Do you wash before getting into an onsen?
Yes. Wash at the washing area and rinse off all the soap before getting into the bath.
Onsen & Bathing
Washing first, towels, tattoos and photos: how to enjoy hot springs comfortably.
Can your towel go in the onsen water?
Keep your towel out of the bathwater. Rest it on your head or put it outside the bath.
Can you enter an onsen with tattoos?
It depends on the facility. Some turn tattooed guests away and some welcome them, so check in advance.
Do you wear a swimsuit in an onsen?
At typical onsen and public baths you bathe naked, without a swimsuit. Some facilities, however, require a swimsuit or a special bathing garment.
Can you take photos in changing rooms and baths?
No. Taking photos in changing rooms and bathing areas is strictly prohibited to protect other people’s privacy. Keep your phone in the locker.
What should you watch out for with hair and behaviour in the bath?
Tie up long hair so it stays out of the water. Do not swim or splash; enjoy the bath quietly.