Hakone, planned around your group
You want the volcano, the lake and the hot spring without a day of missed connections.
Food, etiquette and daily basics
Onsen etiquette for first-timers, step by step
You want to try a hot spring but worry about doing something wrong in front of strangers.
An onsen is a hot spring bath. The rules are simple: wash first, keep the towel out of the water and stay quiet. If you prefer privacy, choose a private bath.
What happens before you enter the bath?
Undress completely in the changing area and leave your clothes and swimwear there. Bathing is typically enjoyed in the nude 1.
Then wash thoroughly at a washing station with soap and shampoo, and rinse before getting in 1. This keeps the shared water clean.
What do you do with the small towel?
The small towel is for washing or modesty. Keep it out of the water by folding it on your head or the edge of the bath 2.
Tie up long hair so it does not touch the water 2. Leave your large towel in the changing room.
How do you behave in the bath?
Follow a few rules of courtesy.
- Speak softly and leave your phone outside, because photos are forbidden 3.
- Do not swim or splash.
- Avoid alcohol before bathing, and step out to drink cool water if you feel too hot 3.
Do not stay in too long. Take it slowly, especially after a long flight or a cold day.
What about tattoos?
Some traditional onsen may not accept tattoos. You can choose a tattoo-friendly facility, check the policy in advance or book a private bath 4.
Cover sheets only work for very small tattoos 4. If you have a large tattoo, ask before you travel.
What are the options for modest travellers and families?
A private bath lets you bathe alone, and a room with an attached open-air bath is another option 5. Changing rooms are always gender-specific, and most baths are too 5.
Some onsen have family-friendly baths or private bathing for children 5. See onsen modesty and private bath options and private open-air bath rooms.
What should you bring and check?
Bring a small towel, a bag for wet items and your own toiletries. Ask about private-bath booking when you reserve.
Use the onsen-ready stay checklist, and read common etiquette mistakes in Japan. Hakone offers onsen stays; see Hakone. If a hot-spring night suits your group, see ryokan versus hotel with onsen.
If you want a private bath or a modest-friendly option on your first onsen night, tell us who is travelling and we will choose a stay that offers it.
Keep planning
Outdoor onsen in winter or summer
You picture a hot spring under open sky and wonder which season your body will enjoy.
Etiquette mistakes first-timers worry about in Japan
You are afraid of doing something rude, and want to know which rules really matter.
Onsen options for travellers who prefer privacy
You want the hot spring night, and bathing with strangers is not for you.
Preparing for a stay with a shared bath
You are looking forward to the hot spring, and slightly nervous about the bathing part.
Private open-air bath rooms: are they worth it?
You want the hot-spring experience, and you want it with privacy.
Questions travellers ask
Do I have to be naked in an onsen?
Yes. According to JNTO, bathing is typically enjoyed in the nude, and swimwear is left in the changing area. Changing rooms and most baths are separated by gender. If that is a concern, choose a private bath or a room with its own open-air bath.
Can I enter an onsen with a tattoo?
It depends on the facility. Some traditional onsen may not accept tattoos. Check the policy in advance, choose a tattoo-friendly place, or book a private bath. Cover sheets only work for very small tattoos, so do not rely on them.
What do I do with the small towel?
Use it for washing or to cover yourself on the walk to the bath. Keep it out of the water by folding it on your head or the edge of the bath. Tie up long hair so it does not touch the water.
Is an onsen suitable for children and modest travellers?
Some onsen welcome children, and some have family baths or private bathing. For modest travellers, a private bath or a room with its own open-air bath keeps things comfortable. Ask when you book, and tell us who is travelling.
Sources
Figures are checked against these sources and dated so you can see how current they are.
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Culture Guide to Bathing in Japanaccessed 2026-10-20
- JNTO, Culture Guide to Bathing in Japanaccessed 2026-10-20
- JNTO, Culture Guide to Bathing in Japanaccessed 2026-10-20
- JNTO, Culture Guide to Bathing in Japanaccessed 2026-10-20
- JNTO, Culture Guide to Bathing in Japanaccessed 2026-10-20
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