How to Use a Japanese Onsen (A rare look INSIDE one)

Your insiders' guide on exactly what to do inside a Japanese onsen.
All of these steps and more neatly set out on the blog here: notesofnomads.com/how-to-use-j...
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[@dadada486]

I went to a onsen after a full day hiking in the mountains... One of the most incredible experiences ever!

[@Notesofnomads]

Going to the onsen is especially nice when you've worked hard for it!

[@Dennis4SB]

It would have been good if you commented about tattoos.

[@Notesofnomads]

Thanks for watching! We decided to include all of that info on the blog: notesofnomads.com/faqs-using-japanese-onsen/

[@s70driver2005]

@@barbaramanning8299 AAHHH DOMO ARIGATO!!!! This article helps my wife and I so much. We have already located 2 onsens in Tokyo that we will be near during our stay there.

[@2001Nikon]

Excellent , informative video. Wish I’d seen it before I went to Japan in March! I was nervous my first time but determined to experience this uniquely Japanese tradition. Fortunately, our guide was a woman and she went in with my friend and me the first time. We visited five during our two week trip, including one in a beautiful wooded area along a stream. Onsens are wonderful and I encourage everyone to give it a try!

[@Notesofnomads]

Thank you, Barbara! That's great to hear! So glad that you were able to experience onsen in Japan. So many people miss out because of fear. This is understandable, but a real shame! Usually once they give it a try, they wonder why they were worried in the first place! :)

[@mr.a5147]

This is one of the most informative videos I've seen yet on Onsen etiquette.Thanks very much! We'll be sure to use your advice when we head over at the end of the year. I would love to see a video explaining the differences when using a mixed sex onsen

[@Notesofnomads]

Thank you, Ash! Basic etiquette is the same for mixed gender onsen. Went to one earlier this week! Hope you have an amazing trip!

[@chrisjapanpipe2275]

This is the best onsen guide for foreigners on KZbin :)

[@jimcarter8034]

Great, informative video. I was in Japan recently. I’m glad I saw this first! Thank you.

[@lauraduplooy]

That was seriously cool; thank you so much for sharing!

[@Notesofnomads]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Danicker]

Very clear and helpful video, just enjoyed my first visit to an Onsen and loved it!

[@Notesofnomads]

Thank you, Danicker! So glad to hear it!

[@ALaMode_Designer]

This is perfectly the guide I needed. I want to visit a bathhouse during my upcoming trip to Japan but wasn't sure what to do once inside. Thanks for the info!

[@jant3528]

Thanks so much for this. Really helps to ease the awkwardness for a first-timer!

[@barbiewinn9426]

Thank you so much for the video. I’m definitely going to give it a try.

[@Notesofnomads]

Thank you for watching! Hope you enjoy your onsen experience!

[@terryb3388]

Outstanding video ... i never knew not to immerse my head under water ... thanks for that!!!

[@chinny50]

Thank you for the video. Can you bring your own towel to create modesty? I am very tall and full figured. A small towel that size is like drying off with a towelette. Thanks for sharing.

[@Notesofnomads]

Hi Chinny, thank you for watching. Yes, you can bring your own bigger modesty towel. I would just make sure it is a light-weight version of the sort shown in this video. A full bath towel would certainly look out of place (that should be kept in the locker or changing area for properly drying off once you're out). But, if a bigger modesty towel to use while moving between and around the baths gives you the confidence to try an onsen, by all means go for it. :)

[@oslonor5153]

Awesome couple !

[@queenyen2690]

This was very helpful thank you. I don't think I could still go in😅

[@Notesofnomads]

Read all about Japanese food, what to eat and where to eat it, and Japan's unique culinary culture on our site Japanese Food Guide: www.japanesefoodguide.com

[@siets]

Thank you for this super informative video! Where/how is the most appropriate to remove your make-up? I don't want to accidentally stain the handtowel. When travelling i usually use those disposable make-upremover sheets.

