Bathing at a Japanese Hot Spring | Onsen Etiquette | japan-guide.com

[@davidsFR]

Important nuance to the video. You MUST take a shower before entering an onsen when showers area are available (which is extremely common) unless specified otherwise. If not available at least rinse your body before entering the onsen. Most time you will find signs (in japanese often) specifying that you are required to take a shower and failing to do so will upset other users and is not great for obvious hygiene reasons (especially with onsen that do not have always running new water). I prefer to let you know as signs do not always have obvious symbols for foreigners to understand, especially in rural area.

[@davidsFR]

If you rest at a ryokan and there are no shower booths inside the bath but your room is equipped with a shower room, I would reccomend you to take a shower before going to the onsen just as good manners. You can go to the bath in Yukata after your shower which will make it easier for you to get dressed/undressed in the changing room too.

[@mPDC-gh8jy]

@@davidsFR > to take a shower at the bath inside your room before going to the onsen I think that's a very good idea but even so, you shouldn't forget to rinse your body right before entering the onsen bath tub to avoid misunderstandings from other users who don't know you took a shower already, even if you think it's just a foolish gesture or a fake performance, without any physical effects.

[@davidsFR]

@mPDC-gh8jy Exactly yes. It seemed obvious too me so I forgot to precise it. my bad ^^'

[@Gemueseknolle]

Absolutely true. The video is beautiful, but it stresses much too little that the cleaning before going into the onsen should take a LONG amount of time. So not like the short-shower-before-bath the Europeans and Americans do before they jump into a pool. The body should be cleaned in an excessive way - and much more than that: Think of it as a mental preparation for the bath. You got to clean every little inch of your body, but that cleaning also will make your spirit free! The beautiful thing is that when you finally enter the onsen, you can only relax. No thinking any longer, nothing that stresses you, you dont need to think even of the cleaning. I think this behaviour is maybe based on the cleaning rituals in religion of shinto and buddism. Also this is the big difference in Japanese and European / American attidute: Europeans go into the water to clean themselves, but Japanese make the cleaning BEFORE so there is nothing left to do in the bath, but relaxing. So I think an own video just on the cleaning would be nice also. E.g. order in which body parts should be cleaned (yes, there is a defined way for that too by true onsen enthusiasts), how and in which way to use the soap (e.g. foaming more as sign to other people than actually for the real use) and many more. Of course most of those things will be not expected from tourists by the japanese, but for those which do mindfull travel, i think it would be good to know. Japanese people will thank you for that and sometimes even express they admiration if you know all those ritual steps (of course even most japanese people do not know them in detail)

[@davidsFR]

@@Gemueseknolle Technically speaking you are not always forced to take a shower before entering the bath. Rinsing your body as explained in the video with the onsen water is the only necessity. However, many places do require that you clean your body before (I've seen it countless times at ryokan or hotels) so it is simpler to just do it each time possible to avoid troubles, especially if you cannot read japanese. Of course you should still rinse your body with the onsen water before entering as this is not only manners, but also helps your body getting ready for the onsen temperature. Another important factor to take into account is the genetic difference between foreigners and japanese people. According to studies, 80 to 95% of east asian people do not "suffer" from the strong bad smell of sweat thanks to a genetic difference (gene ABCCII to be exact). So imagine yourself living in a society were most people do not smell of not that strongly. What would you then think of foreigners smelling bad? Unless you are aware of this genetic difference (which I'm pretty sure most people are not aware of, especillay elderlies), you would quickly assume that foreigners do not clean themselves regularly or are simply dirtier. Yes this is not your fault and it has nothing to do with how clean you are. Simply remember that foreigners do smell more than japanese people and that they do not really understand why. In this context, cleaning yourself before hand would be seen as basic manner by most japanese, especially since just rinsing yourself would not be enough to get rid of the smell. So no matter that you smell or not, that you are clean or not, I would highly reccomend you to wash yourself before entering the onsen to just avoid any potential misunderstanding/issue.

[@wavelength3856]

I love the cheeky and adorable animations!! Great work on the video.

[@japanguide]

Thank you so much!

[@MarcelaChandía]

I love onsen!!! I had the privilege to experience them in Nikko, in the hotel rotenburo. It was snowing! The combination of snow from above and the hot water below erased all pains, stress and preoccupations!! Never have I been so relaxed in my life ♨

[@japanguide]

Onsen and snow, that is the best combination!

