Onsen Guide: How to Take a Bath in Japan's Hot Springs

Onsen (hot springs) are a must-do experience when travelling to Japan. Whether you're relaxing in a private onsen with family or enjoying a casual bath in a public onsen or sento, there are some important rules and etiquette to follow. Most are fairly straightforward (including the getting naked part) so you'll soon be on your way to an amazing, relaxing experience.

== LINKS ===
Tokyo hotels with onsen:

Tattoo-friendly onsen:

Cheap onsen in Tokyo:

0:00 Intro
0:32 Private onsen
1:25 Public onsen
2:01 Sento
2:18 Foot baths
2:40 Onsen etiquette and process
4:54 Children in onsen
5:18 Tattoos in onsen

★★★ TokyoCheapo ★★★

★★★ Credits ★★★
Intro sequence by the most talented Peter Laugesen

Creative commons images used in the intro:

[OmnipresentOneness]

Public baths should be a part of every culture. What a perfect way to unwind, relax and let your mind wander.

[cocoaswann]

Super helpful and informative! Thanks!

[tideltas]

Super cool, really want to try it now when I go!

[samuelperezgarcia]

I would add not to forget to take off your sandals before going into the basket/locker area (like I did xD). They will call you for it.

[arianejacob]

Hi guys, we are looking for a private onsen either in Tokyo or Osaka since these are the two places where we will stay long in our Japan trip this month..Any recommendations? Would highly appreciate it. Many thanks !

[jftta]

Private Onsen is good for foreigners. No one staring or people leaving once you go in.

[JustJakeTravel]

First?👀 can't wait to try going to an onsen

[kungfungify]

Which one was the last one where it's outdoors and the person in the shot has a bathing cap on

[carlosrobleto]

QUESTION: Does that steam have a smell of sulfur ? since Onsens have a volcanic origin. I was wondering if surfur can be felt while you are soaking in the hotspring.

[kyliealvey]

I'd love to go to the more expensive one, I have psoriasis, and I hear Onsen's are really good for skin conditions. Csn people with psoriasis enter Onsen's?

[star-tingwithmyintuition]

which onsen is that you are in with the trees all around?

[Wesleycreardon]

Do you have a list of tattoo friendly onsen/sento sites?

[HansenKay-qh]

Lopez Patricia Taylor Jose Gonzalez Shirley

[slagwerk]

prefer privte 1 not going bath lot strange also lot tatoos

[Amybnuy]

It seems boring and hot. I still wanna try it lol
Are they trans friendly? I have to figure out a way to hide my gross alien tumor until I get surgery….