[@Notesofnomads]

Thank you for watching! I would recommend removing your make-up in the changing rooms before heading into the baths. There it is completely fine to use disposable make-up remover sheets. I would then make sure any make-up residue that may be left over is completely removed with soap and a hand towel while showering. Many women actually wet their hand towels so they can really scrub their bodies from head to toe. Then you just make sure you rinse it completely and wring it out before proceeding to the baths. Most people bring their own towels to the onsen, but you can also rent them. They'll generally be provided if you're staying in a hotel that has a bath. If you're worried about staining the towels with your make-up, I suggest bringing your own towel (which you can easily buy at 100 yen or convenience stores). This will work out cheaper too, especially if you plan on visiting several onsen. Hope that helps!

[@CableFlame]

This is very much like the experience for the bathing parts of a jjimjilbang (Korean super spa). While a few of the details may be different, it's the same general flow.

[@brittneykirk4030]

Thx for the info. I have two questions about outdoor onsen. 1. Is it ok to use sunscreen in an onsen? 2. Do onsen close when there is rain or lightning?

[@Notesofnomads]

Hi Brittney! No sunscreen allowed, I'm afraid. Some outdoor onsen have covered baths so you are not sitting in direct sunlight. If you are concerned, you could look for onsen with that kind of set up, or spend the majority of your time in the indoor baths or in a shaded spot. If it's raining, onsen generally stay open. In fact, I love visiting outdoor onsen in the rain because you don't feel too hot! However, if there is lightning, then the outdoor baths may be closed. I hope that helps!

[@DogaDogaTV]

Nice instructions with much informatio!! I think that there are many foreigners who want to know about public bath in Japan. Well, they still might feel awkward and embarrased even if they know how to behave as knowledge though haha ;-]

[@Notesofnomads]

DogaDoga TV Haha Yes, it's always awkward the first time. I remember the first time we went to one with our host family. But you do get over it. Our fear our nudity is a cultural construct really. I do hope that, manned with information on what to do inside, more foreigners will try onsen. :)

[@lee67sheldon]

Are there toilets to use prior to shower and bath? And, than you for your video. It was very helpful and informative.

[@Notesofnomads]

Thanks, Lee! Yep, there are always toilets available in the changing area at public baths. The only exception might be at a guest-only bath at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan). Sometimes they may not have one since you can use the toilets in your room.

[@lee67sheldon]

Notes of Nomads thank you for replying to my question. Have a great day.🌺

[@Notesofnomads]

You're welcome! Same to you!

[@shadowflare2838]

What is the recommended time for bathing in the onsen?

[@malcolm824]

Dinnertine

[@zul.travels]

Is it OK to use the small towel inside the hot spring to cover my modesty, instead of folding it on my head?

[@Notesofnomads]

Unfortunately not. The small towel cannot enter the onsen water. Although you're welcome to use it as a modesty towel as you move from one bath to another. :)

[@gln126]

Thanks for the sharing the video. So you said to put all your valuables in a basket. Is it safe?

[@mercury2936]

Almost every Onsen has coin lockers at their entrance to put your wallets, phones, etc.

[@MisstressMourtisha]

There are towns in rural Japan that hold morality and honor the highest standard. You could drop your wallet and no one would touch it.

[@margaretpowell9383]

possibly also should have mentioned how much it will upset a Japanese person if you wear your shoes past the step up into the onsen area. Also many older Japanese women will exit the bath if western women walk around without using the modesty towel and holding it in front of you to demonstrate modesty.

[@Yesica1993]

Better yet, take a shower/bath at home, in PRIVACY.

[@Shay45]

@@Yesica1993 People's homes don't have natural hot spring water (Well only if they are really rich)

[@tagilein2735]

So I know they won’t allow you to go into an onsen if you have tattoos is it the same with self harming scars or any bigger scars in particular as well or just tattoos?

[@Notesofnomads]

Scars are totally fine in the onsen. It's only tattoos that are a problem. Wishing you all the very best - do take care of yourself. x

[@lonesparrow]

I saw someone post on Reddit that their friend who had a tattoo was permitted in the onsen, she just was given a big sticker to cover the tattoo.

