Visiting an onsen (温泉), or traditional Japanese hot spring, is a must-do experience when in Japan. What you won't find there is your typical aprés ski hot tub vibe. There are specific cultural norms and etiquette rules that you should be aware of to fully enjoy and be respectful of this relaxing and rejuvenating experience. This guide will walk you through what to expect, what to do, and what to avoid when visiting onsen.
What to Expect
1. Gender Separation: Most onsen are gender-separated, with distinct areas for men and women. Some ryokan (traditional inns) may offer private onsen for families or couples. For people whose gender isn’t defined by their anatomy, we understand how choosing which onsen to visit could create anxiety or gender dysphoria. This article provides valuable insight from a trans person living in Japan on how to navigate this.
2. Nudity: Public onsen require bathers to be completely nude. This is a normal part of the experience, and it’s not sexualized. While we understand why some people may feel self-conscious, it’s important to remember that this is a normal part of people’s daily lives, and Japanese come in all shapes and sizes too.
3. Types of Baths: You may find indoor baths, outdoor baths (rotenburo), and sometimes saunas or cold plunge pools.
4. Natural Minerals: Onsen water contains various minerals believed to have health benefits. The water may have a distinct color or smell due to these minerals. But your skin feels silky smooth.
What to Do
1. Remove Your Shoes: Before entering the changing area, remove your shoes and place them in the provided lockers or shelves.
2. Undress Completely: In the changing room, remove all clothing and jewelry. Some onsen provide yukata (light cotton robes) to wear between the changing room and your accommodation. Place your belongings in the provided baskets, lockers, or shelves.
3. Bring a Small Towel: Bring a small towel with you to the bathing area. This is used for washing and for modesty when walking around.
4. Wash Thoroughly: Before entering the onsen, wash your body completely at the shower stations provided. Sit on the small stools and use the shower heads and toiletries provided. In some traditional onsens, there may not be a place to wash before you enter. If you have long hair, tie it up so it’s not in the water.
5. Enter the Bath Slowly: Ease yourself into the hot water gradually to allow your body to adjust to the temperature. Some of them are very hot!
6. Relax and Enjoy: Once in the bath, relax, and soak. It's common to alternate between hot baths and cooler areas.
7. Dry Off Before Returning: When finished, lightly towel off before returning to the changing area to avoid dripping water.
What Not to Do
1. Don't Wear Swimwear: Swimsuits or any other clothing are not allowed in public onsen.
2. Avoid Submerging Your Towel: Don't let your small towel touch the bath water. Place it on your head or on the side of the bath.
3. Don't Wash in the Bath: The onsen is for soaking only. All washing should be done at the shower stations.
4. No Diving or Swimming or Partying: Onsen are for relaxing, not for water activities.
5. Avoid Loud Conversations: Keep voices low to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for all bathers.
6. No Food or Drink: Do not bring food or drink into the onsen.
7. No Photos: For privacy reasons, cameras and phones are typically not allowed in the bathing areas.
8. Tattoos Are a Maybe: Many onsen prohibit people with tattoos due to their association with organized crime in Japan. Some places offer special times or private baths for tattooed guests. In areas frequented by tourists, it's common to see people with tattoos.
Soaking in an onsen is a quintessential part of the Japanese experience. With these tips on what to do and not do in an onsen, we hope you know what to expect when you visit one with us during our ski and snowboard trips in Japan!