Japanese Onsen Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts Explained

When I first thought about trying an onsen, I worried I’d mess something up. Do you wear a swimsuit? How do you act once you’re inside? Honestly, I felt nervous until I learned the basics.

The good news is that onsen etiquette isn’t complicated. Once you know the simple rules, you’ll feel relaxed and confident. Let me walk you through the most important ones.

No swimsuits allowed

This is the one that surprises most first-timers. In Japan, onsen means bathing nude. No swimsuits, no underwear, just you and your little towel.

The idea can feel intimidating, but here’s the thing: everyone else is doing the same, and no one is looking. I remember feeling awkward for the first few times, but I got used to it.

So basically you change in the locker room, leave your clothes in a basket, and step out with only the small towel.

Wash before you soak

This is the one rule I’d never skip. Before you even think about dipping into the hot spring, you head to the washing area.

There are stools, little buckets, and hand showers waiting.You sit down, scrub your body with soap and shampoo, and rinse thoroughly.

It might feel like a chore at first, but honestly, I enjoy it now. It’s almost like a ritual. You wash away the day, and then the bath feels even more rewarding. Once you’re clean, the soaking pool is for relaxing only.

Keep your towel out of the bath

That tiny towel they give you is a bit of a mystery until you see how it’s used. You bring it from the changing room, but you don’t dip it in the water. That’s considered unhygienic.

Most locals fold it neatly and rest it on their head while they soak. At first, I thought it looked a little funny, but I started doing it too.

Keep your voice down

Onsens aren’t places for noise or rowdy energy. Think of them more like a retreat. You can chat quietly with a friend sitting next to you, but laughter that echoes across the bath feels out of place.

Tattoos can be tricky

Some onsens still don’t allow tattoos because of old links with the yakuza. Things are slowly changing, but not everywhere.

If you have tattoos, I’d recommend checking the rules before you go. If they’re small, you can use waterproof stickers to cover them, or just book a private onsen bath at a ryokan.

Tie up long hair

If you’ve got long hair, you’ll want to tie it up before getting in. The idea is simple: keep the water clean.

I didn’t know this the first time and got gently reminded to tie mine up, so now I always bring a hair tie. You’ll see most people with their hair neatly tied back for the same reason.

Don’t bring your phone inside

Onsens are one of the rare places where phones really don’t belong.

It’s not just about photos (which are strictly off-limits); even scrolling or texting in the corner feels rude because it breaks the calm.

And let’s be honest, you won’t miss anything important during your soak. I actually love leaving my phone behind as it forces me to slow down.

Avoid grooming

Think of an onsen as a shared space, not your personal bathroom. Shaving, trimming nails, or doing any kind of personal grooming just isn’t the place here. It’s considered inconsiderate and unhygienic.

I know it might seem obvious, but I’ve seen travelers forget this one. Keep it simple: wash, soak, and relax. Anything else can wait until later.

No splashing or swimming

The baths aren’t pools, so don’t treat them that way. You’ll notice the water is shallow, and people are quietly sitting, not moving around much. Splashing, diving, or playing around feels out of place here.

Be careful with alcohol

You’ll sometimes find vending machines with beer or sake near the baths, but it’s better to wait until after your soak. The hot water already raises your heart rate, and adding alcohol on top of that can make you dizzy or even sick.

My tip: save the drinks for after, when you’re cool and dressed.

Be mindful of where you look

Since everyone is nude, the unspoken rule is simple: don’t stare. I usually just focus on the steam, the view, or close my eyes and enjoy the heat. It keeps the vibe respectful for everyone.

Wipe before the changing room

When you step out of the bath, don’t just drip your way back into the changing area. Give yourself a quick wipe with the small towel first.

You don’t need to be bone dry, just enough so you’re not leaving puddles behind. Once you’re back at your locker, that’s when you grab your big towel and dry off properly.

Clean up after yourself

If you used a stool or bucket in the washing area, rinse it off and leave it tidy. Japanese culture values cleanliness in shared spaces, and I like this little ritual because it leaves the place ready for the next person.

Stay hydrated

Soaking in hot water takes more out of you than you think. After a bath, your body has lost water, and you might feel a little lightheaded if you don’t replace it. That’s why you’ll always see vending machines nearby, selling everything from cold milk to tea.

I usually grab something right after the bath, and it feels amazing.

Be mindful of your cycle

This one’s mainly for the women reading. Most onsens ask that you don’t use the baths during your period. It’s about keeping the water clean for everyone.

I know it can be disappointing if your trip lines up with the wrong days, but honestly, it’s better to wait and enjoy it another time.

Don’t jump in right after eating

I’ve learned it’s not the best idea to head straight into the bath after a big meal. The water’s hot, and if you’re already full, you’ll feel uncomfortable fast. My advice? Leave a little gap between eating and soaking. Even half an hour makes it way more relaxing.

Take off your jewelry

Here’s something I didn’t know at first: some onsen water, especially the ones with sulfur, can tarnish silver and even dull gold. If you wear rings or necklaces, it’s best to take them off before you get in. I’d rather enjoy the bath than worry about ruining something shiny.

Before You Go

Onsen etiquette might seem strict at first, but once you’ve done it once, it all makes sense. Most of it comes down to respect: keep the water clean, stay quiet, and be mindful of others.

Before you go, you might also want to read:

• What to know about onsen in Japan
• How to use a Japanese onsen: Step by step
• Best onsen towns in Japan