Naked with Strangers?! The Ultimate Guide to Onsen Etiquette (So You Don’t Panic)
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. You want to try an Onsen (hot spring). You know it’s a quintessential Japanese experience. You know it’s relaxing.
But you’re terrified.
“Wait, I have to be completely naked?” “In front of strangers?” “What if I do something wrong?”
As your friend, let me stop you right there. I promise you: Once you get in the water, you won’t care. The awkwardness lasts for 10 seconds. The relaxation lasts all day.
But to help you get over that initial fear, here is the absolute “Do’s and Don’ts” guide. Follow this, and you’ll look like a local pro.
Rule #0: The “Tattoo” Problem
Before you go, we need to address this. In Japan, tattoos are historically associated with the Yakuza (mafia). Because of this, many public onsens still ban guests with tattoos. Even small butterflies or names.
- If you have small tattoos: You can often cover them with skin-colored waterproof tape (bandage).
- If you have large tattoos: Look for “Tattoo Friendly” onsens, or book a “Private Onsen” (Kashikiri). This is a private room you rent for an hour. It’s actually more luxurious!
Step 1: The Changing Room (Undressing)
Walk through the curtain (Red for women, Blue for men). Here, you take off everything. Underwear included. No swimsuits allowed.
Put your clothes in the basket or locker. You take only one thing with you into the bathing area: Your small “modesty towel.”
- Friend’s Tip: You can use this small towel to cover your private parts while you walk.
Step 2: The Wash Station (Most Important!)
DO NOT jump into the bath yet! This is the #1 rule. You must wash your body before you enter the water. The bath water is for soaking, not washing.
- Sit on the small stool (don’t stand, or you’ll splash people).
- Rinse your body thoroughly.
- Use soap and shampoo. Scrub well.
- Rinse off all the soap bubbles.
- Rinse your stool and bucket for the next person.
Now, you are clean. You are ready.
Step 3: Entering the Bath
Step carefully into the water. It might be hot! (Usually 40-42°C / 104-108°F). Move slowly so you don’t make waves.
What do I do with my towel? NEVER put your towel in the bath water. It’s considered dirty.
- Option A: Fold it and put it on top of your head (the classic look!).
- Option B: Leave it on the side of the bath (on a rock or the edge).
Step 4: Relax (and Look at the View)
Now, just sit. Soak. Close your eyes. Don’t swim. Don’t splash. Just enjoy the heat soaking into your muscles.
You might notice locals staring at nothing, completely silent. This is the art of doing nothing. Join them.
After the Bath: The “Milk” Tradition
You’ve soaked, you’re warm, and you’re dressed again (don’t forget your locker key!). What now?
Look for a vending machine selling glass bottles of milk. It is a Japanese tradition to drink Coffee Milk (Coffee Gyunyu) or Fruit Milk after a bath. Place one hand on your hip, tilt your head back, and chug it. It tastes like heaven.
You Can Do This.
The fear of being naked is only in your head. In the onsen, nobody cares about your body shape. Everyone is there for the same reason: to escape the stress of the world.
It is the most liberating, peaceful experience you can have in Japan. Don’t let shyness stop you.
Still worried about the rules? Or do you have tattoos and need help finding a place? Ask us! On our tours (especially the Hakone ones), we can guide you to the best, foreigner-friendly onsens where you can soak without stress.