[@ryanjudd5008]

Just a question about having a beard that's several inches long, do I just have to make sure it doesnt touch the water at all?

[@shoshanahs5968]

Ryan Judd I would think so

[@Notesofnomads]

Good question, Ryan. Yep, exactly, just keep it out of the water and you're all good.

[@bunnymeeks6490]

Is there's baths you can wear a towel to cover your body with? Ive seen that if its a mixed bath men and women will cover up their parts but if it's like a women only bath can you cover yourself with a towel even in the bath? Somebody said they had worn a towel in a bath since it was a bath inside a shrine

[@victoriawieseler1744]

Is it ok to go with a friend? And is chatting allowed as well? At least quietly chatting with someone?

[@Notesofnomads]

Hi Victoria, yes it's absolutely fine to go with a friend and to chat. In fact, that is how many Japanese people enjoy onsen. Obviously pay attention to how loud you are talking and be respectful of others, but generally talking at a regular conversational volume is fine.

[@ZetsumiSekai]

Wait... so you wash yourself first, including hair or not? Balancing the towel on the head seems easier with wet hair xX

[@hmnanda]

You are better off rolling the towel up and tying it around your head. For a first timer, theres a pretty good chance it will fall in the water if you try to balance that shit on your head

[@Notesofnomads]

Yes, you wash yourself first, including your hair.

[@gentlemanjos1]

Very instructive video. I have been in Japan twice. I know Japan culture is very wonderful, but also strict; so I recommend a tutorial video (like this one) about the use of onsen, but this tutorial video should recreate the whole onsen experience (including getting undressed), so the people get a better picture about the correct use of an onsen. Thank you very much.

[@mammukchannel]

best regards from us friends. greetings let us join and enjoy every moment and share 🥰🥰🥰❤❤❤🤝🤝🤝

[@saber93]

So next year, I’m going to japan on an around the world field trip with my school. I would like to know if you could wear swimsuits? And if there are actual showers?

[@lorazmin]

Unfortunately there are no swimsuits or outside clothing allowed in the onsen. The bathing water is seen as almost as a purification ritual. If you are worried about modesty, people just mind their own business and do not judge. it is against manners to stare at anyone so no one will be paying any attention to you. To my knowledge, the low cleaning showers and tap water shown in the vid are the only ones available

[@Notesofnomads]

@@lorazmin Yes, exactly this.

[@Notesofnomads]

@Lora Ririe's response below is on the money.

[@rahulshaw5748]

is there separate hotsprings for boys and girls?

[@lindseywalker6374]

Rahul Shaw yes she explained in the beginning of the video

[@paulovargas5338]

2:30

[@anivibes2968]

I got a question Out of curiosity. What If You get an unwanted errection while showering or in the bathtub? Is that considered normal or a Problem?

[@sharminaung8407]

SHAR MIN AUNG ...JAPAN

[@andreamattis4785]

Is it mandatory to sit on the bucket to clean yourself or will people look mad at me? I know Japanese people are extremely clean, but the idea to sit on that bucket...

[@Notesofnomads]

In general, yes, you should sit on that bucket. You could squat if you wanted to though. Some people might notice and wonder why you are doing that when you have something to sit on right there, but you wouldn't be violating any rules or anything. The most important thing is not to stand up while showering/washing yourself as the water sprays over people around you. You rinse the bucket/stool off before you leave to enter the bath and usually people will rinse it before using it too. To me it is no different to sitting in the bath with others.

[@savorytooth3067]

Isn’t this Chinese music though...?

[@sashizakura9124]

It is. The video is very informative, but the music was pretty out of place.

[@wuvs1ck]

Im pretty sure japanese music had originated from chinese music

[@rippler1015]

こうばらせんせい

[@lauraakamp383]

@f main kouharasensei ?

[@amanciocohen5965]

I went and I left as soon as I saw that everyone was naked.

[@vocalinstrument]

Are you supposed to wash your hair in the shower?