[@MarcelaChandía]

@@japanguide It totally is!!! ❤️

[@JohnCrute-q4b]

​@@japanguide what about the gourami petfish hobby in Japan

[@JohnCrute-q4b]

Let's talk about the freshwater 3spot blue gourami. I have male 3spot blue gourami🔵 and Female opaline gourami🔵 .

[@dragonborne8687]

Taking a soothing and rejuvenating onsen bath is an exceptional method to unwind and de-stress, particularly in our fast-paced and demanding world.

[@japanguide]

Well said!

[@idrissugiarto825]

I knew this guide was a real deal when it mentioned dai ichi takimotokan. Its hard to imagine an onsen like that even existed in this planet. It was like the size of a department store, except everyone were naked 😂

[@japanguide]

Haha that's a great way to describe it!

[@19800910]

I stayed 4 days in Kinosaki Onsen at the Nishimuraya Honkan, that was the highlight of my 30 day stay in Japan 2023!

[@japanguide]

Kinosaki Onsen is indeed very nice!

[@Northgrem]

Did you feel like 4 days were enough? I also plan to Kinosaki Onson next year, but i do wann astay there a week since i love hot springs!

[@19800910]

@@NorthgremHi, sorry that I missed your question. Ok, since you will more than likely take the train to get there in the late morning and leave in the late afternoon your time in Kinosaki will be limited to the full days inbetween. Kinosaki has seven onsens, if you take your time you can visit two hot springs per day. Hit your first bath on your arrive day and the next six bath houes over three days. Use your departure day to relaxe and eat and drink your way back to the train station. I hope that was helpfull.

[@meg-k-waldren]

This was so cool. Onsens are great. So many.

[@swissfoodie3542]

I love to enjoy onsen when in Japan. I have been so several onsen places mentionned in the video. And I also like the hotels with a public bath, which is not a real onsen, but is still a very warm bath with some minerals. Like most of the Dormy Inns, who also often have an outdoor bath. They are very affordable, and of course not as special as a lovely ryokan with a real onsen. But still, I enjoy them a lot.

[@Miguimike]

Very useful. Thank you! I am worried because I have several tattoos. I need to do more research.

[@japanguide]

Glad you enjoyed the video! There are several websites online that can help you find some nice tatto-friendly onsen.

[@FlexxenRandomPlaces]

I know it's not the actual point of the video, but seeing Sam besides Raina and Matt was so nostalgic! Feels like 2019 😆

[@japanguide]

Aww thank you, it does feel very nostalgic :')

[@KellieLStimson]

Fantastic video!

[@japanguide]

Thank you so much!

[@venjSG]

hope you also make video about tattoo-friendly onsen towns or onsen places.

[@japanguide]

That is a good idea! In the meantime, Kusatsu Onsen is a great tattoo friendly onsen town.

[@mk098a]

There's tons of info online

[@wrakowic]

amazing guide, thank you.

[@japanguide]

@@wrakowic You’re welcome! Thank you for your nice comment!

[@FlexxenRandomPlaces]

I may add my two onsen favorites, both located in Teshikaga, Hokkaido. First, Kawayuonsen, an actual onsen town just east of Lake Kussharo. The sulfur smell in the streets should have warned me that the water could be a little acidic.. Well, safe to say, without much japanese skills, at some point while soaking in the hot water, I made the mistake of touching my eyes with my watery hands. Later I learned, that the pH value of that water was 1.4 and a standard large nail will fully dissolve in about a week time. Besides, the bath was truly amazing, especially during winter! As for my number two, it is Kotan Onsen right at Lake Kussharo. It is free of entry and you are requested to wear clothes, as it is a mixed gender bath. It is outside and overlooks Lake Kussharo, which is especially incredible during the height of winter, where the lake fully freezes, besides a few spots at its shore where hot springs fuel the lake, thawing it in the process. Every hour a person will come and check the water temperature, but if it gets too hot (in winter), just stand up, sit on one of the larger rocks outside, or go for a quick snow walk. The -10°C will cool you down quickly 😆

[@japanguide]

Thank you so much for sharing your favorite spots! I personally will definitely try to check Kotan Onsen next time I am in Hokkaido!

