Onsen etiquette is a set of rules or manners to observe while staying inside of an onsen. This sounds rather complicated, but it really is not. Just imagine learning table etiquette the first time. Once you get the hang out it, it should come natural to you going forwards.

Rule #1 – Take off your shoes

It was back in 2007 when I went on my first onsen visit. As soon as I stepped on that beautiful wooden floor, I was kindly asked to remove my shoes. So yeah, don’t forget that. You will either place them in the shoe shelf/shoe locker or beside the step at the entrance. You might not need to do that at some of the hotel resorts until you go inside. Just be on the look out for that shiny wooden floor – that is the sign. Inside your room, there will be slippers for you to change into.

Rule #2 – Wear your yukata

If you are staying overnight, you will get a set of yukata and obi. You can wear that around the facility and even outside around town. Some places will also provide geta, so you won’t look funny wearing yukata with shoes.

Rule #3 – Changing in the bathing facility

Most bathing facilities have gender segregated baths. The bathing area will have loren curtains or wooden signs at the entrance. Usually color red is for women and blue for men. But not all are color divided. Some facilities alternate which baths are designated for men and women so that everybody could enjoy all of the bath pools. I almost walked into the men’s bath once because it was the women’s bath the night before. So it’s better to remember “女“ is for women and “男“ is for men.

Inside you will first remove your slippers and place them on the shoe shelf. Then you will find shelves of baskets for your clothing. Remove your clothes and place them in one of the baskets.  If you have valuables (e.g., jewelry, phone, money) with you, there are usually some small lockers with keys that you can wear around your wrist. Sometimes there are full lockers into which you may put everything, not only your valuables. Some smaller facilities may not include lockers for valuables. While Japan is not overabundant with crime, if you’re worried about it, you could always leave them at the front desk.

Rule #4 – Wash before going into the pools

Cover yourself with a small white hand towel (available either in your room or in the changing room) and walk inside to the shower area. You can also bring toothbrush and razors (for men) with you. There should be a shower area with stools, buckets, shampoo and liquid soap for you to shower. Make sure you clean yourself completely before going into the pools. Do not stare at other people.

Rule #5 – No pictures allowed

Can you imagine someone taking picture while you are naked? Yeah. No pictures.

If there is no one else, you might get away with snapping a few. Just be cautious and be respectful.

Rule #6 – Do not make waves

Depending on the facility, there can be multiple indoor and outdoor pools. I would recommend to test the temperature before going into them as some can be extremely hot (42°C or higher). Remove your small towel (place it on top of your head or on the rock outside of the pool) and make sure your hair is tied up before going into the water.

Then enter slowly and sit by the edge or in the corner. Do not swim or jump since the ripples will make the other people feel the heat. Also, it’s just bad manners. Once you are settled, you can then relax and let the water do its magic!

Rule #7 – Do not soak too long

No matter how good it feels, try to stay in one pool at a time for no more than 10-15 minutes. Longer than that, your face will sure turn into that of a snow monkey soaking in the hot spring water. It is also not good for the body to soak in the water with that kind of heat for too long. You can use the shower water to cool yourself down or go to the resting/nap area to take a break before going back again.

Rule #8 – Shower and done!

Usually you scrub your body and shower again after soaking in the onsen pool. Make sure to dry yourself and watch your steps as the floor could be slippery. Remember to take all your belongings back with you to your room.

A lady might stay in an onsen for over an hour to relax, whereas it could be short for guys. Be patient, gentlemen!