Welcome to Beppu, the onsen capital of Japan! You’re about to enjoy one of the most relaxing and culturally rich experiences Japan has to offer. But if it’s your first time, you might be feeling a little nervous. What are the rules? What should I do? And…what about being naked?
Don’t worry. The truth is, it’s incredibly simple. These “rules” aren’t a test. They are just simple onsen manners designed to help everyone relax in a clean and peaceful space. This guide will walk you through every step, so you can enjoy your first onsen with total confidence.
What is an Onsen? More Than Just a Hot Spring
First, what is an onsen? An onsen (温泉) is a natural Japanese hot spring. But it’s much more than that—it’s also a tradition deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Unlike a swimming pool, an onsen is not for exercise or play. It is a quiet, shared public bath used for health, relaxation, and peaceful rejuvenation. Think of it as a spa for your body and mind.
How to Take Onsen: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
We’ll guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
Phase 1: Arriving (Shoes, Payment & Finding the Right Door)
- Shoes: When you enter the onsen facility, the first thing you’ll see is a small entryway with shoe lockers. Take your shoes off here and store them.
- Payment: Pay the entrance fee at the reception desk or at a ticket machine. Many local onsen in Beppu have simple coin boxes (be sure to have small coins ready).
- Finding the Right Door: Onsen are separated by gender. You will see two curtains, usually blue (for men) and red (for women). Look for the kanji:
- 男 (Otoko) = Male (Usually a blue or purple curtain)
- 女 (Onna) = Female (Usually a red or pink curtain)
Phase 2: The Changing Room (The “Getting Naked” Rule)
This is the part most first-timers worry about, so let’s be clear: Yes, you bathe completely nude.
This is perfectly normal, and no one is looking at you. Trying to wear a swimsuit is not allowed and is considered unclean. You’ll enter a changing room with lockers or baskets.
- Store Your Belongings: Place all your clothes and your large bath towel in a locker or basket.
- What to Bring: The only thing you will bring with you into the bathing area is your small wash towel (and your locker key, if it has a wristband).
Be sure to check out our other article What to Bring to an Onsen: Your Complete Checklist to learn what you need before heading to onsen!
Phase 3: The Washing Area (The Most Important Onsen Manner)
Once you enter the bathing area, you will see a row of small stools, faucets, and basins.
THIS IS THE GOLDEN RULE: You must wash your entire body before you get into the onsen water. The bath is for soaking, not for cleaning.
- Find a Spot: Sit on one of the small stools (it’s considered rude to wash while standing and splashing others).
- Wash Thoroughly: Use the soap and shampoo provided (or your own) and wash your body and hair.
- Rinse Completely: Make sure all soap suds are rinsed off your body before you move to the bath.
Phase 4: Entering the Bath (Soaking & Relaxing)
Now for the best part.
- Enter Slowly: The water can be very hot (often 40-42°C / 104-108°F). Ease yourself in slowly and quietly. Do not jump or splash.
- The Small Towel: What about that small towel you brought? It must never go into the bath water. This is a key etiquette point. You have two options:
- Neatly fold it and place it on the side of the bath.
- Do what the locals do: fold it, get it wet with cool water, and place it on top of your head. It feels great!
- Your Hair: If you have long hair, it must be tied up so it does not touch the water.
Phase 5: After the Bath (How to Dry Off)
- Don’t Rinse (Optional): Onsen water is full of healthy minerals, so most people don’t rinse off after soaking. If you have sensitive skin or the water is very acidic (like at some Myoban onsen), it’s fine to do a quick rinse at the washing station.
- Dry Off Before Entering the Changing Room: This is another key part of onsen manners. Before you walk back into the dry changing room, use your small towel to wipe off as much water as possible from your body and feet. This keeps the changing room floor dry and clean for everyone.
- Use Your Large Towel: Once you’re back at your locker, use your large bath towel to dry off completely before getting dressed.
Key Onsen Manners: A Quick Dos and Don’ts Guide
Here’s a simple “cheat sheet” of the most important onsen manners.
| Dos (What You Should Do) | Don’ts (What to Avoid) |
| DO wash your body thoroughly before entering. | DON’T put your small towel in the bath water. |
| DO tie up long hair. | DON’T wear a swimsuit in the bath. |
| DO enter the water slowly and quietly. | DON’T swim, splash, or jump in. |
| DO speak softly. It’s a place for quiet relaxation. | DON’T take photos or use your phone in the changing or bathing areas. |
| DO wring out your small towel before leaving the bath. | DON’T enter the changing room while dripping wet. |
Helpful Tips for Your First Onsen (Tattoos, What to Bring & More)
“I have tattoos. Can I still use an onsen?”
This is a common concern. Historically, tattoos were associated with yakuza (Japanese organized crime), so many onsen banned them. However, times are changing.
The good news: Beppu is one of the most tattoo-friendly cities in all of Japan!
Many public onsen here welcome visitors with tattoos. However, if you are nervous or want to be 100% safe, you have two great options:
- Book a Private Onsen: Called kashikiri-buro or kazoku-buro (family bath), you can rent a private room with your own bath by the hour.
- Stay at a Ryokan with a Private Bath: Many hotels and traditional inns in Beppu offer rooms with their own private open-air bath.
“I’m still a bit shy about being naked.”
It’s a normal feeling! Just remember that everyone is in the same boat, and Japanese people grow up with this culture and are not paying attention to you. You can strategically use your small towel for “modesty” to cover yourself while walking between the washing area and the bath.
“A quick checklist of what to bring.”
- Large Bath Towel (For drying at the end. Often available for rent.)
- Small Wash Towel (For washing and modesty. Often for sale.)
- 100-Yen Coins: For the locker.
- Hair Tie: If you have long hair.
- (Optional) Your own shampoo, conditioner, and soap.
The Most Important Rule of All: Just Relax
You now know all the steps. But the most important “rule” of how to take onsen is simply to be considerate of others. All these manners exist for one reason: to create a clean, peaceful, and healing environment for everyone to share.
It’s not a test you can fail. As long as you are quiet, clean, and respectful, you are doing it right. Now, relax, and enjoy the incredible hot springs of Beppu!
