Rules and manners to follow at Japanese hot springs

When you ask people to list things they’d like to experience when visiting Japan, probably most of them will list people, food, and hot springs.
This, however, also applicable to the Japanese as they’d most likely list the same things too.

Unlike hot springs in other countries, Japan has its own rules and manners when it comes to hot springs.
Though you’re a foreigner, you are highly expected to understand and follow those rules and manners, and this feature will introduce them, so stay tuned!

Before we talk about rules and manners, first let’s just talk about the hot spring itself!
Known as onsen, hot springs in Japan are mostly natural, geothermally heated beneath the ground. At onsen facilities,
usually you’ll find both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. The outdoor hot spring baths also known as “rotenburo”.

Unlike public bath or natural hot springs in other countries, everyone soak themselves in a hot spring nakedly. You cannot wear any clothes, including bathing suit, swimsuit, and underwear. Go nakedly, but if you’re shy,  you can always book a private bath.

The above picture shows you a step-by-step instruction to get into an onsen.Before soaking your body into the onsen, you need to shower first.
Rinse your body with hot water, and then soak half of your body.Soak up to your shoulders for 20 to 30 minutes; don’t soak too long.
Wipe your body before leaving the onsen.
Do not your body after leaving the bath, and once you dressed up, relax for at least 30 minutes and stay hydrated.

Next, let’s talk about the onsen rules!If you have long hair, please tie them up.
Don’t swim in the onsen; remember that onsen is a place to relax, not to exercise.
Most onsen facilities in Japan prohibit tattoos; if you have tattoos, opt for a tattoo-friendly onsen or private onsen.
As we mentioned earlier, you cannot wear any clothes inside the onsen, even swimwear.
Don’t put or soak your towel in the bath.
Don’t drink alcohol at all before entering the bath if you can. Also eating too much will make you sick.
Don’t jump into the bath; onsen is not a swimming pool!
We’ve talked about onsen rules and manners in this feature, so why don’t you visit an onsen facilities for some TLCs?