Introduction
Japanese hot springs (onsen) are not just baths. They are places of healing for both mind and body, where thousands of years of tradition and natural blessings meld together. The sensation of soaking in warm water while viewing the changing seasons of nature is a special experience unique to Japan.
However, many people say “I’m embarrassed to be naked” or “I’m anxious because I don’t know the etiquette.” Especially for travelers from overseas, hot springs are attractive but can seem a bit challenging.
For those people, this article explains “how to enjoy hot springs” in an easy-to-understand way for beginners! With the right knowledge, hot springs will undoubtedly become one of the best memories of your trip.
What is an Onsen?
An onsen is warm water that springs from the ground. In Japan, there is a special law called the “Hot Spring Law,” which determines whether water can be called an “onsen” based on its temperature and mineral content. What makes an onsen special is not just that it’s warm water, but that it’s filled with natural benefits.
Difference Between Onsen and Sento
First-time visitors to Japan may not understand the difference between “onsen” and “sento (public baths).”
Onsen:
- Naturally warm water that springs from the ground
- Contains minerals and other components
- Many exist in tourist areas and ryokan (traditional inns)
Sento:
- Heated tap water
- Mainly used in urban areas as part of daily life
- A place for interaction among local people
Health Benefits of Onsen
The various minerals contained in onsen are said to have many health benefits:
- Relaxation effect: Soaking in warm water relaxes muscle tension and reduces stress
- Improved circulation: Warming the body improves blood circulation
- Skin benefits: Depending on the components, skin may become smoother or skin problems may improve
- Recovery from fatigue: Soothes the day’s fatigue and leads to quality sleep
The components contained differ by hot spring area, so the effects also vary. For example, sulfur springs are effective for skin diseases, and carbonated springs are also called “heart hot springs” and have the effect of promoting blood circulation.
Onsen Manners & Rules (Do’s & Don’ts)
To fully enjoy Japanese hot springs, it’s important to know some basic manners. These rules are based on Japanese cultural values of “cleanliness” and “consideration for others.”
🚿 Always wash your body before bathing
Before entering an onsen, always wash your body. This is a fundamental aspect of Japanese bathing culture. Hot spring facilities always have a “washing area” where you sit on a small chair to wash your body. Shampoo and body soap are often provided, but you may bring your own favorites.
Point: In the washing area, it’s proper manners to sit down while washing to prevent water from splashing around. Standing while washing is not okay!
❌ Don’t put towels or swimwear in the bath
Please don’t put towels or swimwear in the hot spring bath. The bath is shared by everyone. To keep it clean, keep towels and swimwear outside the bath.
Many people place a small towel (hand towel size) on their head or lightly hold it in front of their body when moving around. If you’re embarrassed, you can use this as a reference.
💬 Stay quiet (no loud voices or smartphones)
Hot springs are places to relax quietly. It’s against etiquette to have loud conversations or use smartphones. Especially taking photos, as it would violate the privacy of other guests, so absolutely refrain from doing this.
Enjoying the sounds of nature and water in a quiet environment is also one of the pleasures of hot springs.
♻️ Don’t use soap or shampoo in the bath
It’s not okay to wash your body or use soap or shampoo in the bath. These should only be done in the “washing area,” and you should rinse thoroughly before entering the bath.
🔞 About tattoos: Be aware that some facilities don’t allow them
Historically in Japan, tattoos (irezumi) have been associated with certain organizations. Therefore, many hot spring facilities refuse entry to people with tattoos.
However, in recent years, with the increase in foreign tourists, facilities that allow tattoos have increased. It’s best to check the facility’s website in advance, or if you have small tattoos, you can cover them with waterproof bandages.
Recommendations for people with tattoos:
- List of tattoo-friendly hot springs
- Choose ryokan with private baths
- Staying overnight at a ryokan may offer more flexibility than day trips
Packing List (Useful Items to Bring)
Here’s a checklist of items that are convenient to have when visiting a hot spring.
Essential Items:
✅Small towel (hand towel size): Used for washing your body and also for hiding your body in the bath
✅Large towel (bath towel): Used for drying your body
✅Change of clothes: For after bathing
✅Coins: For lockers and vending machines (500 yen coins are handy)
✅Hair ties: If you have long hair, tie it up so it doesn’t touch the bath water
Convenient Items:
- Makeup pouch: For skincare products after bathing
- Hairbrush: For styling hair after bathing
- Bottled drinks: Hydration is important after bathing (in Japan, there’s also a tradition of drinking cold milk after bathing!)
- Books for reading: For relaxation time
When staying at a ryokan: Many ryokan provide yukata (light cotton kimono), towels, and amenities, so you don’t need to bring anything. It’s reassuring to check the inn’s website in advance.
