The Ultimate Guide to Onsen Etiquette in Japan

Soak like a local, avoid faux pas, and embrace the ritual

One of the signature experience you will have during our Kyoto longevity retreat will be enjoying the onsite onsen any time of day. Few experiences in Japan are as magical—or as deeply relaxing—as visiting an onsen (hot spring bath). It helps you unwind after a long day of walking, helps you wake up from a relaxing sleep, and is a great way to spend time reflecting and relaxing. But to truly enjoy it, you’ll need to understand the unspoken rules that locals follow. Onsens are rituals, not just baths—steeped in centuries of tradition and mindfulness

1. Understand the Ritual 

Onsens have been part of Japanese culture for over 1,300 years, used for healing, relaxation, and spiritual purification.
This isn’t just about soaking your muscles—it’s about resetting your mind.

Samurai once visited onsens after battle to heal their wounds and regain vitality.

2. Shower Before You Soak 🚿

Before entering the baths, you must wash thoroughly at the shower stations:

• Sit on the small stool provided (yes, while naked! you’ll get used to it).

• Use soap, shampoo, and the shower wand to clean every inch

• Rinse completely—no suds should enter the onsen

Think of it this way:
The shower is for cleaning. The onsen is for soaking.

3. Ditch the Swimsuit 👘

Onsens like this one are traditionally enjoyed completely nude. Modesty is respected and privacy is natural:

• You’ll get a small towel for washing and covering as you walk

• Do not dip this towel into the bath

• Locals often fold it and balance it on their heads—it’s tradition!

4. Tattoos: Welcome Here, But Not Everywhere 

This onsen allows tattoos, but many traditional onsens still prohibit them due to historical associations with the yakuza.

Traveler tips:

• Look for “tattoo-friendly” onsens

• Cover small tattoos with waterproof patches if needed

• Check signage or ask staff if unsure

5. Keep Hair & Towels Out of the Water 🧖‍♀️

![Figurine tying up long hair with towel neatly folded aside]

For hygiene, never let hair, towels, or your head touch the bathwater.
Tie up long hair before entering, and always place your towel on the bath’s edge.

6. Silence Is Golden 🤫

![Two figurines soaking quietly, soft steam bubbles around them]

Onsens are temples of stillness. To honor the space:

• Keep voices soft

• Avoid splashing or playful noise

• Phones and cameras are usually not allowed

This is your chance to digitally detox and savor the present moment.

7. Rest, Rehydrate, Repeat 🫖

After your soak, take care of your body:

• Drink plenty of water or tea

• Cool down slowly

• Lounge in the tatami rest areas many onsens provide

🧘‍♀️ Locals often follow a soak → rest → soak cycle for maximum benefits.

![Figurine sipping tea in yukata, legs folded on tatami mat]

8. Single-Sex Baths Are the Norm 🚻

Most onsens, including this one, are divided by gender. Mixed-gender baths (konyoku) exist but are rare and typically found in rural areas. 

At our retreat, the baths are single gender only.

Quick Do’s and Don’ts

Fun Facts About Onsens 🌸

• Rotenburo Bliss: Outdoor onsens are called rotenburo and often overlook mountains, forests, or the sea.

• Volcanic Variety: Japan has over 3,000 onsens thanks to its volcanic landscape.

• Healing Waters: Onsen minerals are categorized—sulfur baths for skin health, iron baths for circulation, carbonated baths for muscle recovery.

Final Thoughts

The onsen experience is more than bathing—it’s a cultural ritual, a meditation, and a deep reset for body and mind. When you follow the etiquette, you connect not just with Japanese tradition, but also with yourself.

So tie up your hair, leave your swimsuit behind, and let the mineral-rich waters wash your stress away.