Getting Into Hot Water: Tips for Visiting Onsen Baths in Japan

While you are travelling in Japan, be sure to take the opportunity to bathe in a relaxing traditional onsen bath.

The term “onsen” refers to Japanese bathing facilities around natural hot springs. These traditional bathing facilities are popular with locals and tourists, who love relaxing in the healing waters of the hot springs and enjoying the health benefits of the baths. These beautiful outdoor bathing facilities are crafted with Japanese cypress, marble or granite and are usually truly elegant and beautiful places to bathe. As Japan is a volcanically active country, there are thousands of onsen to be found all through the island.

The geothermal water of Onsen baths is believed to have powerful healing properties due to its high mineral content. Certain onsen baths might also offer other treatments such as massages.

If you are planning on visiting onsen baths during your travels in Japan, remember these important etiquette tips:

• Never go straight into the thermal bath without washing yourself first. Before entering the hot water bath you are expected to clean your body thoroughly. Head to one of the bathing stations where you can have a shower and scrub yourself clean with the soap and shampoo provided.
• In a traditional onsen bath, swimming suits are not acceptable. Although some modern onsen have a different atmosphere and allow bathing suits, if you are visiting a traditional onsen you should be prepared to get naked in front of strangers. Don’t worry; the baths will be divided into male and female sides so it is really no different than the locker room at the gym. You can wear a towel when walking around outside of the water if you are really shy.
• While you are in the sauna, sit on your towel so that your bare bottom doesn’t touch the bench.
• You might be surprised at how hot the water can be, so ease yourself in slowly. Avoid splashing around or disturbing other guests, which is considered very rude.
• If the water is too hot for you, try placing a cool towel on your forehand and staying very still.
• Be careful to stand up very slowly when exiting the hot bath, because the extreme temperatures can make you dizzy.
• Never drink alcohol before using an onsen bath, as having alcohol in your bloodstream while soaking in the high temperature waters can make you feel very sick.
• Keep in mind that if you have a tattoo you might not be permitting to bathe at an onsen. This is because in Japan tattoos are traditionally associated with people who are criminals and gangsters and they are usually banned from the public baths. Piercings other than the traditional earrings are also frowned upon, so remove them if you can. You can try to hide your tattoo with a towel, but if you are refused entry you should simply accept and leave without argument.

Relaxing in traditional Japanese Onsen hot springs is sure to be one of the highlights of your travels, and you'll be certainly be planning a flight to Japan again soon before you've even arrived home! Enjoy!