{"id":19733,"date":"2025-12-03T10:53:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T02:53:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine-proxy.elitehavens.com\/?p=19733"},"modified":"2026-02-27T10:55:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T02:55:19","slug":"onsen-etiquette-101-what-to-do-what-not-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine-proxy.elitehavens.com\/onsen-etiquette-101-what-to-do-what-not-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Onsen Etiquette 101 – What to Do & What Not to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"

With so many traditions and cultural nuances, visiting Japan for the first time can be a daunting experience. But if you are familiar with the dos and don\u2019ts and have an insider to guide and advise you, a glimpse of authentic Japan<\/a> can be life-changing. <\/span><\/i>An easy, and immensely satisfying way to immerse into the Japanese<\/a> way of life is to visit an onsen (hot spring). As with most facets of Japanese life, there is an expected onsen etiquette when you visit. There are approximately 3,000 designated onsen<\/a> across Japan, being a vital and communal part of the local culture<\/a>. It is not unusual for entire families to schedule a weekly visit, or to go to one after work with a colleague.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

What to wear<\/h2>\n

Head to an onsen in whatever clothes you like, because pretty soon you won\u2019t need them. Bathing naked with others can be awkward at first, but it is part of the communal culture of Japan. If you allow yourself to relax, the experience can be liberating. A handful of onsen offer mixed male\/female bathing sections and may allow swimming costumes to be worn. But these are few and far in between. <\/span><\/p>\n

Also see: Best onsen in Niseko you must visit<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

When you enter<\/h2>\n

Once you have paid at the reception, go to the locker area, generally found behind a red curtain for women (\u5973) and a blue curtain for men (\u7537). Here, you will find a locker or basket to leave your belongings in. If you have brought your own or hired a large towel, leave it here. Only the small hand towels are allowed in the bath area. This is also where you remove all your clothes. Once naked, go through the door and into the bathing area.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to do in an onsen\"\"<\/h2>\n

Here are some tips to help you enjoy the onsen experience<\/a> and avoid embarrassment. <\/span><\/p>\n

Do:<\/span><\/p>\n