes on your head

Place your precious little towel on your head – or dry place if you can find one – and slowly lower yourself into the water.

Outdoor baths (露天風呂, roten-buro) offer a unique experience, allowing bathers to enjoy the natural surroundings while soaking in mineral-rich onsen waters that are believed to provide various health benefits.

Bomb-diving, splashing, screaming, are not well seen by the locals.

Adopt a blissful expression and try (if you dare) exhaling a long, protracted ‘achii ’ to impress present company in the onsen. Enjoy.

9- Relax and enjoy the onsen experience

Searching for the best onsen in Japan is a rewarding experience.

Take it all in and relax. Various onsen resorts in Japan offer unique experiences, combining natural beauty and traditional settings.

Some places are utilitarian but others have pools in manicured gardens strategically positioned so you can bathe under a full moon or under a maple tree or facing an aesthetically pleasing view.

10- Watch your blood pressure

Do not underestimate the effects of being in hot water.

It considerably lowers your blood pressure and can make you dizzy and unsteady when you come out. Most onsens have specific rules regarding nudity and tattoos, and guests should be prepared for these practices.

If you want to stay longer, cool off a little by sitting at the edge and then re-dip.

11- Shower before not after

Most traditional onsens have separate sections for men and women.

If you are bathing in pools fed by mineral springs, it is recommended you do not rinse after your time soaking. The onsen water is rich in minerals that offer numerous health benefits, such as improving circulation and relieving muscle pain.

If however, in the name of hygiene, you desire to rinse off other people’s dead skin cells from your body, you are welcome to shower again.

The pros actually shower first, soak for a while and after their pores are opened, go back to the shower area and scrub vigorously.

Then they rinse and go back for a blissful final dip in the onsen.

12- Don’t sweat the small stuff

A dip in an onsen bath is a wonderful Japanese experience. Staying in a traditional ryokan enhances this experience, offering features like indoor and outdoor onsen and the opportunity to enjoy kaiseki meals, which provide authentic cultural immersion and unique accommodations.

It requires some skill to actually dry your hair and your body with one little tea towel provided by public onsen but it can be done. Most places provide hair-dryers.

Happy bathing!

Whether you’re visiting Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya, you’re sure to find a traditional onsen in a public, private onsen or onsen resort to experience.

So, make sure to allocate some time to relax in a hot spring like a local.

This excellent Japan travel guide to help you plan your trip.

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