Etiquette when using onsen
There is certain etiquette to bear in mind when enjoying the culture of Japanese onsen so as not to make other people uncomfortable. So that you can become even more familiar with the culture of Japanese onsen, we have made a list of general etiquette for you. This is not etiquette in its entirety so at least try not to forget to “consider the other people around you”.
1．Use the toilet facilities before removing clothes and going to the baths.
- ● Some changing rooms do have toilet facilities.
- ● Eating and drinking are not permitted in the baths.
- ● It is advisable to drink liquids before going to the baths.
- ● Usage times differ from inn to inn.
2．Do not take valuables to the changing rooms.
● Do not take valuables to the changing rooms. These should be left at the front desk or in the safe in your room.
3．Remove all clothes in the changing rooms and place them in the basket or locker provided.
4．Wash before getting into the baths.
- ● For health reasons, rather than diving head first into a hot bath, it is better to slowly ease yourself in from the feet (the part of the body furthest from the heart) so that your body gets used to the bath slowly.
- ● Please do not stand up while you are washing.
- ● After washing, make sure to rinse properly so that there is no soap left on your body.
- ● Return your washing station stools and basins to their original position after use for the sake of the next person to use them.
5．Pour some of the bathwater over yourself before getting into the bath. Take your time when getting into a hot bath.
● Use the buckets provided to pour water from the bath over yourself.
6．Do not put towels in the baths.
- ● It is not good manners to talk loudly in the baths.
- ● It is not good for your health to spend a long time in the bath.
7． When you are finished, dry yourself before returning to the changing rooms.
8． After taking a bath, avoid strenuous exercise and make sure to drink plenty of liquids.
● After taking a bath, the body loses water due to perspiration and dieresis and blood viscosity rises so it is advisable to drink at least one glass of water for the purposes of rehydration. If potable spring water is available, drinking this will replace the minerals lost through perspiration.