How to Use the Onsen in Japan: Etiquette & Customs

Visitors to Japan are sometimes hesitant to try the hot springs because they don’t know the correct etiquette or protocol for entering the baths. This is especially understandable at the day onsen (hot springs open to the public) where international travelers are less common than at large resort hotels. But don’t worry—the process is a series of small, logical steps designed to maintain a shared “lull” of cleanliness and relaxation. With a few rules in mind, you’ll be blending in like a local before you can even say “onsen.”

Entering the Day Onsen

First of all, day onsen are traditionally rooted in Japanese custom. The transition begins at the tataki (三和土)—the entrance area where you must remove your outdoor shoes. Like a Japanese home, the building is a shoe-free zone. Very close to the entrance, you’ll find small lockers for your footwear. Some may require a ¥100 coin (which you’ll get back at the end), while others use a simple wooden key. Keep this key safe; you will often need to trade it at the front desk for your changing room locker key.

The Reception and “Nyuyokukin”

At the reception, you will pay your nyūyokukin (entrance fee). In many local spots, you’ll use a ticket vending machine. If the buttons are only in Japanese, don’t hesitate to point and ask the staff for help. Beyond the entrance fee, you may see options for additional services like the Ganbanyoku (hot stone spa) or towels. While high-end facilities provide a set of towels, local neighborhood onsen expect you to bring your own or rent them for a few hundred yen.

Face-towels for sale at onsen — Face-towels on sale at a day onsen in Kanagawa for about $1. These “thin” towels are essential for the bathing area.

The Changing Rooms

The baths are separated by gender, usually marked by noren (divided curtains): blue for men and red/pink for women. Inside, you’ll find lockers or wooden baskets for your clothes. Unlike a gym, onsen dressing areas are often stocked with amenities like hair dryers, skin lotions, and even specialized hair tonics, allowing you to fully refresh after your soak.

Wooden baskets in onsen changing room — Wooden baskets for belongings are common in traditional ryokan, though most day onsen utilize coin lockers for security.

The Ritual of the Bath

You enter the bathing area completely naked—swimwear is strictly prohibited as it is seen as “unclean” for the mineral water. You take only your small hand towel with you. This towel serves two purposes: covering your modesty as you walk between tubs, and acting as a washcloth. When you enter, start with the kake-yu—a tub of warm water used to splash and “warm up” your body before the primary wash.

Shower area at Japanese onsen — The shower area is where the real “work” of the onsen happens. Thoroughly scrubbing here is the most important rule of etiquette.

The shower area consists of open stalls with low stools and plastic bowls. It is customary to wash while seated. Take your time to scrub thoroughly, as entering the communal tubs with any soap or dirt is the ultimate etiquette faux pas. Pro tip: When you finish washing, rinse off your stool and bowl for the next person as a sign of respect. Once clean, you are ready to soak!

Onsen Manners to Remember:

Keep the towel out of the water: Do not dip your towel in the bath. Most people fold it and place it on their heads. In an outdoor bath (rotenburo), a cold, wet towel on the head helps regulate blood pressure and prevents dizziness.
Silence is golden: While quiet chatting is fine, the onsen is a place for a mental “lull.” Avoid splashing, swimming, or loud shouting.
The Sweat Rule: If you use the sauna, you must rinse off the sweat in the shower or kake-yu before getting back into the hot spring water.
Tattoos: Traditionally, tattoos were banned due to their association with organized crime. While many modern “Super Onsen” are becoming more inclusive, some still require you to cover small tattoos with waterproof bandages. Always check the policy at the door.

After the Bath: The “Coffee Milk” Tradition

When you finish, wring out your towel and wipe off excess water before stepping back into the carpeted changing area. In the lobby, you’ll almost always find a vending machine selling glass bottles of Coffee Milk or fruit milk. Standing with one hand on your hip and drinking a cold bottle of coffee milk after a hot soak is the quintessential Japanese onsen experience.

General Day Onsen Logistics
Opening Hours	Typically 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Some “Super Onsen” stay open 24/7)
Price	¥500 – ¥1,200 (Local Sento) / ¥2,000 – ¥3,500 (Super Onsen/Spa Resorts)
Towel Rental	¥200 – ¥500 (If not included in the entrance fee)
Notes	Always check for “Tattoo Friendly” signs if you have visible ink.