A beginner’s guide to onsen culture: rules and etiquette

Few experiences are more quintessentially Japanese than soaking in an onsen.

On any of our pack-free guided walks in Japan you’ll get the chance to rest your body on the hot thermal waters of a traditional onsen.

Whether it’s tucked into a mountain valley, overlooking the sea or hidden within a traditional ryokan, these natural hot springs are a place to unwind, connect with nature and embrace a centuries-old tradition.

While first-timers can feel a little nervous about the etiquette (especially the whole “no clothes” thing), the rules are straightforward and designed to ensure everyone enjoys a peaceful soak.

Your onsen experience begins before you even enter the water. Traditional noren curtains mark the entrances, with blue typically indicating the men’s bath and red the women’s. Some ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) rotate their baths between male and female guests, so always check the signs before walking through the curtain.

Inside the changing room, remove your clothes, jewellery, watches and glasses, as the mineral-rich water can damage or discolour them. Bathing is done completely nude, although you’ll usually be given a small towel to preserve your modesty while walking to the bath.

The most important rule? Wash yourself thoroughly before entering the hot spring. Onsens are for relaxing, not cleaning, so use the showers or traditional washing buckets provided to scrub yourself from head to toe. Keep soap and shampoo well away from the bath, and don’t let your towel or any swimwear touch the water, as both are considered unhygienic. Once you’re squeaky clean, ease yourself slowly into the steaming water.

Onsens can be surprisingly hot, so give your body a moment to adjust before settling in. Then simply relax, enjoy the soothing minerals and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Conversation is usually kept quiet, making it the perfect excuse to switch off for a while. When it’s time to leave, stand up slowly to avoid feeling light-headed, dry yourself before returning to the changing room and drink plenty of water afterwards.

Follow these simple customs and you’ll not only enjoy one of Japan’s great cultural experiences, but also earn silent approval from the locals – and that’s almost as satisfying as the soak itself.

Did you know you can become an onsen sommelier?

It’s like a wine sommelier but takes way less time to be qualified. You’ll learn to identify different hot springs by their colour, mineral content and distinctive aromas. You’ll also master onsen etiquette. Today, around 3,000 registered onsen sommeliers across Japan help visitors, including many foreign travellers, better understand and enjoy the country’s unique bathing culture so the only hot water you get in it is the wet type!