The Beginner's Guide to Onsen Etiquette in Japan

There are a number of quintessential Japanese activities tourists are usually encouraged to do on their trip to Japan. Visiting a 7/11, riding the Shinkansen, indulging in endless bowls of ramen, dipping your toes into otaku culture, and visiting a Japanese zen garden are just some of the most popular.

However, none are more prevalent than the Japanese Onsen. The best way to relax in Japan after a hard day, it’ll make sure you’re rejuvenated and ready to go again tomorrow.

While the Japanese onsen experience is the epitome of relaxation, it’s worth mentioning that there are a few rules and regulations you’ll need to follow in order to make the most of your traditional Japanese dip.

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What is an Onsen?

By definition, an onsen (温泉) is a hot spring. There are many different types of hot springs across Japan but to be defined as one (by law) the bath needs to hit the following criteria:

Waters that emerge from the earth of at least 25°C (or with a certain concentration of minerals)

Within an onsen resort, there may be many different types of baths including:

uchiburo - Indoor baths
rotemburo - Outdoor baths
konyoku - Mixed-gender baths
kashikiriburo/kazokuburo - Private baths
ashiyu - Foot baths
takiyu/utaseyu - Waterfall/beating baths
sunaburo - Sand baths
mushiburo - Steam baths
doroyu - Mud baths

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Onsen vs Sento vs Ryokan: What’s the Difference?

Beginning with ‘Onsen’ and ‘Sento’, the major difference here is the type of water that flows into the tubs. As we’ve just discussed above, the water from an onsen can only be classified as such if, by law, it fills that criteria. Sento on the other hand, doesn’t have such guidelines.

That means that, on the face of it, you could be bathing in a sento and it may look exactly the same as an Onsen. If it’s important to you to bathe in actual onsen waters, make sure to check out some of the areas listed below.

Sento will frequently take advantage of Japan’s kampo (漢方) medicine culture. Evolving from traditional Chinese medicine, a wide variety of medicinal ingredients are added to the water including yuzu fruit at some specific bathhouses like Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen during the winter solstice.

Ryokans, which often have either an onsen or sento inside, are traditional Japanese inns. Tatami flooring, public (sometimes private) baths, seasonal local cuisine, and futon beds are ready to greet weary travellers from their day spent exploring the local area.

Whether you’re looking for boutique luxury or a small no-frills family-run establishment, there’s a ryokan for your taste, style, and budget.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Browse a full list of Japan Ryokans here.

Onsen Rules: Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

Remove all your clothing
Make sure you’ve washed properly
Be respectful of others
Take your shoes off before entering
Relax

Don’t:

Swim
Soak your hair in the onsen
Go in with tattoos
Soak for too long

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Tattoos and Onsen

While your 85-year-old tattooed Grandma probably isn't part of the Japanese mafia, it still doesn't mean she’ll be allowed into every onsen. Despite changing attitudes over the last few decades, on the whole, Japan still has a relatively strict ‘No Tattoos’ policy when it comes to onsen bathing.

While your choice of Onsen might be slightly more restricted, there’s no reason you won’t be able to experience this classic Japanese tradition during your stay. Below are a few tattoo-friendly Onsen to check out before your trip.

Matsumoto-yu in Nakano has turned into a modern bathhouse following a major renovation for the first time in its 85-year history.

Koganeyu was transformed into a modern public bathhouse in 2020, complete with a craft beer taproom by the entrance that doubles as a DJ booth.

Hisamatsuyu in Nerima, Tokyo can be described as a contemporary, natural hot spring with its incredibly stylish, modern design.

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What areas of Japan are most famous for onsen?

Beppu, Oita

Best for: Its variety of onsen options

Producing more hot spring water than any other resort in the country, Beppu in Oita prefecture offers a multitude of baths to soak in. Thanks to its 8 different springs, the town isn't short on onsen options. Bury yourself in heated sand, relax in a conventional hot water bath, or heat up by the steam of the mushiburo. These onsens flank the hillside and cover the town (down to Beppu Bay) in its entirety.

Check out the latest deals and availability for Ryokans in Beppu.

Pro tip: Make sure to visit the Hells of Beppu - several hot springs that are only available for viewing, not bathing.

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido

Best for: Spectacular volcanic landscape

Taking the crown for Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort, the southwest coastal town of Noboribetsu has been soaking tired wanderers for the past 150 years. Jigokudani (Hell’s Valley) is an especially popular spot thanks to the steam that bubbles out of the small cracks and crevices in the frozen ground. Venture slightly Northeast and you’ll come across Shiraoi, a small town home to the Ainu Museum.

Check out the latest deals and availability for Ryokans in Noboribetsu.

Shibu Onsen, Nagano

Best for: Its historic and visually appealing hot-spring town

With its long and storied history, a visit to Shibu Onsen feels like stepping back in time, centuries before the present day. Some of the ryokan that line its narrow streets date back over 400 years which makes it far easier to immerse yourself in the often encouraged activity of dressing in traditional yukata robes, geta sandals, and strolling around town. Once you’ve finished exploring the best of what Shibu Onsen has to offer, feel free to visit one of nine public bathhouses, accessible only to overnight guests of the nearby ryokan.

Check out the latest deals and availability for Ryokans in Shibu Onsen.

Pro tip: Good fortune is said to bestow those who visit all nine bathhouses (and gather the stamps) during their trip.

Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

Best for: A rustic vibe with Skiing & Hiking nearby

Perched at an altitude of 1200 metres above sea level in the Mountains of Gunma prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen is a resort that offers more than just onsen bathing. The area is well known for its fantastic ski conditions during the winter and hiking trails across the rest of the year.

The highly acidic waters are often touted as some of the country’s best, giving Kustatsu Onsen a widely acclaimed reputation as a premier onsen town. Finish your day’s exploring at either Sainokawara Rotemburo (large outdoor pool), Otakinoyu (awaseyu wooden baths), or Gozanoyu (traditional pools).

Check out the latest deals and availability for Ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen.

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