Good manners to know before entering a Japanese hot spring

Japan's hot spring culture has a long history and comes with its own unique customs and etiquette.
It is important for foreigners visiting hot springs to be aware of the following manners in order to respect Japanese culture and enjoy themselves comfortably.

1. Wash your body beforehand

interpoint (interword separation)Wash your body in the shower before entering the bath

Before entering the hot spring, be sure to take a shower and wash your body. There is a washing area in the bath area, and shampoo and body soap are also provided. Wash your whole body here to avoid bringing dirt into the bath.

interpoint (interword separation)Keep your hair out of the bathtub

If you have long hair, be sure to tie it up or use a shower cap to keep your hair out of the bathtub.

2. Don't put towels in the bathtub

・Towels should be placed outside the bathtub.

It is considered bad manners to put a towel in the bath. It is common to place the towel outside the bath or on your head. By submerging the towel in the water, you can prevent dirt from spreading in the bath.

interpoint (interword separation)Use a small towel

In Japanese hot springs, face towels and small towels are often used. These are used for washing and covering the body. Large bath towels for drying the body are used in the changing room.

3. Enjoy Quietly

- Pay attention to the volume of your voice

Onsen are places to relax and for other visitors to enjoy quiet time as well. Please refrain from talking loudly or making noise and stay quiet.

・Stay quiet even in groups

Even if you are visiting with a group, please be considerate of other bathers and try to keep your conversation quiet so as not to ruin the atmosphere of the hot spring.

4. Etiquette when getting out of the bath

・Lightly wipe your body before leaving

Use the towel provided inside to dry off a little water from your body before entering the changing room.

・Don't forget to clean up after yourself

Leave the washing area and changing room clean for the next user. Put the shower head back in place and tidy up the chairs and buckets.

5. Tattoo Notice

If you have a tattoo

Many hot spring facilities in Japan prohibit exposed tattoos, so if you have tattoos, we recommend that you check in advance whether you can bathe there or use a covering sticker.

6. Food and alcohol restrictions

・Bathing on an empty stomach

If possible, avoid taking a bath right after a meal and wait a little while. Even if you are hungry, it is important not to force yourself and to take a bath at an appropriate time.

・Bathing after drinking alcohol

Bathing in a hot spring after consuming alcohol is dangerous. In particular, the high temperature of the hot spring water can cause changes in blood pressure, so you should avoid bathing in a hot spring after drinking alcohol.

7. Changing room etiquette

interpoint (interword separation)Management of valuables

Lockers are often provided in changing rooms. Be sure to put your valuables in the lockers and take care of them yourself. If you put your clothes in a basket, fold them up and cover them with a towel so that others can't see them.

・Consideration for other users

In the changing rooms, please do not take up too much space and be considerate of other users.

There are other things to be careful about, but please be sure to follow the proper etiquette when bathing in a Japanese hot spring and enjoy this natural gift of Japan: hot springs.