Do you wear a swimsuit in an onsen?
In short
It dependsAt typical onsen and public baths you bathe naked, without a swimsuit. Some facilities, however, require a swimsuit or a special bathing garment.
When does this apply?
Most hot springs are separated by gender, and you remove all clothing and swimwear in the changing room before entering. Some mixed-gender hot springs provide a bathing garment (yuami-gi), and pool-like spa facilities require swimsuits.
Why?
Japanese bathing culture is based on washing first and then soaking without clothes. There is also the idea of keeping fibres and dirt from swimwear out of the water.
What to do
- Check beforehand whether the facility is nude or swimsuit/yuami-gi
- At nude baths, leave clothes and swimwear in the changing room
- If you feel shy, choose a private bath or a room with its own open-air bath
Better to avoid
- Enter a nude bath in a swimsuit or underwear
Exceptions and differences
Whether swimsuits are required or banned is decided by each facility. It differs even within the same hot spring town, so check the guidance.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
Check with a quiz
Do you wear a swimsuit in an onsen?
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Sources
- How to Best Enjoy Japan's Onsen(opens in a new tab)
- Understanding and Mastering Japanese Manners and Etiquette(opens in a new tab)
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