Japanese Phrases for Visiting an Onsen, and the Etiquette Behind Them

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan has more than 27,000 onsen (hot spring) sources, producing a combined 2.6 million liters of hot spring water a minute. Bathing in one is a highlight of many trips, but onsen have house rules that first-timers often do not know, and the questions you need to ask are slightly unusual. This guide pairs JNTO's etiquette advice with the phrases that let you ask before you undress.

1. Words on the signs

• 温泉 [onsen] hot spring
• 銭湯 [sentou] public bath, listed in JNTO's Tourist's Language Handbook
• 女 [onna] women
• 男 [otoko] men

JNTO's beginner's guide says women's changing rooms are usually marked with a red curtain or sign and men's with blue, but recommends relying on the kanji 女 and 男 to be safe.

2. Questions to ask at the front desk

Tattoos. JNTO says that while many onsen have relaxed their rules in recent years, the vast majority still do not allow tattooed guests. Some offer skin-colored cover seals for small tattoos. JNTO's advice is to check with the facility in advance, or book a private bath.

• タトゥーがあっても入れますか。 [tatuu ga atte mo hairemasu ka] "Can I go in if I have a tattoo?"

Private baths. JNTO notes that some ryokan (inns) rent private baths, usually in 45- to 60-minute blocks. This is also the option JNTO suggests for anyone not comfortable bathing with others.

• 貸し切り風呂はありますか。 [kashikiri-buro wa arimasu ka] "Do you have a private bath?" 貸し切り [kashikiri] means reserved for your exclusive use.

Day-use bathing. If you are not staying overnight:

• 日帰り入浴はできますか。 [higaeri nyuuyoku wa dekimasu ka] "Can I bathe as a day visitor?" 日帰り [higaeri] means a day trip with no overnight stay.

Foot baths. Many hot spring towns have foot baths, 足湯 [ashiyu].

• 足湯は無料ですか。 [ashiyu wa muryou desu ka] "Is the foot bath free?"

Towels.

• タオルは持って入ってもいいですか。 [taoru wa motte haitte mo ii desu ka] "Can I take a towel in?"

The answer is usually about a small towel only, which leads to the etiquette below.

3. The rules, in the order you meet them

1. Shoes off at the entrance. JNTO's beginner's guide says shoes stay at the door, as in a home, and slippers are provided for the tatami floors. Slippers are usually at the entrance to the changing rooms.

2. Fully undressed. JNTO says full nudity is mandatory at almost all hot springs, which are separated by sex. The exception is the small and shrinking number of mixed-gender onsen, where swimsuits or a provided body covering may be allowed. A small washcloth is optional for covering yourself, and the beginner's guide says it is the only thing you bring into the bathing area.

3. Wash before you soak. Every onsen has a washing area. JNTO says to sit on the small stool, wash with the shower or the small bucket provided, and make sure no soap is left on your body. Afterward, rinse the stool and the basin so they are clean for the next person.

4. Keep your head, hair, and washcloth out of the water. JNTO is direct about this: onsen are not swimming pools, and submerging your head is bad form. Keep the washcloth out of the water by setting it beside the bath or folding it on top of your head. If you have long hair, wrap it in the towel so it does not touch the water. JNTO says some facilities offer hair caps or bands, but advises bringing your own.

5. Do not leave your towel by the showers. The beginner's guide says to pat yourself dry and take the towel with you, then place it at the side of the bath or on your head.

4. A first visit, step by step

Here is how the phrases fit around the rules:

1. At the counter, if relevant: タトゥーがあっても入れますか。
2. If you would rather bathe alone: 貸し切り風呂はありますか。
3. Find the right curtain by the kanji 女 or 男.
4. Undress in the changing room and carry only the small washcloth.
5. Wash thoroughly at a stool, rinse off all soap, and rinse the stool and basin.
6. Ease into the bath with your hair up and the cloth out of the water.

5. Try an outdoor bath

JNTO recommends outdoor baths if you get the chance, since many onsen sit near mountains with natural scenery, and notes they are especially pleasant in cool or cold weather. Among the hot spring towns JNTO suggests for easy access are Kusatsu in Gunma, Kinosaki in Hyogo, Nyuto in Akita, and Yufuin in Oita. In Kinosaki, JNTO says a day pass gives unlimited entry to the town's bathhouses, all within walking distance of each other.

6. Key takeaways

• タトゥーがあっても入れますか asks about tattoo rules; most onsen still refuse tattooed guests, per JNTO.
• 貸し切り風呂はありますか asks for a private bath, often rented in 45- to 60-minute blocks.
• 日帰り入浴はできますか asks whether day visitors can bathe.
• Use the kanji 女 (women) and 男 (men) to find the right changing room.
• Wash fully before entering, and keep your head, hair, and washcloth out of the water.