JAPAN MANNERS LABJapan Manners Guide
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Can your towel go in the onsen water?

Illustration of a person soaking in an onsen with a folded towel resting on their head

In short

Better not

Keep your towel out of the bathwater. Rest it on your head or put it outside the bath.

Where
OnsenHotel
Type of manner
Facility ruleEveryday custom

When does this apply?

You bring a small towel into the bathing area to wash with or to cover yourself while walking. When you soak, make sure the towel does not touch the water.

Why?

It stops dirt and soap on the towel from getting into the water, keeping the shared bath clean for everyone.

What to do

  • Fold the towel and rest it on your head
  • Place it somewhere it will not touch the water, such as the edge of the bath
  • Leave your big bath towel in the changing room

Better to avoid

  • Dip the towel into the bath
  • Wring the towel out in the water

Exceptions and differences

Some facilities have their own rules, for example hot springs that allow bathing garments (yuami-gi). Follow the posted guidance.

Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.

Check with a quiz

When you soak in the bath, what do you do with your small towel?

Choose an answer

Sources

  1. How to Best Enjoy Japan's OnsenJapan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) · National tourism organization · Accessed: Oct 16, 2026 · Content checked
  2. Understanding and Mastering Japanese Manners and EtiquetteJapan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) · National tourism organization · Accessed: Oct 16, 2026 · Content checked

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