[@mawtravels]

Saved for later! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@mariowalter9788]

What onsen is shown at 2:19? We plan actually a trip to Japan

[@japanguide]

It is Kuronagi Onsen in Toyama Prefecture. We filmed a video there a few years back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipeymYxumbCrg7c

[@fariszhr]

Please we need more 'small how to' like this! Next: how to take (permission) street photo or drone in Japan 🤔

[@charalambosmichael4678]

Visiting Japan this coming January. Which onsens do you recommend given the winter temperatures?

[@japanguide]

Onsen in January sounds like a great plan. We have a list of the best onsen on our dedicated page here: www.japan-guide.com/e/e2292.html Hope this helps!

[@Gemueseknolle]

I know almost any onsen in Japan by sight, but what is the one shown at 00:41?

[@Gemueseknolle]

ah, remembered it: suimeikan karukaya sansou, right?

[@MegaHellstrike]

@@Gemueseknolle Your username suggests that you're german, why, HOW do you know so many onsen? I'm genuinely fascinated by this, do you travel that often to Japan or are you a massive onsen afficionado that likes to look at google images of them?

[@japanguide]

Yes! Nice catch! Unfortunately it is temporarily closed at the moment..

[@Gemueseknolle]

​@@MegaHellstrike I am probably the greatest hotspring freak on earth. I always travel to onsen not only in Japan, but on the whole world. It is my hobby. But since japan has the most hotsprings on earth, it is also my favorite holiday destination. When i go to japan i usually go 3-5 onsen per day if possible. i read many different onsen-related blogs on daily bases. i am even in some secret circle of onsen enthusiasts (as only foreigner) where the most secret and sometimes forbidden / restricted onsens are discussed (it is not allowed to share this information outside and it is not allowed to post any pictures of them on the net. some of them are in wild nature and woods, some are hidden in old ruins, some you can only reach by underwater diving or renting a boat and such). i have been in about 1200 onsen in japan, but i know almost any from sight (since on the blogs they are usually repeated.) so even when i habe not been there, i usually know where they are. currently my known onsen list ist about 4500 onsen (but i do not mark uninteresting ones). there are about 3000 "offical onsen" establishments with facilities. i have marked 234 as super secret or super special. i would love to show you my onsen map, but sadly google wont allow me to post it here (if i do my comment gets deleted) so yes, someone could say, i am a geek about onsen. but i am proud of it

[@Gemueseknolle]

I am probably the greatest hotspring freak on earth. I always travel to onsen not only in Japan, but on the whole world. It is my hobby. But since japan has the most hotsprings on earth, it is also my favorite holiday destination. When i go to japan i usually go 3-5 onsen per day if possible. i read many different onsen-related blogs on daily bases. i am even in some secret circle of onsen enthusiasts (as only foreigner) where the most secret and sometimes forbidden / restricted onsens are discussed (it is not allowed to share this information outside and it is not allowed to post any pictures of them on the net. some of them are in wild nature and woods, some are hidden in old ruins, some you can only reach by underwater diving or renting a boat and such). i have been in about 1200 onsen in japan, but i know almost any from sight (since on the blogs they are usually repeated.) so even when i habe not been there, i usually know where they are. currently my known onsen list ist about 4500 onsen (but i do not mark uninteresting ones). there are about 3000 "offical onsen" establishments with facilities. i have marked 234 as super secret or super special. i would love to show you my onsen map, but sadly google wont allow me to post it here (if i do my comment gets deleted) so yes, someone could say, i am a geek about onsen. but i am proud of it

[@teratikkoanan7671]

Kinosaki onsen provide not only onsen but fresh seafood.

[@しげまーる]

Ｉlike onsen. 😊

[@bluezikylez9743]

0:53 anyone know this place view bridge top red? i cant search anywhere, thank you

[@japanguide]

It is near Keiyakidaira Station along the Kurobe Gorge Railway (currently out of service): www.japan-guide.com/e/e7575.html

[@lawrencebautista1]

Are there still konyoku onsens in Japan where both men and women bathe together? From what I read, these are now dwindling and they require swimsuits or coverings for both genders, but there are others that only the females are required to have coverings but the males still bathe fully naked.

[@MeongOyenBar2]

Is both towels you must bring it yourself or provided by Onsen place?

