How to Properly Use an Onsen

Soaking in an onsen is a common ritual of Japanese culture.

Onsen are Japanese indoor and outdoor hot springs, where spring water is heated naturally through underground volcanic activity and geothermal heat. Soaking in an onsen can be a relaxing, rejuvenating experience that also boasts health benefits as a result of the mineral-rich water. Enjoying an onsen is simple, though visitors should be advised to observe specific etiquette throughout their visit.

Things You'll Need

• Fee for the onsen (can be as little as four dollars, but much more at expensive hotels or spas)
• Fee and key for locker
• Towel
• Wash cloth or body scrub
• Soap and shampoo
• Hair tie (if not washing long hair)
• Bath sandals (for walking around locker room, optional)

Instructions

Onsen Etiquette

1. 

   Lockers are provided for clothes and shoes.

   The onsen can be very inexpensive or more pricey, depending on the location and bath house. Check the price before entering and pay the fee.

   Purchase or ask for a locker room key and choose a locker to place your clothes into while bathing. Shoes should be left in the shoe area or in the locker room outside the bath house.

   Onsen are almost always restricted to same sex, or the sexes alternate in their use of the space. Use the bathing area appropriate for you.

   Do not bring cameras or recording equipment into bathing areas.

   Bathing suits are not allowed. You must be naked when entering the bathing area, though towels are allowed for modesty.

2. 

   Onsen are for soaking, not bathing.

   When you first enter, bring your soap, towel and shampoo. Walk to the cleansing area and grab a stool to sit on while bathing and a basin or bucket to place water from the faucets.

   Wash your body, hair and face very well. If you don't wash your hair, put it up with a hair tie and do not submerge it under water.

3. 

   Onsen can be indoors or outdoors.

   After bathing, you may enter the onsen pools. You may alternate between hot, very hot and cold pools. Some onsen may have a cold plunge or cold waterfall.

   Be aware, some of the pools have an electric current which can be shocking, though not harmful.

   If you speak while in the onsen, speak softly.

   Some onsen have black or gray water as a result of high mineral content. The water is not dirty.

   Do not swim in the water. Onsen are for quiet contemplation and relaxing, not swimming.

4. 

   Drinking tea after soaking in an onsen can be relaxing.

   After soaking, wipe off any sweat or water with your towel and return to the locker room.

   Some onsen also offer cold beer, water or tea after soaking. It is important to hydrate after soaking in the hot water, so do not forget to drink water after visiting an onsen.

References

• Japan Visitor: Japanese Hot Spings
• Onsen Japan: Onsen Basics