Japanese people like to relax and soak in hot springs [hot springs], especially during the cold winter months. Unlike other countries that bathe in public bathing suits, Japanese people wear them while bathing naked.

Most onsens have separate areas for men and women.

Male bath – otoko-buro

Female bath – onna-buro

There are also konyoku or mixed baths, but they are not common.

At the hot spring

Most onenss offer body soaps and shampoos, and most onenss also sell souvenir noodles, so you can enjoy the experience with empty hands. Although most people carry a small bag, change underwear and big towels.

In the locker room

First, undress and put clothes and items on the shelf [some have baskets on the shelves]. Also put the body towel on the shelf and after you leave the bathtub, you will use it to dry your body. It is usually safe to put clothes on the shelf, but if you have valuables [money, jewelry, etc.], it is recommended to leave them in the locker.

Before entering the hot tub

Wash and scrub your body and hair before entering the bathtub. There is usually an assigned wash area with stools and wash basins. Sit in the shower to avoid splashing on other people. Most onenss will have shower gel and shampoo.

If you have long hair, tie it up after washing to prevent your hair from getting immersed in the hot spring water.

If you are a very shy person, cover it with a towel when moving around the hot springs.

Enter the hot tub

Soak and enjoy.

Do not put the towel in the hot spring bath, as the hot spring can only be used for soaking.

Remember that there is no soap or shampoo in the bathtub. Wash your body and hair before entering the spa bath.

Some onenss have several bathrooms for you to try. Feel free to try everything, especially the ro-ten-buro [open-air bath].

Leave the spa

Dry your body and get dressed in the locker room. If you leave them in the locker, don't forget your lover.

When you leave the locker room, you will often see a small fridge with a small bottle of milk or milk coffee. After entering the bathroom to cool down, it is usually customary to drink milk or milk coffee.

Please note that there are still many Japanese onsens that do not allow people with tattoos to enter. If you plan to visit the spa and have a tattoo, please check first.

Happy bathing!

Japanese hot spring (hot spring) etiquette was originally published on Spring