Do public onsens provide towels?

You should be provided with a small white bathing towel that you can use to wash your body, hide your bits, and dry yourself off. Shampoo and soap are usually provided in the shower areas, but feel free to bring your own. Wash your body and hair before entering the waters.

Do Onsens provide towels?

Onsen fees

You can bring your own bath towel, though some onsens provide towels or let you rent one.

Do you wear clothes in public onsen?

DON'T. Clothes, including swimsuits and underwear, are not allowed to be worn in the bathing area and onsen.

Are you supposed to wear a towel in a hot spring?

Don't: wear ANY clothes or swimsuits in the bathing area; the small towel can be used to cover yourself when out of the water. Some onsen may offer a thin gauze bathing cover-up for women to rent. submerge your face or head, it is considered unclean.

Do you wear undies in onsen?

In the changing room

When you are inside the onsen follow these steps: Strip naked and put your clothes in the locker (if there is one) or on a basket on the shelf. Yes, you have to strip naked. You can't use swimsuit or underwear.

Japanese Onsen Etiquette Explained | All rules

Can I wear a tampon in onsen?

Tampons. Tampons are the most common measure used by Japanese women who chose to enter the onsen during their period. If you're considering opting for tampons as well, make sure that the string is not clearly visible. Use a fresh one before entering and take it out as soon as you leave the onsen.

Is it rude to wear a bathing suit in an onsen?

You cannot wear a swimsuit at an onsen, but don't worry—everyone else is naked too! Communal nude bathing is a deeply ingrained part of Japanese culture, and no one will pay attention to you (sorry!). You can bring a small hand towel into the bathing area for a modicum of modesty (usually provided by the hotel).

How to hold a towel in onsen?

Many people fold the small white Onset towel and place it on their heads to help keep it cool. If you start to feel lightheaded, get out of the water slowly and take a moment to sit before getting a drink or splashing cool water on your body.

How sanitary are hot springs?

Rainwater and snowmelt seep deep into the ground, becoming superheated by magma. This hot water rises back towards the surface, sometimes bursting through as geysers, but more often forming mineral-rich pools we call hot springs. Are hot springs safe? Yes, hot springs are safe when enjoyed responsibly and with caution.

Why are tattoos not allowed in onsen?

Q1: Why are tattoos often not accepted at onsen in Japan? Tattoos in Japan are generally synonymous with the Yakuza (gangsters/mafia). Because of this association, if you have tattoos, it can affect where you are welcome and what you can do, especially at onsen.

What is the difference between onsen and Sento?

An onsen is a hot spring bath that uses mineral-rich water from deep below the earth. Onsen waters have numerous medicinal benefits, and locals will travel far to enjoy a specific water source. A sento is a public bathhouse. Each neighborhood has one, and traditionally, families visit them on a regular basis.

Are onsens mixed gender?

A mixed onsen, or konyoku onsen (混浴温泉), is a hot spring where men and women bathe together in the same pool. Unlike conventional gender-segregated onsen, these establishments allow for more social or family interaction, and often in an exceptional natural setting.

How long do you stay in an onsen?

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.

What do you do with the small towel on the onsen?

Make sure to keep your small towel out of the water. Many bathers set theirs at the side of the bath or fold it up and place it on their head. Refrain from talking loudly, swimming and submerging your head. Those with long hair should tie it up before entering the bath.

Are towels provided at onsen Hot Pools?

Yes, towels are included with all experiences. Can I use the pools if I am pregnant? As a guideline, we do not recommend bathing during pregnancy due to the temperature of the pools. That said, we do still have women that are pregnant that still choose to bathe.

Are public onsens hygienic?

They enforce strict rules, such as no clothing in the baths and requiring visitors to wash thoroughly before entering. Additionally, the baths are regularly drained and cleaned. The water is also kept flowing continuously and is generally very hot, which helps maintain its cleanliness and safety.

How gross are hot springs?

So, is that hot spring clean? If it's a commercial hot spring, the water is probably about as clean as a water park thanks to rules and regulations that keep visitors safe. If it's a natural hot spring, it may carry a slight risk. In these instances, take things like water flow and crowding into consideration.

What are the side effects of the onsen?

Around 3 to 7 days or so after starting onsen cures, some persons may experience bath reaction, feel unwell, or suffer from insomnia, digestive symptoms or dermatitis. While these symptoms continue, it is advisable to stop bathing or decrease bathing frequency until these symptoms resolve.

Can I go into hot springs with a tampon?

As a traveller, it's a personal choice of course, but wearing a tampon or menstrual cup is the way to go if you're joining the movement to break down those barriers.

How to wash yourself at onsen?

Near the dressing room is the shower area. Each stall is equipped with shampoo, conditioner and body wash, as well as a stool and bucket. Take a seat, and pour hot water over yourself using the bucket. Wash thoroughly and be mindful not to splash others.

Why are Japanese bath towels so small?

More compact than typical Western bath towels, Japanese bath towels are designed with efficiency in mind. They're highly absorbent yet quick-drying, which is especially important in Japan's humid climate. This size is easy to store and easy to use — no excess bulk, just thoughtful design.

Do I wear yukata to onsen?

Although it depends on the hot spring inn or hotel, they are normally worn when going from your guestroom to the baths. It is also acceptable to wear the yukata when going to the baths. Please note however, that some inns and hotels ask guests to refrain from wearing yukatas in the hotel lobby or restaurant, etc.

Can couples go to onsen together?

So the question is “How can I enjoy an authentic Japanese onsen leisurely with my boyfriend/girlfriend?” Our recommendation is a “couple onsen.” Many onsen ryokan in Japan have guest rooms with private onsens, or onsens outside guest rooms for you to charter.

Can I wear a watch into onsen?

While you are in the onsen:

Remove all jewellery and watches before soaking as these can be discoloured by the mineral-rich waters. If you have long hair, tie it up before soaking. If you are feeling embarrassed, use your small modesty towel to cover yourself while entering the bathing area.

What to wear in onsen female?

In general, you can't wear anything in the bathing area. (It's best to double-check, as some onsen—especially the unisex ones—allow you to cover up.) If you feel conscious, you can cover yourself up with an onsen towel before entering the water. Walk carefully, as some of the onsen minerals make the floor slippery.