Know Before You Go: Visiting a Japanese Onsen

Let's get it out of the way: No article full of Japan travel tips would be complete without mentioning the best onsen towns to visit, and this one is no exception. These steamy pockets of peace are scattered evenly throughout the archipelago, but you’re likely to find the best onsens in mountainous provinces famous for the purity of the water.

Top picks for onsens in Kanto near Tokyo include Hakone and Nikko National Park, where you can tour waterfalls and lakes in a lush forest and visit the UNESCO–listed Toshogu Shrine.

Another hot spring hot spot is the seaside resort of Kansai, within easy reach of Kyoto’s exquisite temples. Onsens are also spectacular for beating the winter chill in the snow-smothered mountains of Nagano, the volcanic island of Hokkaido, or the ski resort of Tohoku.

The mild temperatures, fiery foliage, and powder-pink cherry blossoms associated with spring and fall in Japan are ideal for soaking in onsen, but that’s not to say that summer and winter don’t also have their charms. If you’re looking to cool down in the heat of July and August, seek out a kósen (cool spring) rather than an onsen, as the water in these is less than 77°F (25°C).

In the winter it’s not just humans who like to soak in hot springs, either. The red-faced snow monkeys of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park spend hours sitting amid the steam. Observe them bathing and visit Zenkoji, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, on an attraction-packed day trip from Nagano.

When it comes to what to know before visiting an onsen, this question about what to wear tends to arise pretty quickly. And the short answer is: nothing.

Japanese onsens require complete nudity, so you’ll need to leave all of your clothing in the provided lockers. Most people take a small washcloth into the bathhouse to pat themselves dry with, but leave larger towels in the changing room. And unless you book a private onsen, all bathhouses are strictly separated into male and female sections.

Insider tip: The high mineral content of many onsens can react with jewelry and discolor your items, so be sure to remove your valuable pieces before you enter the water.

What you bring to your Japanese onsen depends on the kind you’re going to. If the onsen is part of your hotel or in a more luxurious spa complex, you likely won’t have to bring much, as towels, toiletries, and even slippers tend to be provided. However, it’s always worth checking in advance so you’re not caught short.

A fail-safe onsen packing kit includes a body towel and a small washcloth; a hair tie if you’ve got long hair, as you need to keep your hair out of the onsen water; a ¥100 coin for the locker; and products such as shower gel, shampoo, and moisturizer.

Showering before you bathe is another crucial bit of onsen etiquette. Each onsen will have a bathing area adjoining the springs; these typically include a plastic stool and bowl, and a handheld shower.

Enjoy pouring warm water over yourself before entering the main onsen, which typically has a temperature between 93°F (34°C) and 108°F (42°C). Many bathing complexes have indoor and outdoor springs, so you can cool down in between soaks.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy a Japanese onsen is in between sightseeing in big cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Booking a head massage or 1-hour onsen experience in the heart of Shinjuku is the perfect way to reset and escape the hustle and bustle.

However, some tours combine adventure with relaxation; take this mountain bike ride with an onsen break option for example. Meanwhile, others add an onsen stop to a visit to the iconic Mt. Fuji, such as this private Hakone tour. The Hoheikyo Onsen in particular is a popular feature of Sapporo tours, especially ones that involve skiing on its snowy slopes.

While some modern and luxury hotels have onsen, mid-range accommodation options tend not to. One of the best ways to combine traditional Japanese hospitality with time spent soaking is during an overnight stay at a ryokan, an accommodation that abides by local traditions and nearly always has an on-site onsen. Overnight stays at these Japanese-style inns typically include a multi-course kaiseki ryori meal, which many guests eat while wearing the colorful yukatas (dressing gowns) provided.

Consider booking a convenient package that combines an overnight stay at a ryokan with sightseeing in an attraction-packed mountain town with hot springs, such as the hilly haven of Hakone, where you can also cruise on Lake Ashi for views of Mt. Fuji.

For decades, people with tattoos have been banned from entering onsens. In Japan, tattoos have historically represented criminality due to the association with gangs and illicit activity. However, while in recent years society is becoming more accepting of body art, some onsens still have strict rules forbidding tattooed bathers from entering.

Small, barely-there tattoos typically don’t cause a problem but to avoid disappointment on the day, look for a tattoo-friendly onsen experience or book a private onsen—some ryokan offer in-room onsens with views for an extra-special treat. You can also cover your tattoos up, if preferred.

You'll find hot springs in every corner of the country, so accessibility features vary by individual onsen. Facilities in larger cities, such as Tokyo, are more likely to have accessible facilities, including barrier-free entryways and even private bathing options. Many newer onsens will feature handrails and step-free rooms, while some spots may even offer elevators. Regardless, it's always best to contact the onsen you plan to visit before you go to confirm accessibility.

• What other rules should I follow at the onsen? Another important rule for visiting an onsen is not to let your washcloth touch the water. This is to ensure it doesn’t contaminate the mineral-enriched pool. That said, you can still leave it by the edge of the bath to pat yourself dry when you get out. Or, do as the locals do and rest it on top of your forehead or head as you’re soaking.

• Can I swim in an onsen? No, it’s frowned upon to swim in an onsen, even if it seems big enough to complete a few turns about the pool. These spaces are for relaxing, so people doing laps in a butterfly stroke are likely to detract from that serene atmosphere. Avoid submerging your head in the water, too.

• Can I talk in an onsen? Bathing customs in Japan are rooted in strengthening social bonds, so talking is allowed as long as it doesn’t disturb any of the other bathers. Most people come to the onsen to decompress from the day, so any splashing or shouting tends to be frowned upon.

• How much do onsens cost? Prices for Japanese onsens vary wildly, with the cheapest starting at ¥400 and the most expensive costing more than ¥2,000. The price you pay determines what you get, whether that’s high-end toiletries or fluffy towels, so it’s worth splashing out if you’re after a more luxurious experience.