{"id":26983,"date":"2024-11-23T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-23T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=26983"},"modified":"2026-02-04T17:17:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T08:17:15","slug":"etiquette-at-a-japanese-hot-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/etiquette-at-a-japanese-hot-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating onsen etiquette\u2028at a Japanese hot spring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Japanese hot springs<\/strong> (onsen<\/em> \u6e29\u6cc9) have been enjoyed by the Japanese for well over a thousand years; in the days before modern medicine, it was believed that a dip in the onsen could cure just about any ailment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, both locals and travelers in need of some rest and relaxation head to the nearest onsen. A visit to the hot springs is a near-sacred experience for some, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the basics of onsen etiquette before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, a trip to the hot spring is never too far, regardless of where you are in Japan. Due to the island\u2019s high levels of volcanic activity, there are literally thousands of naturally occurring hot springs located throughout the country. A lucrative business opportunity and major tourist attraction, onsen resorts and hotels tend to pop up almost immediately after a new spring is discovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guests can stay in a ryokan<\/em> \u65c5\u9928 (traditional Japanese hotel) or opt for a modern, Western-style spa resort. The most popular Japanese hot springs are typically located in the more mountainous regions of the country<\/a>, such as Hakone, Gunma, and Hokkaido.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Japanese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Japanese hot springs etiquette<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. No bathing suits<\/strong>
While you may be excited to show off the speedo you bought while vacationing in the south of France last summer, bathing suits are forbidden in the Japanese hot spring. Indeed, everyone there is naked. If this seems off-putting, keep in mind that it is the norm here and most people become used to it rather quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Shower before and after you bathe<\/strong>
Keep in mind that the baths are communal. You are sharing them with others, and it is imperative that you fully clean yourself before entering the water. Every Japanese hot spring has rows of showers complete with shampoo and body soap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Keep your hair out of the water
<\/strong>Help keep the water clean by tying long hair up in a bun or a small towel (towels are usually available to buy or rent for just a couple of dollars). Refrain from putting your head underwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Know the tattoo policy<\/strong>
Traditionally, people with tattoos are forbidden from entering the onsen, though in recent years this has become less strictly enforced. It is at the discretion of the onsen staff. Generally, a small tattoo that can be easily covered is easy to get away with, but larger, more visible tattoos might prevent you from being allowed to enter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Don\u2019t be obnoxious
<\/strong>The hot spring is a place of tranquility; while it is certainly okay to talk amongst yourselves, it is not meant to be treated like a public pool. Avoid splashing and making loud noises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Don\u2019t drink too much (or at all) before entering
<\/strong>Aside from the obvious health hazards, drunk people are generally not received well by others in the Japanese hot spring. Nobody will stop you from entering just because you\u2019ve had a few, but do try to keep your voice at a reasonable volume, and don\u2019t fall asleep in the bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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…and for those who have tattoos?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned above, tattoos<\/a> still have a negative image in Japan. Still nowadays, most onsen establishments do not allow tattooed people to enter the bath area. You may find very prominent signs showing tattoos are forbidden near the entrance, so for those with tattoos, what is there to do? Here are a few ways people get around this policy<\/strong> in Japan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n