What is Onsen? Discovering the Onsen culture and etiquette

What is an onsen? Japan’s onsen culture

Located in the middle of the volcanic belt of the Pacific region, Japan possesses a dense network of hot springs. Since there are about 150 hot springs and more than 1,400 tributaries, it is not surprising that Japan is considered to be one of the countries with the most abundant hot spring resources in the world.

As a form of bathing in water from a natural hot spring, onsen is considered to be a unique way to enjoy winter in Japan, as well as a popular form of relaxation and entertainment for the Japanese people.

While taking a dip in the warm water, you can leisurely look out at the mountains or a colorful garden, or even enjoy the beautiful snow. Thus, onsen bathing is an experience not to be missed when visitors come to the land of the rising sun.

Onsen bathing’s benefits

Similarly to how eating scientifically is considered to be healthy, onsen bathing is also one of the methods that are beneficial to your health. Not only does it helps the body relax after long hours of stress and fatigue but also helps remove toxins from the body by applying hydrostatic pressure, thus increasing blood circulation and oxidation. 

Additionally, small amounts of minerals such as carbon dioxide, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and lithium will be absorbed by the body. This helps stimulate the immune system, leading to enhanced immunity, physical and mental relaxation, production of endorphins, and normal gland function. 

Thus, both Japanese nationals and tourists coming to Japan enjoy going to onsen baths. This is not only an effective method to relax and nourish the soul but also very healing and good for one’s body. 

10 onsen etiquette 

• Cleaning your body thoroughly before entering the onsen 

One crucial point to note when bathing onsen is that you will have to wash thoroughly outside before entering the onsen area. As the onsen is shared with everyone, the body must be clean before taking a dip there. 

Outside the onsen area, there will be a row of showers with soap, shampoo, conditioner, and chairs that you can use to clean yourself before entering the onsen. 

Additionally, as cleaning your body while standing may splash water on others (which is considered to be rude), it is better if you sit while doing so. 

• Not to wear clothes while inside the onsen

This is considered a special rule of Onsen bathing culture. According to the Japanese concept, any towel or clothing when brought into a hot spring is considered "dirty". Therefore, all guests when bathing on an Onsen in Japan must be completely naked. You do not have to worry too much because the onsen bathing area, most of the time, would be separated by gender. You can also put on a shawl and take it off before entering the onsen. 

• Those with tattoos are not welcome  

In Japan, tattoos are considered to be taboo because they are often related to Japanese organized crime groups (yakuza). Thus, one common rule in onsens is to forbid people with tattoos from entering.  

If you have small tattoos, you can try to cover them up with water-resistant patches. IN case of bigger, hard-to-cover tattoos, it might be better to not go to an onsen or search for onsens that do not forbid tattoos. 

• No pictures allowed

Since the rule is to not wear anything while onsen bathing, to ensure the privacy and comfort of all visitors, no pictures are allowed here. Staff permission is required if you want to take photos of the natural scenery at the onsen. 

• No beer or alcohol  

In some places, drinking before and while onsen bathing is forbidden. The reason is that alcohol consumption before and after taking an onsen bath poses many dangers to one’s health. Thus, you should always bear this in mind. It is advisable to not onsen bathe after drinking too much. 

• Pay attention to your hair 

When taking an onsen bath, you should bring a headband or wrap your hair in a small towel even after having washed your hair. It is important to maintain general hygiene to prevent the water source from being contaminated. Please be conscious of the natural mineral water source here! 

• Not to immerse your towel in the water 

You may sometimes see Japanese citizens wrapping their heads in towels while onsen bathing. However, this is the following onsen bathing etiquette prevents their hair from falling into the water source. While onsen bathing, you must pay attention to not let your towel touch the mineral water source. 

• Avoid making noises 

Japanese people are always very self-conscious, which includes avoiding making noise in public places. Thus, you should also avoid talking too loudly or making noises that can affect other people. 

Above is the article on Discovering the Japanese Onsen culture and etiquette. GoEMON hopes that the article has been useful to you. Stay tuned for our next article, in which we will be introducing some of the most popular onsen locations in Japan!