What is the proper etiquette at Japanese onsen?

Do not put towel inside the bathtub. There are two major rules to take Onsen. First, you should now allow your wash-towel or any soap into the bathtub. Secondly, when you leave the bath, you do not drain the water. These manners come from the fact that you are not the only person to use the bath water in the tub.

1. Do you wear a towel in an onsen?
2. Do people stare in onsen?
3. What should I bring to an onsen?
4. How do Japanese Onsens work?
5. Can you drink in an onsen?
6. How long should you soak in onsen?
7. Can you wear glasses in an onsen?
8. Do you have to shave before Onsen?
9. Can foreigners go to onsen?
10. Should you shower after Onsen?
11. Can I go Onsen during period?
12. What do you do at an onsen?

Do you wear a towel in an onsen?

Generally, you can't wear a towel in an onsen and your towel should never come in contact with the shared hot spring water in order to keep it as clean and hygienic as possible. However, there are a few hot springs, mostly natural outdoor and mixed-gender onsen baths, where women can wear a towel.

Do people stare in onsen?

Onsen etiquette is like chopstick etiquette, you are watched like a hawk. If you go to an onsen, you need to get used to people either staring at you or people evacuating the bath when you enter. It just plain happens. Just keep your head high and not worry about other people and your experience will be very enjoyable.

What should I bring to an onsen?

What Should I Bring To Onsen?

1. Small towel. ...
2. Rubber bands for your hair (if you have long hair) - small things but very important. ...
3. Your toiletries, though a lot of onsen provides basic toiletries such as shampoos, conditioners, body washes and even moisturisers, cotton swabs and toothbrushes.

How do Japanese Onsens work?

An onsen 温泉 (lit. “hot water spring”) is a natural hot spring bath, and thanks to its plentiful volcanic activity Japan has lots of them. Onsen water is geothermally heated beneath the ground and rises to the surface bubbling hot. ... Sento, on the other hand, are indoor public bathhouses supplied by ordinary heated water.

Can you drink in an onsen?

A combination of alcohol and onsen may cause blood circulation to become too efficient and place strain on your heart. There is also a possibility of cerebral anemia due to changes in blood pressure upon exiting the water. Please avoid onsen while drinking or after becoming intoxicated.

How long should you soak in onsen?

When the whole body is accustomed enough to the temperature of onsen, slowly enter the bathtub. Concerning the time soaking in the bathtub, it should be about 10-30 minutes at the longest.

Can you wear glasses in an onsen?

In general, it is allowed and you can wear glasses in onsens. However, when you enter the onsen your glasses will fog up immediately making it hard to see through. The onsen water could also damage and corrode your frame. So if you don't have to use them you should better take them off.

Do you have to shave before Onsen?

When it comes to hygiene, you should know that Japanese have a reputation for removing body hair. Yet, many do not shave or wax “down there.” You will notice this as soon as you step into the onsen's changing area. ... Most onsen forbid tattoos completely while others allow them.

Can foreigners go to onsen?

Kinosaki Onsen is the ideal place for a first visit to an onsen town in Japan. It's easily accessible (2.5 hours on the train from Kyoto or Osaka), foreigner-friendly (with signs in English and tattoos allowed), and is oh so pretty.

Should you shower after Onsen?

Most onsen experts don't recommend showering after a hot spring bath because it reduces the effects of the nutrients and minerals in the water. However, when you have sensitive skin or visit an onsen with strong sulfur or acidic springs you should take a shower to prevent possible irritations.

Can I go Onsen during period?

The shortest answer to this, based on research on medical publications and articles in Japanese, doctors would in general not encourage you to go into an onsen while on your period. The most common reasons are that: It's unsanitary and disrespectful toward other people.

What do you do at an onsen?

The major purpose of taking Onsen is not only to wash one's body but also to rest and relax by soaking Onsen. No drunk person inside the bathtub. Usually, the temperature of Onsen is at least 40degrees (40℃). So it is not good for your health for heavy drunk person to take or soak the bathtub.