Hot spring etiquette: dos & don’ts for onsen & sento
The hot spring bathing culture is one of Japan’s greatest pleasures, but it’s also one of the more intimidating things that Westerners can do there.
It may be something to do with the compulsory communal nudity, but working out the etiquette involved can feel tricky without a few guidelines. Our quick guide to onsen and sento etiquette will help you brush up before you take the plunge.
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No tattoos
This might seem surprising given how commonplace tattoos have become, but in Japan their association with yakuza is so strong that, in many onsen, even the smallest tattoo will have you barred from the public baths. Some onsen are more liberal, and some will let you cover compact tats with a skin-coloured plaster, but larger areas like sleeves and full back art are likely to be a problem. If you’re covered in ink and still want to experience an onsen, look for one with private baths.
Do:
Wash before entering the shared water
Yes, you’re about to get into what is essentially a giant bath. But it’s a shared bath, and nobody wants to bathe in other people’s dirty bathwater. Onsen usually provide soap and small towels, whilst in sento you often have to bring your own. Wash thoroughly and rinse off any soap suds before entering the baths.
Drink warm sake while you’re bathing
If warm sake gets served to bathers while you’re soaking, it’s hard to beat, providing you’re happy to drink alcohol. Make sure you drink plenty of water, too, as the warm water can be dehydrating.
Try out the different temperatures
If you’re in an bath house that offers different temperature pools, it’s surprisingly relaxing to switch between them. Aching muscles really benefit from a switch between chilly plunge pools and warm herbal baths.
Walk carefully
‘Don’t run’ is a standard poolside rule across the globe, and it’s even more important when you’re surrounded by slippery natural rocks rather than slip-proof tiles.
Don’t:
Wear a swimsuit
Bringing any fabric into the water is seen as dirtying the water, hence the nudity. Once you give it a try, you realise that being in the buff isn’t much of a problem – everyone else is too, after all. Onsen are strictly segregated into male and female pools, so being in your birthday suit may not feel as awkward as you imagine.
Splash, jump, dive, make noise, or generally frolic in any way
The onsen is a relaxing place for quiet contemplation – ease yourself into the water, and once you’re there keep noise and disruption to a minimum.
Swim!
Perhaps a little unexpected – you’re in a public bath, after all – but it’s much closer to a Roman style bathhouse than to a lido, and swimming is considered disruptive to other bathers. Just use the place to soak and muse.
Take photographs
Because everyone will be naked and trying to relax, photography is prohibited throughout.
Wash or wring out your towel in the water
For similar reasons to the ‘wash first’ and ‘no fabric’ rules, this is considered very rude. Fold your towel and put it on your head to keep it dry, or place it on a nearby rock. If you do accidentally get it wet, wring it outside the bath.
Get the day wrong
Some onsen are open at different times for each gender, rather than having segregated pools, so check first to make sure you’re allowed in on the day you want to visit.
Get in touch if you are ready to start planning your next venture to Japan and perhaps take the plunge!
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