The Complete Guide to Japan's Onsen: Etiquette, tips, and where to go
When exploring the rich traditions of Japanese culture, you may come across the term onsen. If you're not sure exactly what that is, fear not; we're here to fill you in!
Onsen mean hot spring, which is a big part of Japanese culture. The word can refer the actual water itself, a facility with hot spring baths (with or without overnight accommodations), or even entire towns built around the spring water source.
There are over 20,000 hot spring sources in Japan, and over 2,000 onsenchi — towns or areas with bathing facilities sourced from hot springs. Onsenchi are popular travel destinations, not only because hot spring baths are relaxing, but also because they are said to have healing qualities, which differ depending on the source due to unique mineral levels and properties.
Hot springs can be found all over Japan, with many hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) concentrated near hot springs. Many allow an overnight stay, but there are also establishments that can be used for a day trip, including some overnight accommodations that are open for day-use guests. Some towns even have free hot spring footbaths located around town.
The history of hot springs in Japan dates back over a thousand years, with their origins rooted in ancient traditions of bathing and healing. The Japanese began to recognize the therapeutic benefits of natural hot springs, with samurai frequenting them to heal wounds and recover from fatigue. The practice of hot spring bathing was further popularized when the development of transportation networks made it easier for people to travel to these healing waters.
Many hot spring towns were established in scenic locations, often near mountains or rivers, serving as places for relaxation, rejuvenation, and social interaction. Today, hot springs towns are popular tourist destinations and continue to be cherished for their health benefits such as promoting relaxation, relieving stress, and improving skin conditions. Although less common now, some guests visit for toji — the Japanese practice of long-term therapeutic bathing for healing purposes. Traditionally, it involves extended stays (sometimes up to several weeks) at hot spring facilities, where individuals bathe multiple times a day to treat various ailments, benefiting from the mineral-rich waters.
Hot springs are categorized based on their mineral qualities, known as senshitsu, with each type offering unique properties and associated health benefits. Some examples include:
- Iosen or sulfur springs, said to improve skin conditions and high blood pressure
- Example hot spring towns: Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido), Nozawa Onsen (Nagano)
- Example hot spring towns: Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido), Nozawa Onsen (Nagano)
- Tansan Suiso Ensen or bicarbonate springs, said to remove unnecessary dead skin cells and dirt from pores and often referred to as "beautifying baths" for their skin-beautifying properties
- Example hot spring towns: Ureshino Onsen (Saga), Hijiori Onsen (Yamagata)
- Example hot spring towns: Ureshino Onsen (Saga), Hijiori Onsen (Yamagata)
- Enkabutsusen or chloride springs, known for their heat-retaining properties and said to be effective for wounds.
- Example hot spring towns: Atami Onsen (Shizuoka), Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama)
- Example hot spring towns: Atami Onsen (Shizuoka), Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama)
Each type of hot spring offers unique therapeutic properties, making hot springs a popular destination for relaxation and wellness in Japan, allowing visitors to choose based on their specific health needs and preferences.
While you are planning your trip or traveling in Japan, you may hear words related to bathing such as sento or daiyokujo, but these are different from onsen.
Sento are public bathhouses, typically offered at an affordable price. Sento usually use regular hot tap water and are not sourced from hot springs, but it's still a fun and unique experience if you're in Japan. Most sento are generally not overnight accommodations but more of a facility locals go to when they want to relax in a big bath.
If you want to know whether or not the water is hot spring water, many official websites for accommodations include the senshitsu information. Alternatively, you can check directly with the accommodation beforehand.
Before getting into the specifics, there are a couple of general things to know about onsen first.
- Most baths are separated by gender and require full nudity — no swimsuits or other clothing are allowed. However, there may be exceptions such as for facilities with mixed-gender bathing, which may require swimsuits or some other form of courtesy clothing while in the bath.
- Many facilities prohibit tattoos. In Japan, tattoos have historically been associated with organized crime, so many places still choose to prohibit them. Some facilities do allow tattoos, but it is recommended to check with the facility beforehand. You can also check our guide to tattoo-friendly hot springs.
- For those who are not comfortable bathing with others, have tattoos, or cannot bath publicly due to religious or other reasons, there are other options available, such as hotels with privately reservable onsen or guestrooms with onsen baths. Find more details on private onsen later in this guide.
1. Enter the gender-separated changing room
Many facilities use Japanese characters to identify which bath is for which gender. If you can, just follow the signs with 男 for men and 女 for women. When you enter, there may be a shoe rack or a space to put your slippers, so take off your footwear and put them there.
Tip: Some places may provide towels in the bathing facility, while others may tell you to bring your own towels from your room. You can check with the staff at check-in.