[@meg-k-waldren]

The ones I've been to towels are provided at the Onsen. If the Onsen is at an Onsen ryokan then the towels specifically for Onsen are included in your ryokan room and replaced daily by staff and when going to an Onsen you just take the small and large towel from your room with you. But if the ryokan Onsen is also open to non-ryokan-guests, then there'll be towels provided at the Onsen as well. I wouldn't be worried about towels - they always provide instructions at the Onsens anyways. The only time I can see towels becoming a question is if its a hotspring located in the middle of nowhere that you have to hike to and isnt administrated by any business or persons. Hope this helped.

[@MeongOyenBar2]

@@meg-k-waldren thank you for your explanation. It's answer all my confusion about Onsen things

[@Gemueseknolle]

There are many sentos and onsen that do NOT provide a towel for FREE, but any of them usually sells or rents them (almost any). So you dont need to bring them, but sometimes you can save a little money. ProTip: Bring your small mini onsen towel with you (thats the one you need for cleaning). In the worst case, it will be also enough to wipe you dry. When i do onsen hopping during sightseeing i only bring this one with me, so it is not much space and i can go spontaneous into any onsen / sento that you find on your way.

[@ThatOneSceneDude]

1:06 guess I'm drinking a few beers lol

[@mattegeniet]

Yeah I also heard this as well”if you’re drunk while bathing, it has health benefits “

[@reubentay6572]

How much does it cost to enter

[@JeshSesh]

which of the ones you shared in this video are tattoo friendly with or without tattoo patches?

[@Kokujou5]

Umm... why don't you mention Noboribetsu?

[@japanguide]

We mention the Daiichi Takimotokan bath which is in Noboribetsu Onsen at 12:00

[@Kokujou5]

@@japanguide oh it was so short i skipped through... isn't noboribetsu one of the most popular onsen towns in the entirety of japan or is that a misconception? I'm really wondering, because that's supposed to be my first destination

[@japanguide]

Yes, it is! That is why we mention it in the small list of selected hot spring destinations in our video. Enjoy it!

[@japanguide]

@@Kokujou5 Nice! It is considered Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort, so I am sure you will have a great time there. We have a dedicated page on Noboribetsu Onsen with up to date information on the various baths if you need it: www.japan-guide.com/e/e6752.html And if you want more information on our recommendations for onsen town you can find it here: www.japan-guide.com/e/e2292.html Hope this helps, have a nice trip!

[@Kokujou5]

@@japanguide oh great thanks !!

[@jcscband]

Any recommended duration for dipping in an onsen? I heard that long duration in an onsen may have some immediate bad effects on the body

[@katelijnesommen]

They can be very hot, so if you're not used to it, you can definitely feel faint or nauseous if you stay in too long. Your body will tell you but 10-15 minutes in a really hot one is usually plenty.

[@meg-k-waldren]

​@@katelijnesommenYep. Also if other people that entered around when you entered are getting out, its a good idea not to stay in much longer.

[@slloo7692]

I have been to a number of onsens in Japan and all of them require you to shower and clean yourself before going in. Why does this video say rinse yourself?

[@keshus1109]

11:26 Not particularly pretty city Beppu? Why なぜ、、、 smelly? What else?

[@7792pnaurfr]

Unfortunately, in this day and age it's still worrisome to go to a bath as a foreigner, not even a white foreigner, but an Asian foreigner especially if you have a tattoo.

[@wuhlheide]

never had problems with that as an European in japan. The only people who have problems are those with tattoos. I also think it is understandable to fear people in japan who have tattoos (especially if they are asian looking). Nobody wants problems with the yakuza

[@banjohead66]

I know that voice ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@maxbgi70]

I felt very vulnerable on my first try. Not cool. 😂

[@Kokujou5]

i heard that you shouldn't rinse after the bath, makes sense, but i wasn't sure, some say it's good some say it's too much. so thanks for that but not using soap before entering... isn't that kinda... unhygienic? the reasoning here doesn't really make sense, because the more you wash, the cleaner your skin is to be covered with minerals

[@TheScratchingKiwi]

I think I will not onsen... I like hot springs and grew up with them but there is a difference in traditions (privacy is very important here). I could not shower and bathe naked with my tattoos under tape with strangers. I would have to pay for a private bath and that is an expense I cannot afford.

[@Chaouamahdi]

You won’t be able to get over being naked with strangers. It’s not acceptable to see other people’s private parts, but it’s a bit confusing because Japanese people are generally comfortable being naked in onsen, but they’re prohibited from entering if they have tattoos.