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Onsen etiquette for first-time visitors

A simple step-by-step guide to bathing comfortably and respectfully.

Last updated: August 15, 2026

Quick answer

Wash before entering the bath, and keep towels and hair out of the water.

Wash before entering the bath

Undress in the changing room and wash thoroughly at the shower area before entering the shared bath.

Keep towels and hair out of the water

Place the small towel on your head or beside the bath. Tie up long hair.

Check tattoo and photography rules

Policies vary. Never take photographs in changing or bathing areas.

Useful Japanese phrase

Are tattoos allowed?

タトゥーがあっても入れますか？

Tatū ga atte mo hairemasu ka?

Wash first, then soak quietly

Public onsen are shared baths, not swimming pools. Leave clothing and your phone in the changing area, wash and rinse completely, then keep your towel and hair out of the bathwater.

First-time onsen tutorial

From the entrance to the changing room

Check the facility rules

Confirm opening hours, the correct bath entrance, tattoo policy and whether towels are included or rented. Bath entrances may switch by time or day, so read the curtain and sign each visit.

Remove shoes where indicated

Place them in the shoe locker or designated area. Do not walk into the changing room wearing outdoor shoes.

Use a locker for valuables

Remove clothes and, unless the facility says otherwise, swimwear and underwear. Metal jewelry may discolor in some mineral water, so store it safely too.

Take only the small towel

Leave your bath towel and phone in the changing room. Take the small wash towel and toiletries if they are not provided.

Inside the bathing area

How to bathe step by step

1
Sit and wash thoroughly
Use a washing station, soap and shampoo. Rinse your body, hair and all soap away before entering the shared bath. Avoid splashing people beside you.
2
Rinse the stool and area
Return the bucket and stool neatly. If there is kakeyu water near the bath, pour it over yourself to adjust to the heat—but it does not replace washing.
3
Enter slowly and soak
Step in carefully. Do not jump, dive, swim or splash. Speak softly and leave enough space for other bathers.
4
Keep towel and hair dry
Place the small towel on your head or beside the bath. Tie up long hair so it cannot touch the water.
5
Take breaks and listen to your body
Onsen water can be very hot. Leave the bath if you feel dizzy, faint, nauseated or unwell, and cool down in a safe place.
6
Dry before returning
Use the small towel to remove water from your body and hair before stepping into the changing room, so the floor does not become wet and slippery.

Do not do these in a public bath

Do not bring a phone, camera or recording device into changing or bathing areas.
Do not put a towel, soap or personal item into the bathwater.
Do not wear a swimsuit unless that specific facility instructs you to wear one.
Do not swim, splash, run or talk loudly.
Do not enter after heavy drinking or when you have a fever or feel seriously unwell.

If you have a tattoo

Ask before paying or entering

There is no single nationwide rule. One facility may allow tattoos, another may allow a small tattoo only when covered with an approved waterproof seal, and another may refuse entry to its communal bath.

1Check the website or ask staffNever assume a cover patch is accepted.

2Use an approved cover if allowedAsk about the permitted size, color and number of seals.

3Reserve a private bathLook for kashikiri-buro, a family bath or an in-room bath and confirm its tattoo policy.

I am not comfortable bathing nude

Look for a private reservable bath, an in-room bath or a footbath. Some special mixed-gender facilities provide a bathing garment, but ordinary communal baths generally do not permit swimsuits.

I am visiting with a baby or child

Rules for diapers, toilet training, age and which bath a child may enter vary by facility and municipality. Ask before changing or buying admission.

Should I rinse after the onsen?

Practices differ by water type and personal skin sensitivity. Follow the facility’s guidance; rinse with fresh water if staff recommends it or the water irritates your skin.

I have a medical condition

Hot water can affect circulation and blood pressure. Ask a healthcare professional if you have concerns, follow posted health warnings and leave immediately if you feel unwell.

Useful Japanese phrases

タトゥーがあります。入れますか？Tatū ga arimasu. Hairemasu ka?I have a tattoo. May I enter?

貸切風呂はありますか？Kashikiri-buro wa arimasu ka?Do you have a private reservable bath?

タオルは借りられますか？Taoru wa kariraremasu ka?Can I rent a towel?

このお風呂は今、入れますか？Kono ofuro wa ima, hairemasu ka?Can I use this bath now?

Official guidance checked on August 15, 2026. Tattoo, clothing, photography, child-access and health rules vary by facility and bath type. Always follow the current sign and staff instructions at the bath you visit.

Useful links

Check the official onsen guidance

Official resources come first. Links open in a new tab.

Official step-by-step guide How to best enjoy Japan’s onsen JNTO explains changing, washing, towels, hair, quiet bathing, phones and tattoo policies. Read the bathing guide → Japan Tourism Agency Q&A Communal baths, tattoos and private baths at ryokan Check official guidance on changing bath times, tattoo policies, reservable baths and accident prevention. Open the ryokan Q&A → Official tattoo guidance Tattoo options and onsen etiquette Compare tattoo-friendly facilities, permitted cover seals, private baths and other bathing options. Check tattoo options → Optional booking service Affiliate link Browse bookable onsen and spa experiences Compare available hot-spring, spa and private-bath experiences after checking each facility's current tattoo, age and bathing rules. Browse onsen experiences →