The Ultimate Guide for Onsen Experiences in Japan
Are you visiting Japan for the first time? Trying out the Japanese onsen, hotspring, for the first time? Here is everything you should know to prepare yourself for the most exciting relaxation time of your life.
What is Onsen?
Onsen, a quintessential Japanese cultural experience, refers to traditional hot springs that have been cherished for centuries for their therapeutic and relaxing properties. Found throughout Japan due to the country’s volcanic activity, onsen baths are not only places for physical rejuvenation but also hold cultural significance. These communal bathing facilities often feature various types of baths, including indoor and outdoor, and are typically segregated by gender. Many Japanese onsens are attached to ryokans (traditional inns), providing a complete cultural immersion.
Where do I find an Onsen?
Onsen can be found in almost every corner of Japan! Many of them are attached to hotels and ryokans, and there are stand-alone onsens as well. Of course, not all onsen are built equally. Some onsen regions feature bigger onsen with more amenities, and some ryokan even offer private onsen for you and your loved one. You can use various online tools such as Nifty Onsen, or Onsen Japan to see specific onsen reviews.
What seasons can I enjoy Onsen?
You can absolutely enjoy onsen in every season of the year! Each season offers an unique and appealing experience. Spring is delightful as the weather is becoming mild and you may be able to enjoy cherry blossoms with hot door onsen. While the summer months can be extremely hot and humid, it’s still possible to enjoy onsen, especially in cooler regions or high-altitude locations. Some onsen may have outdoor baths surrounded by lush greenery. Autumn is a popular time for onsen visits, as the temperatures cool down, you can witness the stunning fall foliage. The scenery around the onsen areas becomes vibrant with red and orange hues. Lastly, winter is perhaps the best season for onsen, especially in snowy regions. There’s something about soaking in a warm bath while surrounded by snow-covered landscapes. With outdoor onsen, you can experience the contrast between hot steamy water and cold dry air, making it an one-of-a-kind experience.
Onsen Ettiquetts
Now that you’re ready to go in an Onsen, you want to be as respectful of the local etiquette as possible. Here are some things you should keep in mind as you go in your first Onsen:
Refrain from drinking alcohol before entering
Alcohol and hot springs are a bad mix, as it could cause cerebral anemia due to changes in blood pressure, so refrain from drinking before entering.
No tattoos are allowed
Due to association with gang members, tattoos are not allowed in Onsens. However, if you have a small tattoo that can be covered by a tattoo coverup patch, most places will allow you to enter (please verify with the facility). Some places are specifically for foreigners, those places may allow people with bigger tattoos, but by default, tattoos are banned from Onsens.
Take off all clothes
Yes, that includes your underwear. You are not allowed to wear anything inside the onsen, be free.
Do not bring your phone in
People may think you are taking photographs of them, so leave your phone in the changing room in the locker.
Take a shower before you enter
There are showers located right by the onsen. To keep the onsen clean, everyone is required to fully shower before entering the water. Yes, you are going to shower with other naked people, but once you’re over the initial shock, it’s surprisingly normal.
Tie up long hair
If you have long hair that would soak into the water, please tie it up. Nobody wants to soak in a tub filled with loose hair!
No towels inside the water
You may have seen on TV or in anime that people wrap a towel around them to enter an onsen. However, that is purely for censorship reasons and you are not allowed to have a towel inside the water.
Do not swim/horseplay
Onsen is a place for relaxation, please keep your voices down and enjoy the peacefulness.
Wipe yourself dry before exiting
After enjoying and relaxing, wipe yourself dry before going back to the changing room. You don’t want someone to slip.
Apply common sense
Watch what the locals do, apply common sense, and have fun!
