What Should I Do In The Onsen?

Onsen is the Japanese term for hot spring. Since Japan is a volcanic country, it has thousands of natural onsens throughout the mountains and along the rocky coast line. Wakayama is particularly famous for its onsens, and most traditional inns in this area have their own private onsens. Please follow the rules as there is a strict etiquette to using these baths.

Three of the most popular hot spring destinations in Japan are Arima Onsen in the mountains overlooking Kobe, Kinosaki Onsen north of Kyoto, and Shirahama Onsen along the Wakayama coast.

Onsens have strict rules and do not allow guests with tattoos. This is because in Japan, tattoos are associated with the Yakuza (gangs) and are banned at gyms and public bath houses.

When you enter an onsen, you are given two towels and a key to a locker where you strip and store your clothing and jewelry. If you are shy about nudity, you can use one of the towels to cover yourself as you walk into the onsen area. Once inside the area, you must wash your body thoroughly before entering the hot tubs or sauna. Generally there is shampoo, soap and conditioner provided. You sit on the stool and use the shower and bucket to rinse yourself. Always leave the area as you found it. After you are squeaky clean, you can soak in the onsen for as long as you like… keep in mind that you should not use the onsen after drinking alcohol. When you are finished soaking, you can rinse yourself again before getting dressed. Usually there are facial creams and body lotions as well as hair dryers and combs provided.

If you are staying at a ryokan (Japanese style hotel with onsen) it is usually customary to use the onsen before dinner so that you are relaxed and can feel free to drink alcohol. The hotel will provide yukata (cotton robe) with a matching haori (short jacket) that you can wear after the onsen and into the restaurant for dinner. Often the hotel guests will walk around the hotel’s grounds and neighborhood wearing the yukata and haori, in particular in onsen towns like Arima or Shirahama.