How do you use an onsen for the first time?

Follow a calm, step-by-step guide to your first Japanese hot spring, from the changing room and washing station to the soak and the way out.

Published October 20, 2026 at 8:39 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Undress in the changing room, take a small towel to the washing area, and wash thoroughly while seated on a stool before entering the hot water. Keep the towel and your hair out of the bath, soak quietly, and dry off before returning to the changing room. Rules differ slightly by venue, so follow the signs and staff.

What to expect at an onsen

An onsen is a Japanese hot spring bath, usually fed by naturally heated mineral water. Some are indoors, others have open-air baths called rotenburo, and many stand in resort towns where guests stay overnight. Reference works note that bathers normally bathe without clothing, and swimsuits are not worn in the baths and washing areas of traditional facilities.

The national tourism organization describes onsen as a deeply rooted part of Japanese culture, with calm, nature-focused surroundings. Entrances are often marked with the character yu (written as the kanji for hot water or the hiragana) or a steam symbol, and men's and women's sides are shown with the characters for men and women.

A first visit can feel unfamiliar, but the routine is simple and consistent. Staff and other bathers are used to visitors, and most places provide a small towel for rent or sale. Knowing the order of steps makes the whole experience relaxing.

Step by step: from entrance to soak

First, pick the correct entrance. Remove your shoes at the entrance if asked, and use the locker or shelf provided. Enter the changing room, find a basket or locker, and undress completely. Take a small towel with you, and leave larger towels, phones and valuables in the locker.

Second, go to the washing area. Sit on a stool at a shower station, and wash your body and hair thoroughly with soap and shampoo, then rinse. Washing before entering the hot water is a key rule, and getting into the bath with soap on the body is considered unacceptable.

Third, ease into the bath. Tie long hair up, keep the small towel out of the water, and enter slowly. Set the towel on the edge of the bath or fold it on your head. Soak for a few minutes at a time, and step out to cool down if you feel warm.

After the bath and how long to stay

When you leave the bath, wipe off most of the water with the small towel before going back to the changing room. Walking into the changing area dripping wet is considered poor manners, because the floor is shared by others.

Some bathers rinse lightly afterward, while others skip a second shower to keep the minerals on their skin. Either approach is accepted, so it comes down to personal preference and what the venue suggests. Dry off completely, dress, and drink some water.

There is no fixed time limit, but it is wise to take it slowly. Short soaks with breaks are more comfortable than a long single soak. If you feel unwell or too warm, step out of the water and rest.

Costs, timing and what to bring

Entry fees, rental towels and opening hours vary widely. Public onsen and day-use facilities often charge an admission fee, while many hotels and ryokan (traditional inns) include bathing in the stay. Rental towels and toiletries are sometimes included, sometimes sold, so check the facility's official page for current details.

A small bag with a hand towel, a bath towel, a hair tie, and a change of clothes is enough. Many facilities provide shampoo and body soap at the washing stations. Leave valuables in your room or in a locker, since bathing areas are not the place for jewelry or phones.

Timing also matters. Early mornings and evenings are often quieter, while afternoons can be busy. If you are staying at a ryokan, ask when the baths open and close. Some facilities have set hours for cleaning, so confirm times at check-in.

Who this suits and special cases

Solo travelers can enjoy onsen at their own pace, and nobody expects conversation. Couples and families who prefer privacy can look for private baths, which can be reserved for a group. Children are generally welcome in many facilities, and the age at which they may enter the other gender's side varies by place.

Older travelers should take care with hot water and slippery floors. Use handrails, move slowly and consider shorter soaks. Anyone with a health condition or concerns about heat can talk with a doctor before soaking, and facilities sometimes post guidance of their own.

Rules about tattoos vary by venue, and the national tourism organization advises checking in advance. Travelers who are shy about bathing with others can choose a private bath or a room with its own bath. These options let you enjoy the hot spring culture without a shared bath, at a comfortable pace.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is entering the bath without washing first. Another is dipping the small towel into the bath water, which is considered unclean. A third is letting long hair touch the water instead of tying it up before entering.

Other common slips include swimming or splashing, using a phone in the bathing area, and bringing in soap or shampoo to the hot water. Loud talking can also disturb others. Keep your voice low and your movements gentle.

Finally, do not walk back into the changing room dripping, and do not take complimentary towels or toiletries home unless the venue says it is fine. Most of these points come from simple consideration for others, so if you are unsure, look at what other bathers are doing and follow along calmly.

Planning tips and next steps

For a first visit, a ryokan or a hot spring hotel with clear instructions is often the easiest start. Many provide a sign or pictures at the entrance explaining the steps. Visit during a quiet hour if you are nervous, and read the posted rules.

Check the venue's official page before you go for opening times, fees, tattoo policy and any age limits. If the page is not clear, ask staff when you arrive. Bring a small towel, a hair tie, and a calm attitude.

If a shared bath feels too much, a foot bath, a private bath or a room with its own bath are good alternatives. Over time, the routine becomes second nature, and many travelers find it one of the most relaxing parts of a trip. This guide shares general cultural information, not professional advice; for health concerns, talk with a doctor or local clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you wear anything in an onsen?

In traditional shared baths, bathers go without clothing or swimsuits, holding only a small towel for modesty on the way to the bath. Some pool-style facilities do require swimsuits, so check the signs. If you prefer more privacy, a private bath can be a good choice.

Can you put the towel in the bath?

No. The small towel is kept out of the water, because the bath is shared and the water is meant to stay clean. Most bathers place it on the edge of the bath or fold it on their heads. Use the towel to dry off before leaving the bathing area.

How long should you stay in the hot water?

There is no fixed rule, and comfort comes first. Many people soak in short sessions of a few minutes and rest in between. If you feel hot or dizzy, step out and cool down. People with health concerns can ask a doctor before soaking.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Onsen Towns is available on Amazon.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: How Do You Use a Japanese Onsen Step by Step?, Is it okay to visit an onsen alone in Japan? and Kids at Onsen: Family Bathing Tips for Hot Spring Trips.