About Onsen (Japanese hot springs)

What's Onsen?

Japanese onsen (hot springs) are renowned for their healing properties, serene settings, and cultural significance. Known to promote relaxation and health, these natural hot springs draw people from across Japan and around the world. Visiting an onsen is not only a soothing experience but also an opportunity to enjoy traditional Japanese bathing culture. Here’s an in-depth look at the health benefits of onsen, the correct way to bathe, and the key etiquette to follow.

Health Benefits

Japanese hot springs are rich in minerals believed to have various health benefits. Depending on the location, each onsen contains a unique mix of minerals such as sulfur, sodium, calcium, iron, and magnesium, which can positively impact the body in the following ways:

・Muscle Relaxation:
Warm water in onsen helps soothe and relax muscles, making it beneficial for those experiencing muscle tension, stiffness, or joint pain.

・Circulation Improvement:
The mineral-rich waters can aid blood circulation by dilating blood vessels, which allows oxygen and nutrients to reach muscles and tissues more effectively. Improved circulation may also help reduce high blood pressure.

・Skin Health:
Onsen with sulfur, in particular, are known to help with skin conditions like eczema and acne. Minerals such as sulfur and bicarbonate can promote softer, smoother skin by helping remove dead skin cells and cleansing pores.

・Stress Relief and Mental Well-being:
The warm, tranquil atmosphere of an onsen allows guests to relax and unwind, which can have mental health benefits like reduced stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, many onsen are located in scenic natural areas, enhancing relaxation and providing a peaceful mental escape.


Although onsen bathing is generally beneficial, it’s recommended to avoid it if you have high blood pressure, heart conditions, or if you’re pregnant—check with a healthcare professional if in doubt.

How to bathe in a Onsen

1. Enter the changing area

Once you’ve entered the onsen facility, you’ll find separate changing areas for men and women. Each area is typically marked with red curtains for women (often labeled "女" or "women") and blue for men ("男" or "men"). In the changing area:

・Remove All Clothing:
Onsen are enjoyed without clothing or swimsuits. You’ll receive a large towel to dry off after bathing and a small towel for washing, which you can take with you into the bathing area.
・Store Your Belongings:
Most onsen provide lockers or baskets where you can store your clothes and belongings. Bring only the small towel into the bathing area.

2. Wash and rinse throughly

Before entering the main hot spring bath, it’s essential to cleanse your body. This step ensures that the shared bathwater remains clean for all guests. Here’s how:

・Shower at the Washing Stations:
Each onsen has shower stations equipped with stools, soap, shampoo, and sometimes conditioner. Sit on the stool provided and use the shower hose to wash yourself thoroughly. Be sure to scrub your entire body with soap and rinse off completely.
・Keep the Area Clean:
Rinse any soap residue off the stool and station before leaving, as a courtesy to the next guest.

3. Enter the Onsen

Once you’re completely clean, you’re ready to enter the onsen. Leave the small towel outside the bath or place it on your head to avoid contaminating the water.

・Enter Slowly:
Onsen water is usually quite hot (between 38°C and 42°C / 100°F to 108°F). To help your body adjust, enter slowly, allowing your feet to get used to the temperature before immersing fully.
・Relax and Soak Quietly:
Onsen is a place for relaxation, so avoid splashing or talking loudly. Sit back, relax, and let the heat and minerals soothe your muscles. For health and safety, limit your time in the bath—10 to 15 minutes at a time is generally recommended.

4. Exiting Onsen

When you’re finished soaking, follow these steps:

・Dry Off Before Re-entering the Changing Area:
Use your small towel to dry off as much as possible before going back to the changing area. The larger towel you left in the locker can be used to fully dry off afterward.
・Avoid Rinsing with Fresh Water:
To retain the beneficial minerals on your skin, it’s customary not to rinse off with fresh water after leaving the bath. Simply pat yourself dry and allow the mineral-rich water to soak into your skin.

Onsen manners

Understanding and following onsen etiquette is essential to show respect for Japanese culture and other guests.

⭕️ Be Mindful of Noise
Onsen are quiet, peaceful environments meant for relaxation. Conversations should be kept to a minimum and spoken in a low voice. Loud talking, shouting, and splashing can disturb the atmosphere and disrupt other guests’ experiences.

⭕️ No Towels in the Bath
The small towel you bring should not go into the bathwater. Placing towels in the water is considered unclean. Instead, place it on the edge of the bath or on your head while soaking.

⭕️ Keep the Area Clean
When using the washing stations, be sure to rinse the stool and area thoroughly after use, leaving it clean for the next guest. Cleanliness is highly valued in Japanese culture, especially in shared spaces like an onsen.

⭕️ Tattoos
Some traditional onsen prohibit guests with visible tattoos, as tattoos have historical associations with criminal organizations in Japan. However, more onsen are beginning to allow tattoos or offer cover-up stickers. If you have tattoos, check the onsen's policy beforehand or bring cover-up stickers to ensure a smooth experience.

⭕️ Avoid Diving and Swimming
Onsen are not for swimming or playing. Diving, splashing, or moving around the water is inappropriate, as it disturbs the tranquil atmosphere and can inconvenience other guests. Onsen etiquette values stillness and quiet.

⭕️ Be Mindful of Time in the Bath
Soaking for too long in hot water can lead to dizziness or dehydration. 10-15 minutes per soak is generally recommended, with breaks in between if you’d like to re-enter. Some guests enjoy taking multiple short soaks rather than staying in the bath for an extended period.

⭕️ Respect Privacy
Onsen typically have separate areas for men and women. Follow the signs carefully and respect privacy when in changing and bathing areas. Taking photos is generally not allowed in the bathing area to maintain guests’ comfort and privacy.