Visiting an onsen is one of the most enjoyable pastimes for the Japanese. Onsens play a major role in Japanese domestic tourism, much like spa resorts in other countries, but with a few key differences.
An onsen is essentially a communal bathhouse where visitors relax and soak in large public hot baths. They are located all over Japan, with some set in forests or popular tourist destinations, others at luxurious ryokan or resorts that use hot mineral spring water, and many are also found in urban areas, including hundreds throughout Tokyo.
While onsens are primarily used for relaxation, some people also visit for “toji,” or medicinal purposes, as the warm waters can help with conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, and sensitivity to the cold.
Clothing is not permitted in the onsen bath; guests must be naked (“hadaka no tsukiai”). There are specific etiquettes that must always be followed for both hygiene and modesty. The first step is “kakeyu,” meaning to get squeaky clean with soap and water. This is followed by a thorough rinse with fresh water to ensure no soap residue remains on the body.
Ensuring cleanliness is essential before entering the hot tub because public hygiene is highly important. No one wants to bathe in water that contains other people’s dirt. People with open wounds, cuts, or who are pregnant should avoid entering the onsen water.
The final rinse is done with hot water, which helps prepare the skin for the heat, or sometimes extra heat, of the bath water. When washing, it is best to start with your feet and hands, working your way up to your head, ensuring your body is properly cleaned in the right order.
Once clean, you can enter the hot bath. This should be done gradually and modestly to avoid disturbing other guests or shocking your body with the extreme heat. Once in the water, sit quietly with no splashing or sudden movements, immersing yourself just above the shoulders. You should stay in the water for as long as you feel comfortable, as prolonged exposure to hot water can cause dehydration. While most onsens allow light conversation, it’s best to keep noise levels low, as many people visit to relax.
Some onsens are shared by both men and women, but it is more common to find segregated onsens or different hours for each gender.
Guests usually carry a small washcloth or towel when visiting. The towel serves two purposes: it can be used for modesty when outside the water, covering the private parts of the body, and many visitors also dip the towel in cold water and place it on their head for relief from the hot water. Some onsens prohibit towels in the bathing area, while most encourage them. The best approach is to observe others and follow their lead.
Many traditional onsens have rules that prohibit people with tattoos from using them. This was originally a measure to prevent gang members (yakuza) from visiting and intimidating other guests. In some cases, this rule can also apply to tourists with tattoos, regardless of their size, location on the body, or design.
