Sublime Soaks from Aso to Zaou
OnsenJapan.net

For many visitors to Japan, both Westerners and Asians alike, the onsen is a somewhat unfamiliar territory that many people opt to overlook. The combination of the bath etiquette, the fact that nudity (sometimes with the opposite sex) is involved, and even things like the water being hotter than most Jacuzzis make it easy for first timers to justify skipping an onsen experience. A shame, since bathing in an onsen or hot spring is healthful, rejuvinating, and leaves one refreshed, relaxed, and clean. Onsen waters have healing qualities that range from skin conditions to cancer, and most visitors will discover that a dip in an onsen is a highlight of their visit to Japan. Here are some key tips for making your first bath a rewarding one:

Taking a Japanese Bath

Washing carefully BEFORE you enter the water is the most important part (except for maybe remembering to take off your clothes).
Most Japanese baths will have small stools to sit on and a separate washing area away from the water. In very simple or very traditional baths, however, you'll need to crouch by the edge of the bath and scoop bathwater directly out to rinse yourself -- it's okay in these baths if you don't have soap.
Most simple to medium-range onsen expect you to bring your own soap and face towel, and even at many fancy places you can often save 300-500 yen by bringing your own. At some high-end places, all towels, soap, shampoos, and other toiletries are included in the entry fee.
It's best to use coin lockers for any valuable items or documents (though theft in Japan is rare).
In most onsen, taking photographs is not allowed.

Use care and common sense about entering and exiting -- many surfaces are slippery.
Many onsen ryokan (hotels) have alternating male-only and female-only hours, so be attentive: the bath you entered the day before might be reserved for the opposite sex the following day.
You will sometimes even see Japanese slopping their towels in the water or (horrors!) wringing them out in the bathwater, but this is very rude. ALWAYS make sure you're as clean as possible before entering the water, and never rinse your towel in the bath or let it touch the water.
Many people prefer to put their towel on their head while bathing, but setting it on a rock or the side of the bath is acceptable too. If it accidentally slips into the water, wring it out outside the bath.
Never try to peek through the partitions or around walls to see the other gender's bathing area.
Don't swim in the bath...use it only for quiet soaking and contemplation.

After leaving the bath, wipe off excess water and sweat as best as possible with your face towel prior to re-entering the locker room.
Many onsen have rooms where you can lie down and nap, drink a cold beer or tea, or even sit in a massage chair. Don't be afraid to take advantage of these post-bath relaxation opportunities!

FAQs

Are tattoos allowed?: This is one of my most frequently asked questions and the answer just depends. Tattoos are uncommon in Japan and tattoos often (on Japanese people) indicate yakusa or gangster ties. While this is not always the case these days and rarely the case with foreign visitors, it is still possible that you may be refused entry if you have "sleeves" or large, very visible tattoos. Small tattoos may be okay but when in doubt, ask. Please be respectful of whatever the establishment requests.
I hope at some point to compile a list of "tattoo friendly" establishments where it is specifically okay to enter. If you have tattoos and bathed in a tattoo-friendly onsen, please write and let me know!
I'm embarrassed about being naked. Can I wear a swimsuit in the bath?: In a word: No. With rare exceptions, bringing any cloth, even your small hand towel, into the water is seen as dirtying the bath. But don't let that scare you away from enjoying one of Japan's nicest experiences. First, no matter what your size or shape, life is too short to be ashamed of your body. Nudity is natural and nobody cares what you look like. Two, once you're in the water there's very little to see anyway. Three, unless you're specifically looking for a shared-gender bath (konyoku bath), you'll only be seen by other members of the same sex, much like a locker room at school or going to the local gym. Four, this is one great time to adopt the motto "When in Rome, do like the Romans do." There's nothing to be worried about!
Where's a hotel with an onsen in the room?: A few of the ultra luxury hotels (think hundreds or thousands of dollars a night!) offer in-room onsen baths, but they're few and far between and too expensive for most normal travelers. However, many Japanese style inns offer a reservation-only, family-style bath (called "kashikiri-buro") where you can schedule a visit in advance when you check in, then lock the door during the time you're there. It's the best of both worlds: you get the privacy of an in-room bath, at a very reasonable price.
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Disclaimer: All of the info contained in this site is to be used at your own risk, with no implied or express or other such guarantee as to accuracy or safety. Visiting onsen can be dangerous, especially for those with high blood pressure, the intoxicated, or those with other health conditions. Under no circumstances will OnsenJapan.net be held liable for any injury or damage that may occur from use of this information. This site includes user-submitted content (images, text, or both) and includes reviews of onsen establishments, as well as nudity. We are not liable for any damages, real or percieved, that may come from our use of said images or any accompanying text.

Taking a Japanese Bath

FAQs

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