Japan

Onsen in Japan

How to Soak, Strip, and Not Get Kicked Out

Ah, Japan—the land of sushi, samurai, and, of course, steaming hot springs known as onsen.

Picture this: you’re in a natural, mineral-rich bath, surrounded by serene mountains, with nothing but the scent of sulfur in the air. But before you go stripping down and jumping in, there’s a whole list of do's, don’ts, and "please don’t even think about its" to navigate. So, here’s your irreverent guide to onsen etiquette, tattoos, and why skinship isn’t nearly as creepy as it sounds.

The Many Flavors of Onsen

Let’s start with the basics. Sento vs. onsen—one’s a regular bathhouse with plain old heated water, and the other’s the real deal with natural, mineral-packed goodness. You’ll want the latter. Some places even slap on the word tennen (meaning “natural”) just to remind you that yes, this is the real hot spring experience.

Staying overnight? Many onsen are attached to traditional inns called ryokan, which is basically your ticket to sleeping on the floor (in a good way) and eating food that you can’t pronounce. These places often throw in onsen access as part of the deal. Whether you’re a day-tripper or overnight guest, expect to cough up a fee, but it’s worth it for that blissful soak.

Now, let’s talk rotenburo—open-air baths that let you enjoy the great outdoors while you marinate in hot water. Some even offer yukimi (snow-watching) onsen, where you can pretend you’re in a postcard while freezing your bits off in the name of relaxation. And for those who don’t fancy baring it all in public, there are private onsen (kashikiri) where you can splash around in peace without judgmental stares.

Mastering Onsen Etiquette (or How to Avoid the Death Stare)

So, here’s the deal: no clothes in the onsen. Seriously, none. You’ll be given a teeny towel that’s more symbolic than functional, and you’re supposed to wash up before even thinking about dipping a toe in that sacred water. We’re talking a full-on scrub-down, like you’re about to perform surgery. Shampoo, soap, conditioner—it’s all there. And if you’ve got long hair, tie it up, because no one wants your split ends floating by.

Once you’re clean, slide into the onsen like a pro, but keep that towel out of the water. It’s bad manners to dunk it, and frankly, it’s just gross. Pro tip: Don’t stay in too long or you’ll end up more prune than person. And while it might be tempting to sneak in a sake, food and drink are a big no-no. You don’t want to be the person who passes out in the bath, do you?

Tattoos: The Elephant in the Onsen

Ah, tattoos. In Japan, they’re not just body art—they’re often linked to the yakuza, which is not the look you’re going for while soaking in a hot spring. Some onsen are still strict about their no-tattoo policies, so don’t be surprised if you get turned away.

To avoid the walk of shame, check the tattoo policy before you go. If your ink is on the smaller side, you can always slap on a tattoo cover, which you can pick up at stores like Don Quijote. But if you’re rocking a full sleeve, your best bet is a private onsen, where you can bathe without worry. Or, find a tattoo-friendly onsen (yes, they exist!), and soak away without a care in the world.

So, there you have it—your irreverent guide to enjoying Japan’s onsen without making a cultural faux pas. Now strip down, scrub up, and soak in the experience like a local. Just don’t forget to leave your modesty (and your clothes) at the door.