A Practical Guide to Using Public Onsen and Sento in Japan

To use a Japanese public bath, you must strip completely, wash thoroughly at the seated shower stations before entering the water, and keep your towel out of the tub. Everything is gender-segregated, and tattoos should be covered with waterproof adhesive bandages if they are small.

1. Check the rules on tattoos. Many traditional onsen prohibit tattoos. If yours are small, buy 'tattoo cover stickers' at a pharmacy. If you have large tattoos, look for 'tattoo-friendly' onsen or consider booking a private family bath (kashikiri).
2. The locker room entry. Remove your shoes at the entrance. Enter the locker room (noren curtains marked blue for men, red for women). Strip completely; you are not allowed to bring a swimsuit into the bathing area.
3. The washing ritual. Before entering the water, sit on the small stool at a shower station. Use the provided soap and shampoo to clean your entire body. Rinse off all soap suds completely before standing up to enter the bath.
4. Enter the bath. Step into the hot water slowly. You may bring your small modesty towel with you to the pool deck, but keep it on your head or set it on the side of the tub—never let the towel touch the bath water.
5. Exit and dry. When you are done, dry yourself with your small towel before re-entering the locker room to avoid dripping water on the floor.

Are baths co-ed?

Almost all public sento and commercial onsen are strictly gender-segregated. Look for the blue noren (curtain) for men and red for women.

What if I don't have a towel?

Most facilities rent out towels for 100–300 yen, but bringing your own is standard practice.

Can I talk to my friends inside?

Keep your voice low. Onsen are considered places for quiet reflection and relaxation, not social clubs.