[@Notesofnomads]

Yes, you wash your body and hair at the shower station before entering the bath.

[@atomixfang]

The music doesnt fit at all. Id suggest using japanese music instead of chinese music.

[@Tekhelet75]

Lol! How does a simple video on onsen, get two trolling comments in here at the woman? Haha

[@randomgirl-lj3xi]

Yeah I ain't doing that, all sorts of cracks sharing the stool, how can you properly wash all the sweat and traces of excrement off your body in that environment? I guess that's why they have the fancy toilets

[@danwilliamson7538]

As a trans woman, will I be discriminated against using the female onsen?

[@ginas9246]

I don't know who does the closed caption type but it is SO Bad on this video. I can't turn volume on right now and the poor captioning has made watching this video annoying and useless. No point in finishing it.

[@confusedwhale]

Maybe you should talk about menstruation in a public bath.

[@Notesofnomads]

Yes, that is an important topic. I talk about that and other FAQs regarding onsen on the blog. :)

[@TheDeannadanielle]

Do you have to be naked?

[@Notesofnomads]

Yes, you do. Although you can find mixed bathing facilities that allow for swimsuits.

[@thomasfleig1184]

What is proper etiquette if a guy gets an erection? Do you get mad or take it as a compliment? Imagine how many people have had sex in that water.

[@darkchurchhill]

Thomas Fleig almost all public bath houses are not mixed, but even if your preferred partner is male, it is a respectful place and you shouldn't be checking out other guy's dongs. :)

[@thomasfleig1184]

darkchurchhill.... Lol... Take a joke. Besides, you said almost all. So there are mixed baths with men and women? I was just curious because Asian women are hot. They might not look at a guys dong, which is good, because I'd be checking them out and sporting a periscope sticking out of the water. I'm a guy after all.

[@darkchurchhill]

There are mixed baths in Japan but very very very few and they almost exclusively occupied by elderly people. For couples who want to bath together they can rent a private bath so it's more like a bring your own gf situation.

[@burnedoils]

inside of the filth hole

[@Yesica1993]

Yegads, take a shower at home, in privacy!

[@karlbryant3304]

Too bad they don’t allow mixed gender in onsens anymore

[@BB-bp6vn]

Karl Bryant they used to be coed?

[@BB-bp6vn]

Seems like a bad idea overall, so much trouble.

[@Shay45]

They do have mixed ones. The shower areas are separate but the onsen part is mixed

[@raemaecable]

They have mixed onsens which were grandfathered in before the laws changed.

[@Cybeldina]

Hair or face is not allowed in the water due to hygiene but they will put their genitals in water where dozens of other genitals are in? This is just gross, in all honesty.

[@Notesofnomads]

How is that any different to a spa or swimming pool? At least people shower beforehand at an onsen.

[@Cybeldina]

Notes of Nomads That's beside the point of my comment. How would they come to the conclusion that your hair and face are less hygienic than your genitals? If you're asking my personal opinion on pools, I don't use them. I think they are gross. Although, I do recall when I was younger that most pools I've been to actually DO have shower rooms where you're supposed to clean yourself first. Obviously most people won't do it, just like I doubt people would thoroughly clean their vagina and ass that well before entering an onsen. Lol It's probably just my personal opinion and standards that this is not a thing you should share with strangers.

[@Notesofnomads]

It's not only a rule because of hygiene; it's also for health reasons (because of the acid). You are obviously entitled to not like the idea of it but I'm not sure how you can comment on how well people wash themselves at an onsen if you've never been to one.

[@Tekhelet75]

Notes of Nomads LOL hilarious how a simple video on onsen gets into a gargantuan arguement!

[@Itowle9]

I'm currently living in Japan and don't like the idea of these onsens for the already mentioned reasons. Like how am I supposed to get all up in my crack while sitting on a nasty little bucket with someone right next to me. Not trying to be ethnocentric about culture but damn don't people like their privacy and personal space while they bathe? Now I have to hold in toots to be polite.