There are few things as distinctly Japanese as soaking in a Japanese bathhouse. There is a plethora of volcanic activity in Japan, resulting in potentially devastating eruptions and the existence of onsens 温泉, or natural hot springs.

This is our how to onsen special where we teach you to publicly bath like Japanese royalty and ward off any potential naked confrontations.

Bathing etiquette

Rule 1: Gotta be naked.

Believe me, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of hanging out with a bunch of naked dudes either but you’ll be surprised how fast you get used to the public nudity. Once you’re in the warm, mineral rich water you’ll forget how naked you really are.

Rule 2: Shower before you bath

Neglecting to wash our filthy foreign bodies before entering the shared bathwater water will repulse most Japanese people. This is critical; locate the showers, grab some soap (it is usually provided) and get busy. It feels great and prevents you from poisoning the water well.

Rule 3: Wield your towel properly

Your bare-naked body will enter the bathing area armed solely with a small bath towel. Here are a few do’s and don’ts.  

-Feel free to take your towel with you in the onsen. 

-Wipe your face, place it on your head like a toupee but DO NOT put your polluted towel into the pure mineral dense  Japanese spring water.

-Cover up as you please. You are sure to see a variety of levels of modesty. Do what makes you feel comfortable.

Rule 4: Resist the urge to dunk your head in the water.

During my Japanese infancy I have been guilty of this a few times. It’s seen as unsanitary and is likely to elicit a few disapproving looks. If the yearning to get your hair wet becomes unbearable, there are buckets available to majestically douse yourself outside of the onsen.

Rule 5: No tattoos.

Tattooing in Japan isn’t easy, onsens and sentos exemplify this difficulty. Tattoos are strongly associated with gang involvement and are prohibited in most public bathhouses. There are tattoo friendly onsens and sentoes out there, so if you’re comfortable hanging out with a bunch of dudes or dudettes, give it a go. Keep in mind that all the other rules apply.

 Going to an onsen is truly a cultural experience that I believe everyone should try at least once.

 

 

-Naked international ambassador, promoting world peace one bath at a time