For foreign visitors to Japan, one of the highlights of traveling in Japan is staying at a traditional ryokan and enjoying the communal or in-room onsen (温泉: hot springs)offered there. Large ryokan typically have communal baths, often with outdoor baths attached. You can soak in the soothing hot water while enjoying breathtaking seasonal scenery, depending on the location.
However, there are specific etiquettes associated with Japanese onsen and other types of communal baths. Behaviors that might be acceptable when bathing in the West could be considered impolite in Japan. Japanese guests enjoy their stay at a ryokan with consideration for others, so I encourage you to familiarize yourself with basic onsen manners so that you can fully enjoy Japan’s traditions and relaxation.
What is the Onsen etiquette at Japanese ryokan?
Before heading to the communal bath, take the yukata, obi (sash), and towels (large and small) provided in your room (often found in the closet) with you. The smaller towel often has the hotel’s name printed on it. If a large towel is not provided in your room, don’t worry—it’s likely that towels will be available at the bath. My recommendation is to wear your yukata from your room to the bath. That way, you simply undress and redress after your bath, keeping things simple and minimizing the items you need to carry. Many guests also walk around the ryokan (or hotel) in yukata.
The entrance to the bath
The baths are separated by gender. At the entrance to each bath, you’ll see the kanji for “男” (men) and “女” (women). While nowadays some may argue against gender distinctions, the entrances are also typically color-coded, as shown in images. But it helps to familiarize yourself with these kanji beforehand (to avoid entering the wrong one!).
The kanji “男” for men has the character for “strength” (力) at the bottom, with the top part representing “rice field” (田), symbolizing the strength needed to work in the rice paddies, which is traditionally associated with men. The kanji “女” for women derives from the image of a woman kneeling in prayer, as women were traditionally believed to pray and ward off evil spirits.
Most ryokan have separate baths for men and women, and sometimes the baths may switch between genders at certain times.
Bath hours vary by ryokan, but generally, large ryokan allow bath access until around 11 p.m. (you should check). Many guests also enjoy the baths early in the morning, and communal baths are often open at that time. Morning baths are great for refreshing yourself at the start of the day and help wake you up instantly. When I go to ryokan with my family, I always make my children bathe before breakfast to wake them up!
The dressing area (脱衣所)
After passing through the entrance, you’ll find the dressing area. Locate a locker and place your clothes and large towel inside. In the past, baskets were used to hold clothes and towels, but recently lockers have been adopted in most places to prevent theft.
The small towel is for washing your body, so you should take it with you into the bathing area. Some people use it to cover their bodies while moving around the bath area.
In the bath area
Once inside, you must wash your body first—don’t jump directly, and first of all, into the bath.
Find an available shower, sit in front of it, and wash your body. Shampoo and soap are often provided, but it’s fine to bring your own toiletries.
It’s essential to clean your body thoroughly, as everyone shares the same bath. Be sure to rinse off all the soap and shampoo from your body before entering the bath. Entering the bath with soap on your body is considered impolite.
This is where the difference from Western bathing lies. It is inappropriate to wash your body inside the bath itself.
Don’t dip your small towel into the bath
Even if you’ve rinsed it completely, do not immerse your small towel in the bath. It’s best to keep it near you while you soak.
If you have long hair, tie it up to prevent it from getting into the bath water. This is another good way to keep the communal bath clean.
Respect the quiet atmosphere
Onsen are places to relax and warm your body, so avoid speaking loudly, making noise, or swimming. Please respect the peaceful environment.
Before returning to the dressing area, wring out your small towel well and wipe yourself down briefly. This helps prevent the dressing room floor from becoming soaked.
After the bath
After your bath, put on the yukata you brought from your room.
The cotton fabric of the yukata effectively absorbs moisture and sweat, making it comfortable to wear. Enjoy the pleasant feel of your yukata.
Can you wear a swimsuit in the onsen?
Many foreign visitors might feel uncomfortable with the idea of being naked in a public bath. Since most spa resorts allow swimsuits, you might wonder if it’s okay to wear one.
In Japanese communal baths, it’s standard to bathe completely nude, without wearing swimsuits or underwear. This is part of Japanese culture and is said to demonstrate equality among bathers, regardless of social status.
If you feel a bit shy about being naked in front of others, here are some alternatives you might want to consider:
- Use the bath or shower in your room.
- Upgrade to a room with a private onsen (outdoor bath).
- Use the private bath (貸切風呂: kashikiri-buro) at the ryokan (or nearby facility).
Most private baths require reservations, so check with the ryokan in advance. These private baths are a fun experience, allowing families or couples to enjoy them together.
If you’re open to paying extra for a private bath, I recommend reserving a room with an attached outdoor bath from the start. That way, you can enjoy your private bath as soon as you arrive at the ryokan, without worrying about time restrictions.
Japanese people generally don’t feel uncomfortable being naked in communal baths—it’s just a matter of familiarity. Bathing in an onsen can provide a wonderful sense of liberation and relaxation. If you’re even a little curious, give it a try!
