Japan Onsen Guide

Onsen (温泉) are natural hot springs, and soaking in them is quintessentially Japanese. Whether you want a luxury ryokan experience or a quick soak between sightseeing, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is an Onsen?

Onsen vs Sento

Type	What It Is	Water Source	Price
Onsen (温泉)	Natural hot spring	Volcanic/geothermal	¥500-2,000+
Sento (銭湯)	Public bathhouse	Heated tap water	¥400-500
Super Sento	Large bath complex	Mixed sources	¥1,000-2,500

True onsen must meet specific mineral content and temperature requirements set by Japanese law.

Types of Onsen

By Setting:

• Rotenburo (露天風呂) - Outdoor bath
• Uchiburo (内風呂) - Indoor bath
• Kashikiri (貸切風呂) - Private rental bath
• Ashiyu (足湯) - Foot bath (free, clothed)

By Water Type:

Type	Characteristics	Good For
Sulfur (硫黄)	Egg smell, milky	Skin, circulation
Sodium chloride	Salty, warming	Muscle pain
Bicarbonate	Fizzy feeling	Skin softening
Iron	Reddish color	Anemia
Acidic	Tangy, strong	Skin conditions
Simple	Clear, mild	Sensitive skin

Onsen Etiquette

The Basics (Non-Negotiable)

1. Wash thoroughly before entering - Soap, rinse, repeat 2. No swimsuits - Unless specifically allowed 3. No towels in water - Place on head or poolside 4. Tie up long hair - Keep it out of the water 5. No swimming or splashing - It's for soaking, not playing 6. Quiet voices - Respectful atmosphere 7. Rinse before leaving - Quick shower

Step-by-Step Guide

Before You Go: 1. Remove shoes at entrance 2. Pay at front desk 3. Receive towel and locker key 4. Go to correct gender side (男 = men, 女 = women)

In the Changing Room: 1. Undress completely 2. Store everything in locker 3. Take only small towel into bathing area

Washing Area: 1. Find a washing station (showers with stools) 2. Sit on stool 3. Thoroughly wash body and hair with soap 4. Rinse completely - no soap residue

Bathing: 1. Enter water slowly (it's hot!) 2. Soak and relax 3. Small towel goes on head or poolside 4. Don't stay too long in hot water (15-20 min max)

After: 1. Rinse off 2. Dry off before entering changing room 3. Hydrate - drink water

What NOT to Do

• Don't put towel in the water
• Don't run or dive
• Don't take photos
• Don't drink alcohol before (dangerous)
• Don't enter if you're sick
• Don't use other people's toiletries

Tattoos and Onsen

The Situation

Many onsen ban tattoos due to yakuza associations. However, this is slowly changing.

Your Options

1. Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Growing list of places welcome tattoos:

• Many in tourist areas (Hakone, Beppu)
• International hotel chains
• Some super sento

Resources:

• tattoo-friendly.jp (database)
• Hotel concierge can call ahead
• Ask "Tattoo wa daijoubu desu ka?"

2. Cover Small Tattoos

• Skin-colored patches - Available at drugstores
• Bandages - For very small tattoos
• Some onsen provide covers

3. Private Baths (Kashikiri)

• Rent entire bath privately
• Usually 45-60 minutes
• ¥2,000-5,000 per session
• No one sees your tattoos

4. In-Room Onsen

• Ryokan with private baths
• More expensive but complete privacy
• Best option for heavily tattooed visitors

Tattoo-Friendly Regions

More Accepting:

• Beppu (many tattoo-friendly)
• Hakone (tourist-oriented)
• Hokkaido (some areas)
• Major city super sento

More Traditional (Stricter):

• Rural areas
• Traditional ryokan
• Local community onsen

Best Onsen Destinations

Hakone (箱根)

Why Go: Close to Tokyo, mountain views, many ryokan

Distance from Tokyo: 1.5 hours by train

Famous Spots:

• Yunessun - Fun spa park (swimsuits OK)
• Tenzan Tohji-kyo - Outdoor baths, tattoo-friendly
• Hakone Yuryo - Modern, beautiful
• Traditional ryokan with private baths

Best For: First-timers, Tokyo day trips, couples

Beppu (別府)

Why Go: Most hot spring water in Japan, diverse bath types

Location: Kyushu (Oita Prefecture)

Famous Spots:

• Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) - See, don't bathe
• Takegawara Onsen - Historic sand baths
• Hyotan Onsen - Outdoor paradise
• Kannawa area - Steam cooking, local baths

Best For: Onsen enthusiasts, variety seekers

Kusatsu (草津)

Why Go: Famous water quality, traditional atmosphere

Distance from Tokyo: 3 hours by bus/train

Famous Spots:

• Yubatake - Iconic hot water field
• Sainokawara Park - Huge outdoor bath
• Otakinoyu - Strong acidic water
• Free public baths throughout town

Best For: Traditional experience, serious soakers

Kinosaki (城崎)

Why Go: Town of seven public baths, yukata walking

Location: Hyogo Prefecture (near Kyoto)

Experience:

• Stay at ryokan
• Wear yukata through town
• Visit all 7 public baths (pass included with stay)
• Charming traditional streetscape

Best For: Romantic getaways, traditional atmosphere

Noboribetsu (登別)

Why Go: Hokkaido's premier onsen, dramatic landscape

Location: Hokkaido (1.5 hours from Sapporo)

Famous For:

• Jigokudani (Hell Valley) - Volcanic scenery
• Multiple water types in one town
• Dai-ichi Takimotokan - 35 baths in one ryokan
• Bear park nearby

Best For: Hokkaido visitors, variety seekers

Arima (有馬)

Why Go: Ancient onsen near Kyoto/Osaka, two water types

Location: Near Kobe

Famous For:

