Onsen (温泉) is a term for hot springs. This term is also often used to describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. Onsen were traditionally used as public bathing places.
Do note that if you are a women and you happen to be menstruating, you should not use the Onsen even with a tampon or a menstrual cup.
1. Choosing which Onsen to visit
Do not that while onsen is very popular especially in winter time, be sure to check out web reviews of the onsens that you are intending to visit. Things to look out for include:
a. Private and Public bath areas
Public baths are opened to everyone (typically seperated into male and female) to use. Some ryokans have mixed bathing (meaning both male and female soak in the same onsen). Do note that if you have a tattoo, you will not be able to enter public baths. This is because in Japan, if you have a tattoo, you are considered to have connections with gangsters or yakusa (which is transnational organized crime syndicates), which is not cool in Japan.
Some ryokans have private baths which you would have to book when you reserve a room at the ryokan. These are very popular and ideal for those who are shy about your own body parts as you are able to enjoy a bath without having to worry about the others. Do note that you are supposed to go into the Onsen naked. No swimsuits is allowed. At mixed baths, some ryokans allow special towels to be wrapped around yourselves that is to be rented from the ryokan. Do check this out before you enter the Onsen.
b. Indoor and Outdoor Onsen
This is more of a preference. In an outdoor Onsen, it is more likely that there will be a scenic view. IF you would like to have a scenic view while soaking in the Onsen, do check out the ryokan's website and reviews to get a gist of what views you will be able to see.
c. Type of Onsen
Some Onsen are more acidic, while others are more alkaline. Different baths have different mineral in them and have different properties.
It is good to make sure you are not visiting an Onsen which does not suit your skin type. (I visited an acidic onsen and my skin is prone to break on in rashes. The next day I had winter rash all over and now even after my trip ended, I am still having the rash.)
d. Reviews of Onsen
It is also good to take note if there are bad reviews about the onsen especially if you have sensitive skin. You won't want to visit an Onsen which has a dirty bath.
2. Getting dress for the Onsen
At most ryokan, they will provide a yukata (a thin robe). Japanese often change into them before entering the bath area. A small percentage of people don’t wear underwear under the robe if heading from their room to the bath.
Note, if you are going to a common dining area after your bath in a yukata, you should have at least underwear on under your yukata. If you aren’t used to wearing a yukata, it is also ok to wear a t-shirt and shorts underneath. After all it is not nice if the robe gapes open.
How to wear a Yukata: Generally a yukata is wore right over left (the opposite is meant for the dead). The belt if tied into the ribbon should be place at the back. The ribbon in front is used to indicate a prostitute.
Photo above: How to wear a Yukata. Photo Credits here
Ryokans also usually provide slippers for their guests to use, and these slippers are not disposable, so please do not take them away.
3. Going to the Onsen from your room
Make sure you enter the correct changing rooms. In most ryokans they are separated into male and female areas so be sure not to enter the wrong one. Male changing rooms have blue curtains and may use the kanji for man - 男 (otoko). Female changing rooms usually have red curtains and are often inscribed with the kanji for woman - 女 (onna) (but this varies). If you are a Chinese, you will realise that the kanji words are the same to the Chinese words for man and woman.
Photo above: Shoe storage at entrance. Picture Credit here
If you have booked a private one, then no worries about the gender. Just be sure that you do not exceed the timing which you booked it (some ryokans allow booking only by the hour, and the next hour may have been booked by someone else).
4. Getting ready to enter the Onsen
When entering the changing room, one will be required to remove your slippers at the entrance.
Photo above: Shoe storage at entrance. Picture Credit here
Be sure to shower before entering the Onsen. This is to take away all the oil from the body so that it will not contaminate the Onsen's water. Remove your clothing and place it in the basket that the provide. Some ryokans have lockers for your valuables.
Photo above: Baskets to place your clothes in. Picture Credit here
Most Onsen have stools for you to sit while bathing. Do note that bathing while standing is not acceptable, so that you do not splash water everywhere around you. Some traditional style onsen only provide stools and buckets (no shower). In this case you use the bucket to wash.
Photo above: Typical bathing area. Picture Credit here
You are supposed to go into the Onsen naked. No swimsuits is allowed. At mixed baths, some ryokans allow special towels to be wrapped around yourselves that is to be rented from the ryokan. Do check this out before you enter the Onsen.
For females with long hair, ensure that your hair is tied up before entering the Onsen.
Ryokans will provide a small towel. This small towel is for bathing and is the only thing that you can bring to the bath area. The small towel is for you to cover your private parts while you make your way to the Onsen.
5. Using the Onsen
If you bring the small towel to the bath area, do not soak it into the water, instead wring it outside of the water pool and put it either on the rim of the pool or on your head. Soaking these towels into the baths is considered unclean.
Do not eat or drink in the Onsen. It will pollute the water and it is not nice for the others who are bathing in it.
Do also not that photography is not allowed in the Onsen (for the privacy of other users).
6. Getting out of the Onsen
Before leaving the bath area, use the towel to dry yourself before entering the changing rooms. You do not want to enter the changing room wet, leaving traces of water everywhere.
Enjoy!
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