How to Take an Onsen Bath in Japan

For first-time visitors, the thought of bathing in a Japanese onsen might feel a little daunting—but it’s actually a peaceful, rejuvenating ritual with simple etiquette to follow. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you enjoy this unique part of Japanese culture like a pro.

Finding the Changing Room

Most onsen facilities have clearly marked, gender-separated changing areas located just outside the bathing zone. Look for fabric curtains hanging at the entrance—blue usually signifies the men’s bath, and red the women’s bath, though colors may vary. When in doubt, check the kanji: 男 (men) and 女 (women), or ask a staff member.

Inside the Changing Room

Once inside, you’ll find baskets or lockers where you can store your clothes and belongings. Many changing rooms also provide basic amenities such as mirrors, hair dryers, and skin care products. For extra security, coin-operated lockers may be available for valuables.

Remove all of your clothing here—onsen bathing is done completely nude. Don’t worry, it’s the norm, and everyone is there to relax, not to judge.

A changing room outside the onsen bathing area

What to Do with Towels

There are typically two types of towels involved in onsen bathing:

Small towel (often called a tenugui): Bring this with you into the bathing area. It’s used for modesty and light washing.
Large bath towel: Leave this in the changing room for drying off afterward.

If you're staying at a ryokan or hotel, towels are usually provided. At public bathhouses, you can often rent or purchase them at the front desk, or bring your own.

A woman bathing in an onsen with a small towel on her head

Before Entering the Bath

Cleanliness is key. Before you get into the onsen, it’s customary to wash thoroughly at the shower stations located near the bath entrance. You’ll find:

Low stools to sit on.
Hand-held showers.
Body soap and shampoo, usually provided

Sit while showering, use your small towel or hands to scrub your body, and rinse off completely to ensure no soap enters the shared bath.

Entering the Onsen

Once clean, step slowly into the hot spring bath. Temperatures typically range between 40°C to 44°C (104°F to 111°F), so go slowly and listen to your body.

Keep your small towel out of the water—place it on the edge of the bath or gently fold it on top of your head, which is a common practice.

While soaking:

Stay quiet and respectful of others.
Don’t submerge your head.
Tie up long hair to keep it out of the water.
Avoid splashing or swimming.

If there are multiple baths, feel free to move between them. Just remember to rinse lightly before entering a new one.

After the Bath

When you’re ready to leave, use your small towel to lightly dry off before heading back into the changing room. This helps keep the floor dry and clean for others. You can then dry off completely with your large towel.

It’s often recommended not to rinse off the hot spring water afterward—this allows the minerals to absorb into your skin and continue their beneficial effects.

Health Tips & Safety

While onsen bathing is deeply relaxing, it can also be physically taxing due to the high temperatures. To stay safe:

Limit your soak to 5–10 minutes at a time, especially if you're new to it.
Take breaks between baths to cool down.
Stay hydrated—drink water before and after bathing.
Avoid alcohol and bathing right after a heavy meal.
Watch your step—some baths have slippery floors or low visibility due to mineral-rich, cloudy water.