Types of Onsen and Their Characteristics
There are various types of hot springs in Japan. Know the characteristics of each to find the one that suits you.
| Type | Description | Recommended Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Rotenburo (Outdoor Bath) | Hot springs located outdoors. The attraction is being able to bathe while enjoying the scenery of the four seasons. Shows different expressions depending on the season, such as snow-viewing baths or autumn leaf-viewing baths. | Hakone, Kusatsu, Yufuin, Noboribetsu |
| Uchiyu (Indoor Bath) | Indoor hot springs. Can be used comfortably year-round without being affected by weather. Many places also offer architectural beauty to enjoy. | Throughout Japan |
| Kashikiri-buro (Private Bath) | Hot springs that can be used privately. Recommended for families, couples, and people with tattoos. Often reservation-based, and usually requires an additional fee. | Kinosaki Onsen, Izu, Kurokawa Onsen |
| Konyoku (Mixed Bath) | Hot springs where men and women bathe together. Was common in the past but is now a minority. Many remain in secluded hot springs in rural areas. It’s common to hide your body with a towel. | Tazawako Nyuto Onsen in Akita, Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma |
| Ashiyu (Foot Bath) | Free hot springs where you soak only your feet. A casual hot spring experience that can be enjoyed while fully clothed. Recommended to stop by while exploring hot spring towns. | Arima Onsen, Kusatsu Onsen, Dogo Onsen |
Three Recommended Hot Spring Areas
There are over 3,000 hot spring areas in Japan, but here are three places especially recommended for beginners.
🏞 Hakone
Features:
- Excellent access, about 90 minutes from Tokyo
- Outdoor baths with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji
- Many facilities suitable for beginners, with good foreign language support
- Rich in tourist spots, enjoyable beyond just hot springs
Hakone is one of the most famous hot spring areas in Japan and is very popular with foreign tourists. There is a volcanic activity area called “Owakudani,” where there is a saying that eating black eggs will extend your life by 7 years!
Recommended facilities:
- Tenzan: Has a rooftop open-air bath with spectacular views
- Odakyu Hotel de Yama: Proud of its hot spring with Mt. Fuji views
▶️ Book a day trip hot spring tour to Hakone (Yahoo travel)
🧖♀️ Beppu
Features:
- Hot spring area with the largest hot spring output in Japan
- Tourist attraction called “Hell Tour”
- Various types of hot springs can be enjoyed
- Unique hot spring experiences such as sand baths and mud baths
Beppu is a hot spring paradise in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The sight of steam rising from all over the city is impressive. The colorful hot spring pools called “Hell Tour” are worth seeing just for the view!
Hot springs to experience:
- Sand bath: A unique experience of being buried in hot sand to warm up
- Yunohana Cottage: Steam bath that warms the body with natural steam
▶️ Explore experiences in Beppu(Yahoo travel)
🏯 Kinosaki Onsen
Features:
- Hot spring town with a retro atmosphere
- Culture of enjoying public bath tours in yukata
- Enjoyment of touring 7 public bathhouses (soto-yu)
- Seafood like crab is a specialty
Kinosaki Onsen is a beautiful hot spring town in northern Hyogo Prefecture with stone pavements and willow trees. When staying at a ryokan, you receive a “public bath tour pass” allowing you to freely visit 7 public bathhouses. Walking around town in yukata is a tradition, and it’s a place where you can fully enjoy the hot spring atmosphere.
Tips for public bath tours:
- A stay of at least one night and two days is recommended
- Winter is crab season and gets crowded, so reservations are essential
▶️ Book a ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen (Yahoo travel)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answering questions frequently asked by first-time visitors to hot springs.
Q. I have tattoos, is that okay?
Many public hot spring facilities often don’t allow tattoos, but the situation is changing. Consider the following options:
- Book a private bath (private hot spring)
- Choose facilities that explicitly state they allow tattoos
- If you have small tattoos, cover them with waterproof bandages
- Inquire directly with the ryokan (especially luxury ryokan tend to be more flexible)
Q. Can I enter with children?
Yes, you can bathe with children at many hot spring facilities. However, there may be restrictions on bathing with the opposite sex depending on age.
- In many facilities, children can bathe with a parent of the opposite sex until they start school (6-7 years old)
- Bringing floats or toys for children is usually not allowed
- Be careful not to disturb other guests
- There are increasingly more child-friendly facilities, so prior research is recommended
Q. I’m embarrassed, is it okay to enter?
This is a concern many foreign tourists initially feel. While it may be tense at first, we recommend gradually getting used to it with the following steps:
- Start with a private bath (private hot spring)
- Next, try the indoor bath at a ryokan (hot spring inside the inn)
- When you get used to it, try a small public hot spring
- Finally, enjoy large hot spring facilities and outdoor baths
Many Japanese people don’t look at others and are just enjoying their own relaxation time. After a few minutes, you’ll likely stop noticing those around you.
Q. What should I do if I feel unwell in a hot spring?
While hot springs have beneficial effects on the body, you may feel unwell if you bathe for too long:
- Initially limit bathing to about 10-15 minutes
- If you feel dizzy or nauseous, get out immediately
- Always hydrate after bathing
- Bathing while intoxicated is dangerous and not recommended
- If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, consult your doctor beforehand
Conclusion
You might be nervous at first, but Japanese hot springs are truly a special experience. You’ll spend luxurious time refreshing both mind and body while feeling the bathing culture with over a thousand years of history.
Just knowing a little about the etiquette will make hot springs the best memory of your trip. Enjoy “naked socializing” like the Japanese do, and indulge in relaxation time becoming one with nature.
Please enjoy Japanese hot springs as a memory of your trip! Wishing you a wonderful hot spring experience.