Etiquette, Rules, and the Tattoo Policy Explained:

Soaking in a natural hot spring is one of the most relaxing experiences Japan has to offer, but it comes with a specific set of customs that catch many first-time visitors off guard, including a tattoo policy that stops some travelers from going at all. This guide covers exactly what to expect and how to navigate it.

What Is an Onsen, Exactly?

An onsen is a natural hot spring bath, typically mineral-rich and naturally heated by geothermal activity. They’re found throughout Japan, often clustered in dedicated hot spring towns (Hakone, Kinosaki, Beppu, Kusatsu, and many others), and are available as standalone public bathhouses or as part of ryokan accommodations.

A related but distinct option is sento, public bathhouses using regular heated tap water rather than natural mineral spring water, which follow largely the same etiquette but are more common in cities without natural hot springs nearby.

The Basic Process, Step by Step

Undress completely in the changing room. Bathing suits are not worn in traditional onsen; this is a nude bathing experience, and bringing swimwear in isn’t an option at most facilities.
Wash and rinse thoroughly before entering the bath. Nearly all onsen have a row of showers or washing stations with stools, soap, and shampoo. A full wash is required before entering the shared bathing water; this isn’t optional or a suggestion.
Bring only a small hand towel to the bathing area, and don’t let it touch the water; many bathers rest it on their head or set it aside at the edge of the bath.
Enter the water slowly and quietly. Onsen are meant to be calm, relaxing spaces, not places for splashing, swimming, or loud conversation.
Don’t submerge your hair or towel in the water.
Rinse off again if you’d like before returning to the changing room, though this step is optional at most facilities.

This is a matter of etiquette intended to keep the bathwater clean for everyone who uses the tub. Therefore, you should thoroughly wash not only your body but also your hair before getting into the bath. If you are unable to wash your hair, you should take extra care to keep it out of the bathwater, for example by wearing a shower cap.

In addition, if soap or shampoo gets into the bathwater, it may reduce the beneficial effects of the hot spring. For this reason, it is also considered good manners to make sure that your towel does not come into contact with the bathwater when you are soaking in the tub.

Rules You Need to Know Before You Go

Baths are typically gender-separated, with separate entrances and changing rooms for men and women; mixed-gender bathing (konyoku) still exists at a small number of traditional facilities but is increasingly rare.
No photography inside the bathing area, for obvious privacy reasons; phones and cameras should stay in lockers with your belongings.
Long hair should be tied up so it doesn’t touch the water.
Quiet, calm behavior is expected throughout: this extends to changing rooms and the wash area, not just the bath itself.

The Tattoo Policy: What You Need to Know

This is one of the most common concerns for international visitors, and the honest answer is that it varies by facility.

Traditionally, tattoos have been associated with organized crime (yakuza) in Japan, and many onsen and sento have historically banned visible tattoos as a result, a policy that predates and isn’t specifically targeted at foreign visitors, though it does affect them.
This is changing, gradually. With rising international tourism, a growing number of onsen and sento now allow tattoos outright, or allow them if covered with a waterproof patch/sticker (often sold at convenience stores or provided by the facility itself).
Private baths solve this issue entirely. Many ryokan offer private in-room baths or reservable private bath time slots, which sidestep the tattoo issue completely since you’re bathing alone or only with your own travel companions.
Research before you go. Policies vary significantly by facility and region, so if you have visible tattoos and want to visit a public onsen, checking the specific facility’s policy in advance (many list it on their website, or it’s noted on booking platforms) saves an awkward conversation at the entrance.

Choosing the Right Onsen Experience for You

Want the full traditional public bathhouse experience: Look for onsen towns like Kusatsu, Beppu, or Kinosaki, known for their public bathhouse culture (and in Kinosaki’s case, a tradition of “onsen hopping” between several bathhouses in one evening).
Concerned about tattoos or general privacy: Book a ryokan with a private bath (sometimes called kashikiri-buro), which is available for reservation by your room or travel party alone.
Want a quick, casual experience without a hot spring town trip: A local sento in any city offers similar etiquette and a more everyday, neighborhood version of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a swimsuit in an onsen?

No, not in a traditional onsen; bathing is done nude. Some newer “onsen theme park” style facilities (such as certain large spa resorts) do allow swimsuits in specific mixed-gender pool areas, but this is the exception, not the norm for genuine onsen bathing.

Will I be turned away if I have a tattoo?

Possibly, depending on the specific facility, but not universally. Many places now accommodate tattoos, either without restriction or with a coverable patch, and private baths are always an option regardless of tattoo policy.

Is it awkward to be nude around strangers?

Most first-time visitors find it far less awkward than expected once inside; genders are separated, and the calm, quiet atmosphere makes it feel more like a peaceful ritual than a self-conscious experience.

Can I bring my phone into the bathing area to take photos?

No, photography is not permitted inside bathing areas at any legitimate onsen or sento, for privacy reasons; keep your phone in a locker with your other belongings.

Next Steps

If you’re planning to visit a hot spring town, research the specific facility’s tattoo and photography policies in advance if relevant to you, and consider booking a ryokan with a private bath if you’d prefer a more flexible, low-pressure introduction to onsen bathing.

This post is part of an ongoing series on Japan travel planning. Check back for more guides on regional customs and seasonal travel.

Rakuten Travel is one of Japan’s largest and most popular domestic travel booking platforms. It features an extensive database of hotels, ryokan, resorts, and other accommodations across Japan, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to book stays throughout the country. Available in your language.

How to Use an Onsen