Tip: Drink water beforehand to avoid dehydration. Sometimes water dispensers are available outside the changing rooms, while others may be in the changing room. You should also avoid alcohol before bathing because it can lead to premature dehydration and dizziness.
2. Take off your clothing and enter the bathing area with just the small towel or washcloth
In the changing room, most places provide baskets to put your belongings in (some may provide lockers). It’s customary to bring a small towel or washcloth with you, which can be used to scrub your body first and wick off water later when you’re done bathing.
Tip: Although most facilities provide shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, cleansing oils and makeup removers are usually not provided. For those wearing makeup, you may want to bring your own toiletries and remove your makeup before entering the bathing area or just remove it before leaving your guestroom.
3. Wash yourself in the shower area
Before you take a dip in the onsen, you need to wash yourself first. Most baths should have a shower area, usually paired with a stool and a small bucket at each stall. Sit on the stool and you can fill the bucket with water to use for rinsing. Be mindful of others and try not to make huge splashes while washing yourself.
4. Tidy up your shower area and slowly enter the onsen
The temperature may be hot so take it slow. Make sure your towel doesn’t fall into the water, as this is seen as somewhat of a hygiene faux pas. Some people put the towel on their heads or place it on the edge of the bath.
5. When you’re done, wick off any excess water before leaving
Showering after soaking in the onsen is usually optional, but if you do, wick off as much water as you can after you shower. Some believe showering after the onsen will wash away the beneficial minerals, but there is no rule against showering at the end, so feel free to do what makes you most comfortable.
6. Go back to the changing room, dry off, and get dressed
Most facilities provide amenities such as lotion, dryers, and disposable hairbrushes, so you can dry yourself and get your skin and hair care done before heading back to your guestroom.
Photo: Yufuin Baien Garden Resort
- Some facilities provide kashikiri-buro (privately reservable baths) or kazoku-buro (family baths) that allow guests to enjoy the bath in privacy.
- The type of private bath depends on the accommodation. Some provide open-air baths, while others provide indoor baths, and some may even provide both.
- How to use the private bath depends on the facility. Some require prior reservation with an additional fee, while others have accommodation plans that include a dedicated time slot in the private bath. Others still may be free and open to use whenever you like if no one else is using it.
- There may be cases where the communal bath is sourced from hot springs but the private bath is not.
- There are places where there is no washing area in the private bath. In that case, you should wash yourself in the communal bath or in your guestroom first.
Photo: Kawaguchiko Onsen Fuji Lake Hotel
- Some accommodations have guestrooms with hot spring baths right in the room. Many tend to be open-air baths, and these types of guestrooms are called Roten-buro-tsuki Kyakushitsu, which translates to “guestroom with an open-air bath”. These guestrooms are usually a bit more expensive than the standard rooms.
- Similar to kashikiri-buro, there are cases where guestrooms come with baths, but the water is not hot spring water. If you want to enjoy hot spring water in your guestroom, read the description carefully or check with the accommodation whether or not the bath in the guestroom is sourced from hot spring water.
Check out our list of guides to private onsen baths below.
Now that we’ve gone through the basics of onsen, here are some of the must-visit iconic hot spring towns for a relaxing getaway.
Noboribetsu Onsen, located in Hokkaido, is renowned for its diverse mineral-rich waters, each with unique qualities known to soothe, heal, and beautify. The town is famous for Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, which supplies the area with its hot spring waters, and visitors can witness the steam vents and sulfurous streams there.
Ginzan Onsen is a picturesque hot spring town nestled in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture in the Tohoku region. Known for its charming, historic atmosphere, Ginzan Onsen features traditional accommodations lining the banks of a serene river, creating a postcard-perfect scene that is particularly enchanting in winter when the snow-covered landscape adds to its beauty. The illuminated streets at night create a magical ambience, making it a popular destination for a winter retreat.
Kusatsu Onsen is known as one of the “Three Famous Hot Springs of Japan” alongside Arima Onsen in Hyogo and Gero Onsen and Gifu. The town is characterized by its iconic Yubatake (hot water field), where steaming hot spring water flows over wooden structures, creating a picturesque scene that attracts visitors year-round. Kusatsu Onsen's water is said to have a sterilizing effect due to its strong acidity, and it is believed to help with cuts, fatigue, and skin beautification.
Hakone, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Easily accessible from Tokyo and known for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, Hakone offers a diverse range of accommodations, from traditional ryokans to modern spa resorts. The town is also home to various attractions, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring impressive sculptures set against a beautiful natural backdrop; Lake Ashi, where visitors can take scenic boat rides; and Hakone Shrine, with it's beautiful red torii gate on the shore of the lake. The combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxing hot springs makes Hakone a must-visit destination in the Kanto region.
