Onsen are one of Japan's greatest gifts to the world — but they come with rules that most tourists don't know. Do tattoos really disqualify you? Do you need to be completely naked? What exactly do you do with the small towel? We answer every question first-timers have, so your first onsen experience is relaxing, not mortifying.
What is an onsen?
An onsen is a natural hot spring bath fed by geothermal water. Japan has thousands of them, from grand ryokan resort baths to small neighbourhood sento (public bathhouses). The water is typically mineral-rich and incredibly good for your skin. Going to an onsen is a deeply embedded part of Japanese culture — it's not just a tourist activity, it's how people genuinely unwind.
The big questions answered
Do I have to be naked?
Yes, in traditional onsen you bathe without a swimsuit. This surprises many visitors, but it's the cultural norm and actually has practical reasons — soap and sunscreen contaminate the water. In recent years, some tourist-oriented onsen have introduced swimsuit-permitted areas, but the main baths will almost always be clothing-free.
💡 Tip: The baths are gender-separated, so you won't be mixing with the opposite sex (with the exception of some mixed konyoku baths, which are rarer).
What about tattoos?
This is the most-asked question. Traditionally, many onsen ban tattoos entirely due to historical associations with yakuza (organized crime). The rule is relaxing in many places — especially tourist areas — but it's still enforced in plenty of traditional facilities. Our advice: check before you go. Many onsen now have private room baths (kashi-kirifuro) you can reserve if you have tattoos.
What do I do with the small towel?
You'll receive a small tenugui towel at most facilities. Use it to wash yourself at the shower station before entering the bath. While soaking, you can fold it and place it on your head — that's the classic look you've probably seen in photos. Never put it into the actual bathwater.
The step-by-step process
Here's exactly what to do when you get there:
- Undress completely in the changing room and store your belongings in a locker or basket.
- Take your small towel and head to the washing area.
- Sit at a shower station and thoroughly wash your entire body with soap — this is not optional. Entering the bath without washing first is considered very rude.
- Rinse completely. Leave the shower station clean for the next person.
- Slowly enter the bath. The water is hot — ease in gradually.
- Soak, relax, and keep your towel out of the water.
- When you exit, pat yourself dry before going back to the changing room.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering the bath before washing — the most common mistake tourists make.
- Putting your towel in the bathwater.
- Swimming or splashing — onsen are for quiet soaking, not exercise.
- Being loud or using your phone in the bathing area.
- Draining the washing station's water onto your neighbour's space.
🇯🇵 From us: Don't be nervous. Onsen culture is relaxed and welcoming. Locals will appreciate that you're making an effort to follow the customs — and honestly, once you're in, you'll wonder why you were ever worried.
Have more questions about visiting an onsen? We'd love to help — send us a message or book a quick video consultation.