What Exactly Is an Onsen?
An onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring bath, created by the country’s abundant volcanic activity. With thousands of natural springs scattered across Japan, each bath has its own unique mineral composition, often believed to offer therapeutic benefits. Yet, most people don’t visit an onsen purely for health reasons—the real draw is the soothing warmth, deep relaxation, and cultural experience.
Onsen can be found everywhere, from remote outdoor baths surrounded by snow-covered forests (rotenburo) to elegant indoor pools in modern hotels and centuries-old ryokan inns. Some are private, while others open their doors to the public for a small fee. You’ll recognize them by the characters 温泉 or the simpler ゆ, which stands for hot water.
There are different arrangements too: some baths are mixed-gender (konyoku), while others are reserved for men (otoko-yu) or women (onna-yu). Signs and curtains at the entrance mark the appropriate bath, so it’s worth paying attention before stepping inside.
Onsen Etiquette: How to Do It Right
Visiting an onsen comes with traditions that locals take seriously, and it’s important for visitors to follow them. Here’s how the process usually goes:
- Undress completely: Onsen bathing is done nude. Clothes and belongings are placed in a locker or basket in the changing area. The only item you bring with you is a small hand towel, which is never dipped in the water. Many people fold it and place it on their head while bathing.
- Wash thoroughly: Before soaking, you must clean yourself at the shower stations. Sit on the provided stool, lather up with soap, and rinse with the handheld shower or bucket. Always leave the area tidy for the next person.
- Enter quietly: Slip into the pool calmly, without splashing, and avoid crowding near the source, where the water is hottest. The atmosphere is one of quiet relaxation, though a friendly greeting to others is perfectly acceptable.
- Soak moderately: Most people stay in the water for around 10 minutes at a time, depending on personal comfort and tolerance for heat. Step out slowly, use your small towel to dry excess water, and either shower again or rest before reentering.
This intimate, communal experience is often described as hadaka no tsukiai, or “naked friendship,” highlighting the sense of equality and connection it fosters.
The Tattoo Question
Traditionally, tattoos are associated with the yakuza, which is why many onsens still ban them. However, in popular hot spring areas like Noboribetsu or Nyuto, the rules are more relaxed, particularly for foreign visitors. Women with tattoos are often admitted to female-only baths without issue, but it’s always polite to ask staff in advance. A simple phrase like irezumi daijobu desu ka? (Are tattoos okay?) can save misunderstandings.
Sentō: A Similar Experience
While onsens are fed by natural thermal springs, sentō are public bathhouses that use heated tap water. The etiquette is the same, and they provide an equally relaxing experience, especially in cities where natural hot springs are less common.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a rustic outdoor rotenburo with steam rising into the winter air or a tranquil indoor bath at a ryokan, visiting an onsen is one of the most memorable cultural experiences in Japan. It’s not just about bathing—it’s about slowing down, embracing tradition, and sharing a moment of quiet connection with others.
