Kashikiri Private Baths: Booking an Onsen for Yourself or Your Family

Find out what kashikiri (reservable private) hot spring baths are, who they suit, how booking generally works, and which manners still apply behind a closed door.

Published October 20, 2026 at 1:48 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: A kashikiri bath, or kashikiriburo, is a private hot spring bath that a guest reserves for a set period, so only their own party uses it. Ryokan and day-use hot spring facilities offer them. They suit families, couples, people with tattoos and anyone who prefers privacy. Rules, prices and time limits vary, so check each facility's page.

What a kashikiri bath is

The word kashikiri means "reserved" or "chartered," and kashikiriburo literally means a bath you rent exclusively. Instead of sharing a large bath with other guests, a party reserves a private one for a stated period and enjoys the water alone. Some of these baths are indoors and some are open-air baths, called rotenburo, and they are commonly small enough for a few people.

Official tourism guidance suggests booking a kashikiriburo for visitors who feel shy about undressing in front of others or who have tattoos, and it points out that a room with its own open-air bath is another route to privacy. Another common name for a private bath used by family members is kazokuburo, or family bath, which can be reserved and is found in many locations.

Private baths are found at a range of places, from traditional inns to day-use hot spring facilities. Because the format is flexible, details such as size, setting and rules change from one place to another. The facility's own page is the most reliable guide to what is on offer. A private bath is still an onsen, so the basic manners of hot spring bathing apply. Washing first, keeping towels out of the water and following the facility's instructions all remain part of the experience.

Where to find them

Many ryokan, the traditional inns, have an onsen, and some of them offer private baths that are sometimes outdoors. Some inns attach a private bath to particular guest rooms, while others keep a few reservable baths that any guest can book at check-in or in advance. Day-use hot spring facilities may also have private baths available by the hour.

Onsen in ryokan and hotels are often for guests only, though some offer hours when outsiders may buy day passes. That makes it worth checking before a visit whether a facility accepts day visitors for its private baths. The answer can differ between a bath attached to a guest room and a bath that is rented separately.

Hot spring towns often have several facilities, and tourism boards list them on official pages. Starting with the town's tourism page or the facility's page shows what types of baths exist, what languages are supported and how to book.

How reservations generally work

Reservation methods differ. Some inns let guests choose a private bath slot when making the room booking, or at check-in, with a list of available times. Others use first-come, first-served sign-ups at the front desk, and some day-use facilities take bookings by phone or online. The details are stated on each facility's page, so follow those instead of assuming a standard system.

Time slots are usually fixed. A facility typically states the length of the slot and the cost, and some include a short private bath in the room rate while others charge a separate fee. Popular or private baths may require reservations or extra fees, which is a reasonable summary of the general pattern.

Popular slots, such as evening hours or weekends, can fill up first, so asking early is sensible. If a plan changes, check the cancellation conditions on the booking page, since some facilities have rules about changing or canceling a slot.

Tattoos and privacy

Policies on tattoos vary widely among onsen. Official tourism guidance says some traditional facilities may not accept guests with tattoos, though this is beginning to change, that cover sheets are sold or offered at some places but suit only very small tattoos, and that it is best to check the policy in advance. In 2016 the Japan Tourism Agency urged operators to allow tattooed foreign guests on a conditional basis, and towns such as Kinosaki Onsen and Beppu are described as having many tattoo-friendly baths.

A private bath is one way to enjoy a hot spring with fewer concerns about policy, because only the reserving party is present. Even so, it makes sense to confirm with the facility whether its private baths have their own rules on tattoos, since each place sets its own policy.

Privacy also appeals to people who simply prefer not to bathe with strangers, for example because of nervousness about nudity. In this respect a kashikiri bath gives a gentle introduction to hot spring bathing for first-time visitors.

Families, children and mixed groups

Many onsen welcome families, but it is wise to check the rules beforehand, and some have family-friendly baths or offer private bathing for families with children. For parents with young children, a private bath avoids worries about noise or splashing in a shared bath, and a family can bathe at its own pace.

Mixed-gender bathing is a distinct question. Public baths are generally separated by gender, and reservable family baths are the main option for mixed use. A private bath can therefore suit couples or a family with members of different genders, though the facility's rules about who may use it together and about age limits should be checked.

Safety needs attention with children. Guidance for bathers advises against staying in too long and suggests stepping out for a drink of cool water if the body feels too hot. Parents may want to supervise closely and check the facility's guidance for children. This guide shares general cultural information, not professional advice; for health questions, talk with a doctor.

Manners inside a private bath

Washing before entering the water remains the rule. The usual sequence is to sit at a washing station and rinse thoroughly before getting in, and the small towel is for washing or modesty, not for use in the bath water. Folding the towel and setting it on the head or the edge of the bath is the usual practice.

Swimwear is not normally worn in Japanese baths, although facilities that offer a different arrangement will say so. Photography in the bath area is forbidden for privacy reasons, so cameras and phones should be left outside. Speaking softly is also appreciated.

On drinking, official guidance advises against alcohol before bathing because it can affect judgment, and suggests stepping out to drink cool water if the body feels too hot. Leaving the bath clean for the next guest is part of the courtesy, and this applies equally in a rented space.

Tips for a smooth experience

Before reserving, confirm four things: how long the slot lasts, what it costs, whether tattoos or children raise any rules, and whether the bath is indoors or outdoors. Ask where the key or the sign for the occupied bath is located, and arrive a little before the slot starts. Many facilities expect guests to leave on time so the next group can enter.

Ryokan stays often include meals and yukata, and prices vary widely by inn, season and room type. Private baths may be included or charged on top, so read the plan description carefully, and look at the check-in time and meal times as well, since a bath slot is easiest to enjoy when it fits around dinner and breakfast without rushing.

This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the facility before you go. Bring a small towel if none is supplied, and follow the facility's own advice about drinking water and taking breaks during and after a soak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a kashikiri bath good for people with tattoos?

It can be, because the party has the bath to itself. Policies still differ by facility, so check the facility's tattoo rules in advance. Official tourism guidance suggests private baths as an option for guests with tattoos and notes that cover sheets work only for very small tattoos.

Can a family bathe together in a private onsen?

Often yes. Family baths are described as the main way to bathe together in mixed groups, and some facilities offer private bathing for families with children. Check the age rules, the maximum number of people and the supervision advice on the facility's page before booking.

Do I have to pay extra for a private bath?

It depends on the facility. Some inns include a private bath in the room rate or let guests book it free, while others charge a separate fee for each slot. Popular or private baths may require reservations or extra fees, so read the plan description.

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