Onsen without a slip-up: the rules of bathing in hot springs

The most important rule: wash first, bathe second

You enter the hot water already clean. At the (seated) shower stations you wash and rinse your whole body, and only then get into the shared bath. The bath itself is for relaxing, not for washing.

Naked, but with dignity

In a traditional onsen you bathe without a swimsuit, in areas split into women's and men's sides. You get a small towel - you cover yourself with it on the way, but you don't put it in the water (rest it on your head or off to the side).

Tattoos

Some facilities still won't admit people with visible tattoos (historical associations). Small ones can be covered with a plaster; for larger ones, look for places marked „tattoo friendly” or a private onsen (kashikiri).

Small rules that make a difference

• Tie up long hair so it doesn't touch the water.
• Don't swim, don't make noise, don't bring in your phone.
• After getting out, usually don't rinse off the minerals - let them work on your skin.
• Drink water before and after - a hot bath is dehydrating.

💡 An onsen in the snow (rotenburo, an open-air bath) in winter on Hokkaido or Kyushu is an experience you'll remember for years.