What to Bring to an Onsen
Most onsen provide basic amenities, but bringing your own items ensures comfort. You’ll typically need
Small towel for washing and modesty (not for use in the bath)
Large towel for drying off afterward
Change of clothes if you’re traveling onward
Hair tie if you have long hair
Plastic bag for wet towels or clothes
Optional: water bottle, toiletries, and coin for locker use.
Step-by-Step: What to Do in the Changing Room
Remove your shoes and place them in the designated area or locker.
Choose an empty basket or locker and undress completely.
Place your clothes and large towel in the locker.
Take only your small towel into the bathing area.
Proceed to the washing area before entering the bath.
After bathing, return and dry off before entering the changing room.
Onsen Bathing Etiquette
When entering an onsen, it’s important to rinse your body thoroughly before soaking. Never put towels into the water, and avoid loud conversations. If you have long hair, tie it up to prevent it from touching the water. Respect for others and cleanliness is key to enjoying a communal bath.
🚫Tattoos and Onsen
Tattoos are still often associated with organized crime in Japan. Many onsen prohibit guests with visible tattoos.
To avoid issues
Visit tattoo-friendly onsen
Use tattoo cover stickers for small designs
Book private baths (kashikiri-buro)
Tip: Search “tattoo-friendly onsen Japan” before your trip.
Bathing Tax
A bathing tax (about ¥150 per night) applies to all overnight guests, including foreign travelers.
It is usually paid at check-in or check-out and helps maintain the local onsen environment.
Explore More Than Just Your Inn
While many visitors only use the bath at their accommodation, onsen towns often encourage public bath hopping (soto-yu meguri), a cherished local tradition.
Popular Onsen Towns for Bath Hopping
Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo): Famous for the “Seven Public Baths.” Strolling in a yukata is part of the experience.
Beppu Onsen (Oita): Offers “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour) and various hot spring districts like Myoban and Kannawa.
Gero Onsen (Gifu): One of Japan’s top 3 onsen, with charming public baths throughout the town.
Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma): Home to traditional public baths and the iconic Yubatake hot spring field.
Final Tip
Respect the customs, enjoy the scenery, and soak with mindfulness — and you’ll have a truly memorable onsen experience.