• Kinsen (金泉) - Golden, iron-rich water
• Ginsen (銀泉) - Silver, clear water
• Compact, walkable town
• Day trip from Osaka/Kyoto

Best For: Kansai visitors, historic experience

Dogo Onsen (道後)

Why Go: Japan's oldest onsen, Studio Ghibli inspiration

Location: Matsuyama, Shikoku

Famous For:

• Dogo Onsen Honkan - Historic wooden bathhouse
• Said to be 3,000 years old
• Inspired "Spirited Away" bathhouse
• Currently under renovation (partial access)

Best For: History lovers, Ghibli fans

Yufuin (由布院)

Why Go: Artistic town, mountain backdrop, boutique ryokan

Location: Oita Prefecture, Kyushu

Famous For:

• Charming main street
• Art galleries and cafes
• Quieter alternative to Beppu
• Scenic train from Fukuoka

Best For: Couples, relaxation seekers

Ryokan Onsen Experience

What Is a Ryokan?

Traditional Japanese inn featuring:

• Tatami rooms
• Futon bedding
• Kaiseki dinner
• Private or shared onsen
• Yukata provided

What to Expect

Check-in (3-4 PM typical): 1. Remove shoes at entrance 2. Welcome tea and sweets 3. Room tour and explanation 4. Change into yukata

Evening:

• Bathe before dinner (best timing)
• Kaiseki dinner (multi-course traditional)
• Often served in room
• Staff prepare futon while you eat

Morning:

• Morning bath
• Japanese breakfast
• Check out by 10-11 AM

Price Ranges

Level	Price per Person	What You Get
Budget	¥8,000-15,000	Basic room, shared bath
Mid-range	¥15,000-30,000	Good room, nice meals
Luxury	¥30,000-60,000	Private bath, kaiseki
Ultra-luxury	¥60,000-150,000+	Suite, premium everything

Note: Prices usually include dinner AND breakfast.

Booking Tips

• Book 2-3 months ahead for popular places
• Japanese booking sites (Jalan, Rakuten) have better selection
• Email directly for special requests
• Note if bath is private or shared

Day-Trip Onsen Options

Super Sento

Large bath facilities with multiple pools, often including:

• Various temperature baths
• Saunas
• Restaurants
• Rest areas
• Sometimes overnight stays

Popular Chains:

• Oedo Onsen Monogatari (theme park style)
• Raku Spa (urban locations)
• Spa World (Osaka)

Price: ¥1,500-3,000

Hotel Day Use

Many hot spring hotels offer day use:

• Access to onsen facilities
• Sometimes includes lunch
• Good way to try luxury ryokan
• Usually ¥1,500-5,000

Public Town Baths

In onsen towns, many have cheap public baths:

• Very local experience
• Usually ¥200-500
• Basic facilities
• Authentic atmosphere

Seasonal Considerations

Best Times

Winter (Dec-Feb):

• Snow onsen (yukimi buro)
• Most atmospheric
• Cold outside, hot water = bliss
• Can be crowded during holidays

Autumn (Sept-Nov):

• Foliage views from rotenburo
• Pleasant temperatures
• Peak season for ryokan
• Book well ahead

Spring (Mar-May):

• Cherry blossoms at some locations
• Comfortable weather
• Less crowded than autumn

Summer (June-Aug):

• Hot and humid
• Less appealing for some
• Mountain onsen still nice
• Better deals available

Avoid

• Golden Week (late April-early May)
• Obon (mid-August)
• New Year (Dec 31-Jan 3)
• Three-day weekends

Health & Safety

Who Should Avoid Onsen

• Pregnant women (consult doctor)
• People with heart conditions
• Those with open wounds
• After heavy drinking
• If you have fever or illness
• Very high/low blood pressure

Safety Tips

• Hydrate before and after
• Don't stay in hot water too long
• Watch for dizziness when standing
• Cool down between different baths
• Avoid very hot baths if not accustomed
• Know your limits

Temperatures

Type	Temperature	Notes
Lukewarm	35-38°C	Easy for beginners
Standard	40-42°C	Most common
Hot	43-45°C	For experienced bathers
Very hot	46°C+	Caution required

Practical Information

What to Bring

Essential:

• Nothing (most provide everything)

Optional:

• Own toiletries (quality varies)
• Hair ties
• Skin-colored tattoo covers
• Waterproof bag for wet items

Useful Japanese

English	Japanese	When to Use
Hot spring	Onsen (温泉)	General
Outdoor bath	Rotenburo (露天風呂)	Asking for outdoor
Private bath	Kashikiri-buro (貸切風呂)	Reserving private
Men	Otoko (男)	Finding correct entrance
Women	Onna (女)	Finding correct entrance
Is it OK to have tattoos?	Tattoo wa daijoubu desu ka?	Checking policy

Mixed Gender Bathing

Konyoku (混浴):

• Rare but exists at some traditional onsen
• Usually elderly guests
• Modesty with small towels
• Not recommended for beginners

Budget Options

Cheapest Ways to Enjoy Onsen

1. Free foot baths (ashiyu) - Many onsen towns have them 2. Public baths - ¥200-500 in onsen towns 3. Super sento - ¥1,000-1,500 with facilities 4. Day passes - At hotels without staying 5. Ryokan without meals - Significantly cheaper

Splurge-Worthy Experiences

1. Snow onsen - Winter rotenburo 2. Private bath with view - Mountain or ocean 3. Kaiseki at top ryokan - Full experience 4. Sand baths at Beppu - Unique 5. Ancient bathhouses - Dogo Onsen

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Onsen culture is one of Japan's greatest pleasures. Start with a super sento if you're nervous, graduate to a proper onsen town, and eventually treat yourself to a ryokan stay. Your muscles (and stress levels) will thank you.