In an onsen, you typically go to the hot baths first, easing your body in slowly after showering and rinsing with the provided bucket water (kakeyu), but if a sauna is available, you usually do hot sauna first, then a cold dip (mizuburo), then back to hot in a cycle, always washing up before each entry and never putting towels in the water. Start with warmer baths to acclimate, then try cooler ones; the cold bath (mizuburo) comes after a hot soak or sauna for a refreshing contrast.
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Take a shower before entering the baths. If you are at a hot spring, shampoo, body wash and towels will be provided, but if you are at a public bath, you need to rent or bring your own. Each shower has a stool and bucket. Take a seat, and pour hot water over yourself using the bucket.
Many people prefer using the sauna first to reap the benefits of sweating and detoxification, followed by a hot tub soak for relaxation. Ultimately, it's best to try both sequences and see which feels better for you!
The frequency of bathing shall be at most 1-2 times per day, and when people get used to Onsen, they can enjoy 2-3 times per day. Duration of bathing depends on the temperatures of water, but generally it shall be around 3-10 minutes at one time, and can be extended to 15-20 minutes if you get used to it.
The hot water can put a strain on your heart, so be aware of changes to your physical condition when entering the bath. When leaving the bath, do not stand up suddenly. Standing up too quickly can cause dizziness-ness.
No, you cannot wear underwear or swimsuits in a traditional Japanese onsen bathing area; full nudity is required to maintain hygiene and respect for the communal bathing culture, with a small towel used for modesty when walking but not submerged in the water, though some modern or unisex onsens might have exceptions, so always check.
1. Arrive early. Punctuality is not just polite in Japan—it's expected. Here, being on time means arriving five to 10 minutes early (especially for restaurant bookings), strongly aligning with the culture of reliability and courtesy.
Sitting and washing is less likely to splash the soap form and water compare with standing and washing. You need to keep the bathroom clean for the person who take a bath after you. Also sitting directly on the floor is not hygienic. For these reasons, they use a low shower stool in Japanese bathroom.
Clothes, including swimsuits and underwear, are not allowed to be worn in the bathing area and onsen. Please leave your camera in your locker. No pictures are allowed. Please respect the privacy of fellow bathers.
Let's dive into the detail.
Head to an onsen in whatever clothes you like, because pretty soon you won't 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.
The "Japan 5-minute rule" refers to extreme punctuality, meaning you should arrive 5-10 minutes before a scheduled time, as being exactly on time is considered late, demonstrating respect and reliability, a concept sometimes called "5-minute prior action" (５分前行動). It highlights Japanese culture's emphasis on preparedness, where trains are so precise that delays over 5 minutes get official notes, making being early a crucial part of business and social etiquette.
The "3 Date Rule" in Japan refers to the cultural tendency to make a formal love confession (kokuhaku) on or around the third date, marking the transition from casual dating to an official couple, often after building trust with lighter activities like meals or walks, and it's considered a crucial step for clarifying relationship status before deeper intimacy, though it's a guideline, not a strict law.
Use a Private or Family Onsen
Normally, you can have a private bath for an hourly fee, and you can use the bath with your family, friends, or partner.
The Japanese 80% rule, called Hara Hachi Bu (腹八分), is a Confucian teaching to stop eating when you're about 80% full, not stuffed, promoting mindful eating, moderation, and longevity, common in Okinawa, a region with many centenarians, helping to prevent overeating and support healthy digestion by allowing the brain time to register fullness.
Yes, $5,000 is generally more than enough for a single person for a week in Japan, even covering flights from North America/Europe, allowing for comfortable mid-range travel with nice meals and experiences, but it might be tight for a couple or if you're aiming for extreme luxury or extensive shopping; budget travelers can do it for much less, while luxury travelers could easily spend more. Your biggest variables will be your flight cost, accommodation choices (business hotels, ryokans, or hostels), and dining habits (convenience stores vs. high-end sushi).
The 8 things you should never do in Japan if you want to be a respectful tourist
Travelers can wear shorts in hot weather, but don't wear cut-offs, board shorts, etc. Most Japanese women don't show their shoulders, belly or cleavage. And most don't wear leggings (yoga pants etc) unless they're doing yoga or sports. Wear shoes or sneakers that are comfortable for walking and easy to slip on and off.
Japanese couples tend to detach sexual pleasure from family life. They feel satisfied with their partner in their role as a wife or husband, but they do not expect the maintenance of their joint sexual intimacy over time.
As of 2023, men have an average height of 171 cm (5 feet 7 inches) and women are 158 cm (5 feet 2 inches). Younger generations are typically taller, a gradual increase attributed to better nutrition and healthcare. Below is a list of average heights for different gender and age groups in Japan in 2021.
Onsens are for soaking only
And even if you think your hair is the cleanest it will ever be, it's not clean enough, so never put your head into the water. You should only be submerged up to your neck.
Traditionally for one's own personal hygiene and others; one should not bathe in onsen during your period menstrual time. However with the creation of modern day products like tampons and menstrual cups, enjoying onsen during your menstrual cycle is possible.
Onsen food and drink
Keep from getting dehydrated by drinking water, tea, or a sports drink after leaving the bath. Avoid alcohol as this will further dehydrate you.