Japanese Onsen Etiquette: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Iris
- Dec 16, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 17
Japanese onsen are easy to use once you know the basic routine: leave your clothes in the changing room, wash thoroughly, keep towels and hair out of the bath, and soak quietly. Individual facilities may have additional rules, especially for tattoos and photography.
Before entering
Check the correct entrance: 男 means men and 女 means women.
Remove shoes where instructed and secure valuables in a locker.
Standard onsen bathing is nude. Swimwear is only allowed at facilities that specifically permit it.
Leave your phone and camera in the changing room.
Wash before you soak
Sit at one of the shower stations and wash your body before entering the bath. Rinse away all soap and shampoo, then tidy the stool and shower area for the next person.
This is the most important rule because the shared bath is for soaking, not washing.
Towels, hair and behaviour in the bath
Keep the small towel out of the water. Place it on your head or at the side of the bath.
Tie up long hair so it does not touch the water.
Enter slowly; onsen water may be hotter than expected.
Speak quietly and do not swim, splash or play in the bath.
Photography is normally prohibited for privacy reasons.
Tattoo policies
Tattoo rules vary by facility. Some onsen allow tattoos, some accept small covering patches and others refuse entry. Check the current policy before travelling rather than assuming one rule applies everywhere.
A private bath or reservable family bath is often the simplest option when a public bath does not accept tattoos.
Pair this with: How to Choose a Japanese Ryokan: Half Board, Private Baths, Tattoos and In-Room Onsen
Bathing safely
Avoid bathing while intoxicated or when you have a fever or feel unwell.
Start with a short soak and leave immediately if you feel dizzy.
Drink water before and after the bath.
Follow medical advice if you have heart, blood-pressure or pregnancy-related concerns.
After the bath
Use the small towel to remove excess water before returning to the changing room, then dry fully with the large towel. Whether to rinse again depends on the facility, water type and personal preference, so follow posted guidance.
The five rules to remember
Wash before entering the bath.
Keep towels and hair out of the water.
Leave phones and cameras outside.
Keep your voice low and follow the facility’s signs.
Do not stay in hot water when you feel unwell.
Further reading
More reading
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