Onsen Manners 101

Have you ever been to a Japanese Onsen 温泉 before? It’s a very ancient tradition in Japan that even the oldest Japanese book ever, the Kojiki 古事記 (712 CE), mentions it. So, I will teach you how to successfully experience Onsen in Japan so you can enjoy it like a real Japanese✌️.

What is Onsen 温泉?

The Japanese Hot Spring Act 温泉法 states that Onsen is not just hot water. It’s “hot water, mineral water, and water vapor or other gas (excluding natural gas of which the principal component is hydrocarbon) flows from underground.” Specifically, the water should contain specified amounts of minerals such as sulfur, sodium, iron, or magnesium and be at least 24°C (75 °F) originating at a depth of at least 1.5 kilometers (0.93 mi).

♨️ You can easily find Onsen spots by signs with the symbol ♨, the kanji 湯 (hot water) or the hiragana ゆ.

Manners 101

Finally, here are my tips on how to bathe successfully in Onsen🙌

• When you enter the bathing area, wash your body first in the little showers near the hot water. Remember: the hot water should remain clean for others to bathe in, too. 
• You should not go under the water all the way down to the top of your head. Onsen is not a pool🙅🏻‍♀️. Your hair should not touch the water.
• Your towel (yes, you’re allowed to bring a small towel provided to you) should not touch the hot water.

That’s about it! I hope my suggestions will be helpful for your next trip to Japan.