What if I have tattoos?

Many traditional onsen ban all visible tattoos. Some allow small ones covered with patches bought at convenience stores. Private onsen at hotels are usually more flexible. Always check the policy before visiting.

Do I need to bring my own towels?

Most onsen provide a small hand towel included in the entry fee. Some provide bath towels, others rent them for 200-300 yen. Check when you pay or bring your own bath towel.

How long should I stay in the water?

Limit sessions to 10-15 minutes to avoid overheating. You can take breaks and re-enter multiple times. Listen to your body - if you feel dizzy or overheated, get out immediately.

What about mixed-gender baths?

Mixed onsen (konyoku) are rare and usually require swimwear or special wraps. Most onsen are strictly separated by gender. Check signage carefully - blue curtains typically indicate men's baths, red indicates women's.

Can I use my phone or camera?

Absolutely not. Phones, cameras, and any recording devices are strictly prohibited in all onsen areas for privacy reasons. Leave all electronics in your locker.

How to Follow Proper Onsen Etiquette at Japanese Hot Springs

Strip completely naked, wash thoroughly at the washing stations before entering any bath, keep your towel out of the water, stay quiet, and never bring soap or shampoo into the bathing areas. Most onsen have strict rules about tattoos, so check policies before visiting.

Check tattoo policy before arrival. Call ahead or check the onsen's website. Many traditional onsen ban visible tattoos completely. Some allow small tattoos if covered with special patches you can buy at convenience stores for 300-500 yen.
Pay and receive your towels. Entry fees range from 400-1500 yen for public onsen. You'll get a small hand towel and sometimes a larger bath towel. The small towel never touches the water.
Remove all clothing in the changing area. Everything comes off. Put clothes in the provided baskets or lockers. Take only your small towel into the bathing area.
Wash completely at the washing stations. Sit on the provided stool and scrub your entire body with soap and shampoo. Rinse thoroughly. This is not optional - you must be completely clean before entering any bath.
Enter baths slowly and quietly. Test the water temperature with your hand first. Hot springs can be 40-45°C (104-113°F). Enter gradually to avoid splashing. Keep your small towel folded on your head or beside the bath - never in the water.
Soak silently and respect others. No talking loudly, swimming, or playing in the water. Limit your time to 10-15 minutes per session to avoid overheating. Exit quietly when done.
Rinse off after soaking. Some onsen require a final rinse at the washing stations. Dry off in the bathing area before returning to the changing room to avoid dripping water.

What if I have tattoos?: Many traditional onsen ban all visible tattoos. Some allow small ones covered with patches bought at convenience stores. Private onsen at hotels are usually more flexible. Always check the policy before visiting.
Do I need to bring my own towels?: Most onsen provide a small hand towel included in the entry fee. Some provide bath towels, others rent them for 200-300 yen. Check when you pay or bring your own bath towel.
How long should I stay in the water?: Limit sessions to 10-15 minutes to avoid overheating. You can take breaks and re-enter multiple times. Listen to your body - if you feel dizzy or overheated, get out immediately.
What about mixed-gender baths?: Mixed onsen (konyoku) are rare and usually require swimwear or special wraps. Most onsen are strictly separated by gender. Check signage carefully - blue curtains typically indicate men's baths, red indicates women's.
Can I use my phone or camera?: Absolutely not. Phones, cameras, and any recording devices are strictly prohibited in all onsen areas for privacy reasons. Leave all electronics in your locker.