Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting a Japanese Onsen
When visiting Japan, onsens (hot springs) are often on the list of must-try experiences. However, onsens are not just regular baths. In Japan, people typically enter the onsen naked, without wearing swimsuits, and some even have mixed-gender bathing areas. This might feel intimidating for many visitors.
But don’t worry! Onsens and onsen towns are the perfect places to experience traditional Japanese culture. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know to enjoy a Japanese onsen with confidence.
What is Onsen?
Japan is a country with many active volcanoes and earthquakes, and it has had hot springs (onsen) all over the country since ancient times. It is said that people in ancient Rome and Greece also enjoyed hot springs, and in Japan, there are written records about onsen from 1,300 years ago.
Across Japan, there are many onsen towns, such as Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, which became famous as the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, and Hakone Onsen, located near Tokyo. Onsen towns often preserve traditional Japanese streets and inns (ryokan). Visitors can stay in tatami rooms, enjoy luxurious Japanese-style meals, stroll through old streets with wooden buildings after a relaxing bath, and choose traditional Japanese souvenirs, making it a truly authentic Japanese experience.
Hot Spring Inn (Onsen-Ryokan)
When visiting a hot spring, some places offer day trips, but it is common to stay for one or more nights. Traditional hot spring inns (Onsen-Ryokan) are wooden buildings with Japanese-style rooms. These rooms serve as living rooms during the day, and futons are laid out at night for sleeping. Many rooms have a small terrace called an engawa, where you can enjoy the view with chairs placed for relaxation.
There are also neo-Japanese style inns that mix hotel-style beds with Japanese-style rooms. These are popular with visitors who want to enjoy the Japanese atmosphere but prefer sleeping in a bed.
At a hot spring inn, you spend the day relaxing and enjoying the baths. After checking in, you can soak in the hot springs, relax in your room, take another bath, have a meal, soak again, relax in your room, or take a stroll around the hot spring town. You can also sit on the veranda and chat with your travel partner or bring a thick book to read.
At the inn, you wear a light kimono called a *yukata* all day. It’s fine to walk around the common areas in your *yukata*, and in some hot spring towns, you can even go outside wearing it. (Of course, you can wear your regular clothes if you prefer, but wearing a *yukata* enhances the hot spring experience.)
Meals at a Japanese Onsen Ryokan
At a Japanese onsen ryokan, breakfast and dinner are usually included in the price. In high-end onsen ryokans, staff wearing kimono may serve meals directly to your room. In more affordable onsen ryokans, meals are often served in a large dining hall, which also offers a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
Meals at an onsen ryokan are typically very luxurious, with about 10 small, beautifully presented dishes. The main ingredients are usually local specialties, such as fresh fish or wagyu beef and vegetables, but you may also encounter rare ingredients.
Note: In Japan, there is a tradition of preparing seafood while it is still alive. Some onsen-ryokans may cook live shrimp or shellfish in front of guests.
Meals at an onsen-ryokan usually cannot be customized. Most ryokans do not cater to vegetarians, vegans, or halal diets.
How to Enjoy a Japanese Onsen
At an onsen-ryokan, the entrance to the large public bath usually has curtains: dark blue for men and deep red for women. Open the sliding door and step inside to find a changing area. Most of the time, there are no lockers, just baskets to store your clothes. So,leave your valuables in your room.
Swimsuits are not allowed in Japanese onsens. You can bring a small towel into the bath area.
When you open the door to the bath area, you will find an indoor onsen. There is usually a large bath that can fit several people and a washing area. Make sure to wash your body before soaking in the bath.
There are also outdoor baths called “rotenburo”. These are baths located outside, often surrounded by nature such as forests, beaches, riversides, or beautiful autumn leaves. The baths are made from natural materials like rocks or wood, providing a relaxing and open-air experience. It’s very refreshing, so please give it a try!
Rotenburo can be located either near the indoor baths or in a separate area.
Some onsen-ryokans also offer private baths you can reserve, or even rooms with outdoor baths on the terrace.
Most public baths at onsen-ryokans in Japan are separated by gender. However, to let both men and women enjoy the beautiful views, some places have a time-based rotation system. Very rarely, there are mixed-gender baths, so if you’re concerned, it’s a good idea to check when you make a reservation.
The Benefits of Hot Springs
Hot springs were originally places to cure illnesses, with people staying for at least a week or even up to a month. Nowadays, many visit hot springs to relax.
The type of hot spring and its effects vary by location, but they are said to help with beautiful skin, internal illnesses, and recovery from fatigue.
You might notice unfamiliar smells or feel a slippery sensation in the water. Sometimes, white floating particles can be seen in the water; these are natural minerals and are safe.
If the minerals are strong, you may feel very tired after a short soak. For first-timers, it’s best to take short baths. Also, Japanese people prefer very hot water. Most hot springs are heated to over 42°C, which might feel extremely hot for foreigners.
Who Should Avoid Hot Springs
If you are feeling unwell or have drunk too much alcohol, it’s better to avoid entering hot springs. Additionally, in many Japanese hot springs, people with tattoos may not be allowed. Please check in advance when making a reservation.
Does this make you want to visit an onsen?
Most Japanese onsen ryokans are located in rural areas. To avoid problems like not being able to communicate, it’s recommended to choose a larger inn with an official website in English pages and where inquiries in English are accepted.
Hot springs are a place where you can experience the essence of Japanese culture. Give it a try and relax like people did in the old days of Japan!