Atami Onsen is located on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. It takes less than an hour from Tokyo via the Shinkansen (bullet train), and it’s known for its beautiful seaside views. Visitors can enjoy taking a walk by the beach, take instagrammable photos at Acao Forest, and look at East Asian art exhibitions at MOA Museum of Art. If your timing is right, you may catch the Atami Fireworks Festival, which is held several times throughout the year.
Arima Onsen, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and famous hot spring resorts, with a history dating back over a thousand years. Located just around 30 minutes from central Kobe, this hot spring is renowned for its two types of mineral springs — "gold" and "silver" — each offering unique health benefits. Kinsen, the gold spring, is said to help with conditions such as neuralgia; ginsen, the silver spring, is said to improve metabolism and blood circulation.
Tamatsukuri Onsen, nicknamed "The Bath of the Gods," is an historic hot spring town steeped in mythology and believed to have benefits for the skin. It was said that bathing here once would make one beautiful, and bathing here twice would cure all maladies. Throughout the town are bathing facilities, footbaths, shops, cafes, and statues of Japanese mythological figures. It's especially beautiful in spring when the cherry trees along the river bloom, with the soft lamplights at night creating a mesmerizing setting.
Beppu Onsen in Oita Prefecture boasts over 2,000 hot spring sources and churns out more hot spring water than most anywhere else in Japan. Beppu offers several unique hot springs collectively known as the Beppu Hatto (“Eight Springs of Beppu”). It's also famous for the Beppu Hell Tour or Beppu Jigoku Meguri, featuring seven unique hot springs such as the blue Umi Jigoku (“Sea Hell”) and the red Chinoike Jigoku (“Blood Pond Hell”). With various hot springs available, Beppu is a must-visit for hot spring enthusiasts.
*Do note that the springs of the Jigoku Meguri are prohibited to bathe in due to their intensely high temperature, but they are a fantastic spectacle to observe in person!
Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture is one of Japan's oldest hot springs with a history that dates back over 3,000 years. The iconic Dogo Onsen Honkan, a beautifully designed wooden bathhouse, is a symbol of the town and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Dogo Onsen is said to have inspired the setting for Hayao Miyazaki's film, "Spirited Away." Nearby is Matsuyama Castle, where visitors can look at historical exhibits and view a stunning panorama of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. The combination of rich history, cultural significance, and relaxing hot springs makes Dogo Onsen a great destination in the Shikoku region.
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- Daiyokujo (大浴場): A communal grand bath often found in accommodations, usually segregated by gender. Does not necessarily mean the water is sourced from hot springs.
- Gensen (源泉): The source of the hot spring water.
- Han-roten-buro (半露天風呂): A semi-open-air bath that is partially enclosed.
- Infinity Onsen (インフィニティ温泉): A type of hot spring bath that features an infinity pool design, creating a seamless view of the surrounding landscape.
- Kake-nagashi (かけ流し): A method of constantly pumping hot spring water into the bath, ensuring that the water remains fresh and at a consistent temperature.
- Kashikiri-buro (貸切風呂): A private bath for individual use, allowing guests to enjoy a secluded bathing experience. Some require private reservation with an additional cost, while others do not require a reservation and are free to use for guests.
- Kazoku-buro (家族風呂): A private bath typically reserved by families with children, allowing the family to bathe together when they would otherwise be separated by gender. Some accommodations use the term kazoku-buro instead of kashikiri-buro, but both effectively serve the same purpose.
- Konyoku (混浴): A mixed-gender bath. Some still allow full nudity, but most either provide or require swimsuits for the bathers to wear.
- Onsen (温泉): A hot spring; can be used to refer to the hot spring water, an establishment with hot spring water baths, or a town or area with hot spring bathing facilities.
- Onsenchi (温泉地): A hot spring area, town, or resort that features hot spring bathing facilities.
- Roten-buro (露天風呂): An outdoor bath or open-air bath that allows guests to soak in hot spring water while enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings.
- Roten-buro-tsuki Kyakushitsu (露天風呂付き客室): A guestroom that comes with its own private outdoor bath, providing a luxurious and intimate bathing experience.
- Ryokan (旅館): A traditional Japanese inn that often features tatami-matted rooms and kaiseki multi-course dining.
- Senshitsu (泉質): The quality or characteristics of the hot spring water, in terms of its mineral content and therapeutic properties, which can vary depending on the hot spring.
- Sento (銭湯): A public bathhouse that typically uses heated tap water.
- Toji (湯治): A practice of visiting hot springs for therapeutic purposes, often involving extended stays to benefit from the healing properties of the waters.
- Uchi-buro (内風呂): An indoor bath.